Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
Sula v. COMELEC: Supreme Court Upholds Cotabato City’s Inclusion in BARMM
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s conduct of the Bangsamoro plebiscite, upholding Cotabato City’s inclusion in BARMM as the people’s will.
Oral Partition of Inheritance: Proving Verbal Agreements in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when an oral partition of inherited property can override a written extrajudicial settlement, and what evidence is needed.
Nuisance Per Se and Local Police Power: The Biñan Hog Farm Ordinance Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld Biñan's ordinance phasing out large hog farms near homes, treating foul odors as a nuisance per se abatable through local police power.
Proving Intimidation in Contracts: The Ortigas Land Dispute and the Burden of Proof
Philippine law presumes contracts valid. Learn how the Supreme Court requires clear evidence to prove intimidation or undue influence.
Can Religious Corporations Own Land in the Philippines? The RVM Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's RVM ruling clarifies constitutional limits on religious corporations acquiring public land in the Philippines.
Reassignment Validity Must Precede Ombudsman Oppression Cases, SC Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CSC must first rule on a reassignment's validity before the Ombudsman can hear an oppression charge.
Appeal Bond for Labor-Only Contractors: Solidary Liability and NLRC Appeals
When must a labor-only contractor post an appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability and appeal perfection rules.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Why the Valuation Date Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform must use the valuation date and DAR formula applicable at the time of taking.
Forcible Entry: How a Torrens Title Proves Prior Physical Possession
In ejectment cases, prior physical possession can be proven by a Torrens title and tax declarations, not just actual occupation. The Supreme Court explains.
Navigating Estate Settlements: Understanding the Limits of Intervention in Probate Proceedings
Learn when courts allow intervention in probate cases, the legal standards applied, and practical tips for protecting estate interests.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Lessons from the NGCP v. Gaite Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in eminent domain cases, emphasizing verifiable data over speculative land reclassifications.
Dying Declarations vs Res Gestae: Hearsay Exceptions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a victim's dying words are admissible—as a dying declaration or as res gestae—in a murder conviction.
Dead Incorporator in Articles of Incorporation: When Misrepresentation Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deceased incorporator in the Articles of Incorporation warrants revocation, and when amendment suffices.
Extrinsic Fraud and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on how failing to implead indispensable parties and extrinsic fraud can void a title.
When a Lawyer's Dual Clients Create a Conflict of Interest: Lessons from Marcelo-Salud v. Bolivar
A lawyer who represents tenants while also serving as counsel to the alleged property owner may face discipline for conflicting interests, even if the main complaint fails.
Circumstantial Evidence and Dying Declarations in Rape-Homicide Convictions
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction using circumstantial evidence and the victim's dying declaration.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Loan Agreements
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" really a loan? The Supreme Court explains equitable mortgage and pactum commissorium.
Mining Rights vs Indigenous Rights: Prior Consent Is Paramount for MPSA Renewal
Supreme Court rules FPIC and NCIP certification are mandatory for MPSA renewal, protecting indigenous peoples' ancestral domain rights.
Moral Turpitude and Public Service: Examining the Boundaries of Mitigation in Administrative Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies when mitigating circumstances can—and cannot—reduce the penalty of dismissal for conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Payment Agreement Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court ruled that a new payment schedule cannot erase criminal liability for trust receipt violations, which are malum prohibitum.
Judicial Integrity Under Scrutiny: Disciplining Misconduct and Upholding Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
Court personnel face dismissal for gross misconduct, insubordination, and conduct tainting the judiciary's reputation under amended Rule 140.
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Delayed Evidence
Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession is key, and evidence first presented on appeal cannot be considered.
Tax Collection Prescription: CIR's Collection Efforts Barred by Three-Year Period
Supreme Court affirms CTA ruling that the CIR's right to collect deficiency taxes prescribed after three years from assessment notice.
Protecting Minors: Upholding Conviction in Child Rape Cases Despite Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms a child rape conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a minor victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.