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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Mining Rights vs Property Rights: Balancing Public Benefit and Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Mining Act of 1995, explaining when entry into private lands becomes compensable taking.
Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Fraud and the One-Year Rule Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens title indefeasibility, the one-year fraud review period, and why titles from public land patents become incontrovertible.
Verbal Promises and Land Ownership: Why Word of Honor Fails in Philippine Property Disputes
A Torrens title is indefeasible. Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that verbal promises cannot defeat a registered landowner's rights in the Philippines.
Missed Deadline Understanding Counsel OF Record IN Philippine Courts AND Valid Service OF Court Decisions
When does a lawyer's receipt of a court decision bind the client? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on counsel of record and appeal deadlines.
When Does A Workplace Aggravate A Pre-Existing Condition Understanding Employees Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when workplace conditions aggravate pre-existing illnesses and how this affects employees' compensation claims in the Philippines.
Lost in Translation: Why Accurate Publication Is Key to Philippine Naturalization
The Supreme Court denies naturalization where the notice of hearing omitted the applicant's witnesses' names—publication must be complete and accurate.
Lost Land Title? Why Notifying Neighbors Is Non-Negotiable: A Philippine Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to prove notice to adjoining owners voids a judicial reconstitution of a lost land title.
When Duty Turns Deadly: Justifiable Force and Homicide in Philippine Law
A police officer shot a man during a routine check. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and performance of duty fail.
Second Marriages and SSS Death Benefits: Why Court Decisions Matter
The Supreme Court rules on whether the SSS can disregard a court declaration of presumptive death when awarding death benefits.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Deadlines and Remedies in Philippine Administrative Cases
Learn the difference between certiorari and appeal in administrative cases, and why missing the 15-day appeal deadline is fatal.
Quasi-Delict Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
When Can Courts Halt Government Infrastructure Projects? The Hernandez Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects despite PD 1818.
Employee Dismissal: Gross Negligence and Loss of Trust in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when gross negligence and loss of trust justify employee dismissal, and when they do not.
Office Rules Matter When Tardiness Isnt Absenteeism In Philippine Courts
Supreme Court clarifies that an administrative circular on habitual absenteeism cannot be used to discipline mere tardiness. Learn the distinction.
Lawyer Fined for Shouting at Court Staff and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court imposes fines on lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP directives, reinforcing ethical standards for attorneys.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Power Back On: Your Rights to Electricity Reconnection in the Philippines
When can a power company cut your electricity, and can you get it restored? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies your rights.
Unmasking Fraud in Property Deals: Supreme Court Clarifies Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court clarifies that fraud in property sales must be proven with clear evidence, not bare allegations.
Filing Administrative Cases Against Judges: When Is a Judge Liable for an Unjust Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court explains when judges face administrative liability for erroneous rulings and the duty to answer complaints.
Ejectment Suits: Prior Physical Possession Decides Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in ejectment cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—determines who stays. Learn the rules from Guanga v. Dela Cruz.
Philippine Party List Seat Allocation: The Supreme Court's Formula Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court computes party-list seats in the Philippines, and why the Veterans formula remains the governing rule.
Bounced Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Estafa Liability in Philippine Transactions
When do bounced checks create criminal liability for estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies who can be held liable under Article 315.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Negligence AND Upholding Client Trust IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for gross negligence, explaining counsel's duties of fidelity, diligence, and proper withdrawal under the Code of Professional Responsibility.