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.
Navigating Employee Rights During Government Reorganization Insights From RA 6656
The Supreme Court clarifies the rights of permanent employees under RA 6656 when a government agency undergoes reorganization.
Proper Search Procedures in Drug Possession Cases: Insights from Quilet v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict due to irregular strip search, flawed marking, and missing witnesses under RA 9165.
Understanding Bail Bond Forfeiture When Property Bonds Are at Risk
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between an order of forfeiture and a judgment on the bond, and when property bonds may be replaced with cash.
Tenant Rights and Succession in Agricultural Leasehold: The Arines-Albalante Case
The Supreme Court clarifies tenant succession rights and security of tenure under agrarian law in Arines-Albalante v. Reyes.
Final Judgments Bind Successors in Interest: The Calubad Property Rule
A final court judgment binds buyers and mortgagees who acquire property after the ruling. Learn the Calubad case and due diligence lessons.
Execution Pending Appeal in Ejectment Cases: Immediate Judgment Enforcement in the Philippines
Learn how execution pending appeal works in Philippine ejectment cases, including the mandatory rule and key Supreme Court rulings.
Understanding the Prohibition on Fringe Benefits for COA Personnel: Insights from a Landmark Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why COA personnel cannot accept fringe benefits from audited agencies, based on Section 18 of RA 6758.
When a Lawyer Betrays a Client: Disbarment and the Independence of Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client into signing a compromise agreement, clarifying that disciplinary cases proceed independently of civil suits.
Disbarment for Lawyer Misconduct: Conflict of Interest and Deceit in Philippine Legal Practice
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client and profited from a compromise agreement, clarifying disciplinary proceedings are independent of civil cases.
Non-Diminution of Benefits: When a Company Car Plan Change Is Allowed
The Supreme Court clarifies when changing a company car plan violates the non-diminution rule under Article 100 of the Labor Code.
Understanding the Special Power to Sell in Real Estate Mortgages: A Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified what constitutes a valid special power to sell in extrajudicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages.
Understanding Default Judgments When Courts Must Allow Late Answers
When can courts allow late answers? This article explains default judgment rules and when courts must permit a defendant to file a late answer.
Understanding the Limits of Private Complainants in Challenging Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat private complainants' appeals in criminal case dismissals, including standing and procedural rules.
Understanding Good Faith Purchasers and Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects innocent purchasers for value in property disputes and what this means for your land ownership rights.
Robbery with Rape: When Accomplices Are Liable for a Co-Accused’s Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies when a robber is liable for a co-accused’s rape, requiring proof of awareness and opportunity to prevent it.
Estoppel by Laches and Government Reversion Claims: The Sundiam Ruling
When can the government be barred from recovering public land? The Supreme Court's Sundiam ruling clarifies estoppel by laches and innocent purchasers for value.
Robbery with Homicide vs Simple Robbery: When a Co-Robber Dies in a Police Shootout
The Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a robbery is "on the occasion" of the crime, and when it is not.
Understanding Statutory Rape and Sexual Assault Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the legal boundaries between statutory rape and sexual assault, and the importance of precise charges.
Implied Repeal and Administrative Regulations: The CTPL Insurance Case
The Supreme Court explains when a new administrative regulation impliedly repeals an earlier one, using the CTPL insurance integration case as an example.
Understanding Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: The Calma Case
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code, emphasizing totality of evidence over rigid rules.
When Property Disputes Must First Go to Barangay Conciliation: Ngo v. Gabelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to undergo barangay conciliation makes a property case dismissible, and why courts cannot simply suspend proceedings to cure the defect.
Compulsory Insurance for OFWs: When Agency-Hired Coverage Applies
The Supreme Court clarifies when overseas Filipino workers are covered by compulsory insurance, and what happens when contracts are renewed.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and insulating witness rules under RA 9165.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, applying the Cagang guidelines.