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.
Upholding Electoral Integrity: COMELEC's Power to Correct Manifest Errors
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's authority to correct manifest errors in vote tabulation, prioritizing the people's will over technical objections.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Ensuring Proper Venue IN Philippine Election Disputes
Philippine election disputes require strict adherence to jurisdictional rules; this case clarifies which courts have authority.
Annulment of NLRC Judgments: Why the Court of Appeals Lacks Jurisdiction
Explore why the Court of Appeals cannot annul NLRC decisions and the risks of forum shopping in labor cases.
Verifying Arbitral Awards: Authenticity Requirements Under Philippine Arbitration Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unverified copies of arbitral awards cannot support court confirmation orders, explaining verification requirements under R.A. 876.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Justifiable Homicide and the Burden of Proof
Explore the requisites of self-defense in Philippine criminal law and how the burden of proof shifts to the accused, as illustrated in a landmark Supreme Court acquittal.
Ejectment Suits and Due Process: When Non-Parties Are Bound by Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when non-parties to an ejectment case may still be bound by a demolition order.
Unregistered Mortgage vs Notice of Lis Pendens: Priority Rights in Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on priority between unregistered mortgages and notices of lis pendens in property foreclosure disputes.
Unlawful Detainer: Why Prior Physical Possession Is the Core Issue in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—is the decisive issue.
Final Decisions Stand: The Immutability of NLRC Rulings in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A final and executory NLRC decision cannot be modified. Learn what this means for illegal dismissal claims and back wages.
Personal Surety Liability vs Corporate Rights: When Banks Lose Their Claim
A bank's unauthorized extension of credit deadlines releases personal sureties from liability, even when they signed a continuing guaranty.
Fiduciary Duty and Accountability: The Consequences of Violating Court Circulars on Fund Management
A clerk of court who released a bail bond without a written court order was fined for violating Supreme Court Circular No. 50-95.
The Boundaries of Self Defense When Force Becomes Unlawful Aggression in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense is valid and when force becomes unlawful aggression in criminal cases.
Judicial Overreach Approving Bail Outside Jurisdictional Boundaries 2
Supreme Court clarifies venue, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and limits on injunctions in environmental cases.
Easement by Prescription: Why Permissive Use Never Ripens Into a Right-of-Way
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tolerated use of land cannot create an easement by prescription, and when prescriptive periods for compensation begin.
Electoral Protests: COMELEC's Power to Correct Errors and the Essence of Due Process
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on COMELEC's authority to correct canvass errors and what due process truly requires in election cases.
Loss of Appeal: The Duty to Submit to Court Jurisdiction
When an accused appeals a conviction but refuses to surrender to court authority, the appeal may be dismissed for abandonment.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on liberal construction of verification and non-forum shopping rules in labor cases.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Jurisdictional Requirement of Appeal Bonds in the Philippines
Learn the mandatory appeal bond requirement in Philippine labor cases and why failure to perfect an appeal on time is fatal.
Agrarian Reform and Due Process: When Land Acquisition Fails for Lack of Notice
A landowner's right to due process in agrarian reform acquisition explained through the DAR vs. Apex case.
Taxing Telecommunications: Local Government Power vs. Franchise Exemptions
The Supreme Court ruled that the Local Government Code's withdrawal of tax exemptions prevails over PLDT's franchise exemption claim under R.A. 7925.
Reservation Requirements in Philippine Civil Actions: Hambon v. Carantes Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied Rule 111 reservation rules in Hambon v. Carantes, affecting civil damages claims tied to criminal cases.
Government Procurement Quality Standards Prevail Over Expediency in Public Spending
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of GSIS payment for non-conforming generator, upholding strict procurement standards over expediency.
Court Employee's Immorality Case: When a "Kasunduan" Cannot Justify an Affair
Philippine Supreme Court rules a court employee's illicit relationship violates conduct standards, despite a private "Kasunduan" allowing separation.
Foreclosure Sales: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
When a postponed foreclosure sale proceeds without republication of notice, the sale is void. Learn the rules from Ouano v. Court of Appeals.