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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Strict Enforcement of the 60-Day Rule in Certiorari Petitions: Prudential Guarantee v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a late certiorari petition, underscoring the mandatory and inextendible 60-day period under Rule 65.
Tenant Rights vs Civil Leases: Clarifying Agricultural Tenancy in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a worker on agricultural land becomes a de jure tenant, and why a civil lessee cannot install tenants without the landowner's consent.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights and Separation Pay
When does failure to report for work become abandonment, not illegal dismissal? A Supreme Court ruling explains the difference.
Statute of Frauds and Verbal Sales of Real Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when verbal agreements to sell real property may be enforceable despite the Statute of Frauds.
Forum Shopping and SEC Jurisdiction: Navigating Corporate Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forum shopping, SEC jurisdiction, and corporate disputes—key takeaways for businesses.
Retirement Benefits and Special Allowances: When the Law's Date of Implementation Controls
Explaining when special allowances for judges count toward retirement benefits, based on a 2004 Supreme Court ruling on R.A. 9227.
Forged Signatures and Bank Liability: Protecting Depositors in Check Transactions
When a bank pays out on a forged check, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on bank liability under Philippine law.
Sheriffs Duty Balancing Expediency AND DUE Process IN Executing Money Judgments
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on the delicate balance between a sheriff's duty to execute judgments promptly and the requirement of due process.
Deceptive Promises Estafa Conviction Despite Victims Naivete In Travel Agent Scam
Philippine Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction of fake travel agent, ruling that victims' gullibility does not absolve fraudsters of criminal liability.
Suspension of Public Officials: Fraudulent Acts and the Anti-Graft Law
Explore how the Supreme Court handled a mayor's suspension and reinstatement in an Anti-Graft case, clarifying undue injury under RA 3019.
Smuggling and the Presumption of Guilt: Possession and Tax Obligations in Philippine Law
When does possession of untaxed goods create a presumption of smuggling under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains in Rieta v. People.
Grave Abuse of Discretion: When Denial of a Petition for Relief Is Proper
The Supreme Court clarifies when a court's denial of a petition for relief from judgment amounts to grave abuse of discretion.
Habitual Tardiness in the Public Sector: Upholding Efficiency and Public Trust
The Supreme Court reprimands a court clerk for habitual tardiness, reaffirming that personal hardships do not excuse chronic lateness in public service.
When a Lawyer's Authority Dies With the Client: Lessons From A.C. No. 5182
A lawyer cannot rely on a special power of attorney after the client's death. The Supreme Court's ruling on agency, trust duties, and lawyer accountability explained.
Defense of Honor Justifying Homicide in Cases of Marital Fidelity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when defense of spouse can justify homicide, explaining unlawful aggression requirement.
Upholding Notarized Contracts Overcoming Forgery Claims In Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds, forgery claims, and expert testimony in property sales.
Family Code vs Rules of Procedure: Certifications and Suits Between Relatives
When sisters sue each other, the Family Code's compromise requirement and forum shopping rules collide. The Supreme Court clarifies.
Lawyer Negligence in the Philippines: Barbuco v. Beltran on Diligence and Competence
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months after a late appellant's brief caused a client's appeal to be dismissed, showing what diligence demands.
Appeal vs Certiorari: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Recourse in the Philippines
Learn when to file an appeal versus a certiorari petition under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Andalis v. Court of Appeals.
COMELEC Cannot Motu Proprio Cancel a Candidate’s Certificate of Candidacy: Cipriano v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules COMELEC cannot cancel a certificate of candidacy motu proprio without notice and hearing, safeguarding due process in election cases.
Tenancy Rights vs Ownership Claims: DARAB Jurisdiction in Agrarian Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction limits in agrarian disputes, distinguishing tenancy rights from administrative reallocation matters.
Service of Court Decisions on Government Entities: The Lead Counsel Rule Explained
When must court decisions be served on a government agency's lead counsel? The Supreme Court clarifies service rules and appeal periods.
Judiciary Employee Conduct: Moral Standards Apply Even After Spousal Forgiveness
Supreme Court rules spousal forgiveness cannot erase administrative liability for a court employee's immoral conduct.
Deceptive Promises When Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa Collide
When do illegal recruitment and estafa overlap? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Alzona, a case about fake overseas jobs.