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.
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Final CIAC Awards Binding on COA: Supreme Court Limits Audit Body's Review Power
Supreme Court ruling in Sunway Builders v. COA confirms COA cannot modify final CIAC arbitration awards, limiting its role to execution and payment.
Regular vs. Project Employment: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term project employment is valid and how to distinguish a legitimate independent contractor from labor-only contracting.
Double Jeopardy and the Limits of Estate Representation in Criminal Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an estate administrator may appeal an acquittal—and why double jeopardy bars such appeals.
Attorney Negligence and Client Communication: Ethical Duties in Legal Representation
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence and the duty to inform clients, with practical lessons for attorneys and clients.
Notarial Duties Are Personal: Attorney's Lapses in Recording SPA Lead to Suspension
A lawyer cannot delegate notarial record-keeping to staff. Learn the rules and consequences from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Fraudulent Property Inclusion Insights From A Landmark Supreme Court Decision
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when ejectment suits fail and why repeated demands don't reset the one-year filing period.
Adultery and Administrative Liability: When a Court Employee's Private Misconduct Becomes a Career Issue
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a married court employee's illicit affair constitutes gross immorality and administrative liability.
GSIS Board Jurisdiction Limited in Housing Loan Disputes: Key Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies GSIS Board of Trustees lacks exclusive jurisdiction over housing loan disputes involving contract enforcement and damages.
Local Business Tax on Dividends and Interest Earned by Holding Companies
Supreme Court ruling on when holding companies are exempt from local business tax on dividends and interest income under the Local Government Code.
Judicial Admission Can Prove Lack of Firearm License in Illegal Possession Cases
Supreme Court ruling: an accused's own admission in court can prove lack of a firearm license, without needing a PNP certification.
Co-Ownership and Ejectment: When a Co-Owner Can Be Evicted for Forcible Entry
A co-owner who forcibly takes exclusive possession of common property can be ejected. Learn the rules on co-ownership and forcible entry from a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
Corporate Officers Cannot Hide Behind Corporate Veil in Customs Fraud Cases
Supreme Court ruling on corporate officer liability for customs fraud through misdeclaration and undervaluation of imported goods.
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.
Tax Liens vs Judgment Credits: Priority Disputes in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when a tax lien beats a judgment creditor's levy on real property under the National Internal Revenue Code.
When Agrarian Reform Lands Cannot Be Foreclosed: The 10-Year Rule
A Supreme Court ruling on why a rural bank's foreclosure of an agrarian reform beneficiary's land within the 10-year retention period was void.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Resolving Conflicts in Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial in homicide cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Liability for Forged Checks When Collecting Banks Bear the Loss
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on collecting bank liability for forged endorsements, negligence standards, and the fictitious payee rule.
Missing Land Records Do Not Invalidate Decree: Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that a land registration decree remains valid even when government records are missing, protecting landowners from administrative oversights.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Property Rights: The Binding Effect of Contracts on Subsequent Owners in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when contracts bind third-party buyers and why timely execution of judgments matters in property disputes.
Compromise Agreements and Third Party Rights: Protecting Property Interests in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, third party rights, property interests, and execution of judgments explained in plain language.
Pancreatic Cancer and Seafarers' Benefits: Proving Work Relatedness Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's non-listed illness like pancreatic cancer is compensable, and the strict proof required.
Fraudulent Land Patents Void Derivative Titles Even for Good-Faith Buyers
Supreme Court ruling: titles derived from fraudulently obtained land patents are void, even if current owners bought in good faith.
Reconstitution of Title Requires Strict Compliance and Proof of Existence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles: strict compliance with RA 26 and proof of title existence required.