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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
RES Judicata Preventing Relitigation OF Ownership IN ILL Gotten Wealth Cases
Tax Assessment Validity: Balancing Revenue Collection and Taxpayer Rights in Evidence Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegally obtained documents do not automatically invalidate tax assessments, balancing BIR collection powers with taxpayer protections.
When a Counsel's Negligence Endangers Property: Balancing Technical Rules and Substantive Justice
A Supreme Court ruling shows that procedural lapses in an appellant's brief may be excused, but a drugstore's negligent dispensing of medicine still invites liability.
Donation Mortis Causa vs Inter Vivos: Understanding Estate Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a donation is mortis causa, not inter vivos, and why formalities of a will matter.
Filing an Annulment Suit Does Not Extend the Redemption Period in Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that filing an annulment suit does not stop the redemption period in extrajudicial foreclosure.
Double Jeopardy IN Disguise Forum Shopping AND THE Dismissal OF Election Protests
Falsification of Documents and Dishonesty: Dismissal from Public Service
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court employee for falsifying a CSC eligibility certificate and lying in his Personal Data Sheet.
Full Market Value Required When Easement Impairs Land Use
Supreme Court rules NPC must pay full market value, not 10% easement fee, when transmission lines impair land use.
Wrongful Termination at Sea: Seafarers’ Right to Due Process and Just Cause
SC ruling: a just-cause dismissal of a seafarer is valid even without due process, but the employer must pay P30,000 nominal damages.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Minor Discrepancies Protecting Victims IN Custodial Situations
When a Lawyer's Private Misconduct Warrants Disbarment: The Arnobit Case
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for abandoning his wife and children to cohabit with another woman, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for the practice of law.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court rejected self-defense and upheld treachery in a murder conviction, explaining the burden of proof on accused persons.
When Lawyers Fall Short: Disbarment for Gross Immoral Conduct
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for abandoning his wife and children to cohabit with another woman, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the bar.
Parol Evidence Rule in Philippine Contracts: When Verbal Agreements Cannot Alter Written Terms
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the parol evidence rule applies and why subsequent verbal agreements to modify written contracts require credible proof.
Intent to Gain in Robbery: When Helping a Neighbor Is Not a Crime
The Supreme Court acquitted a man of robbery for helping a neighbor move property, ruling that intent to gain must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Mortgage Validity Good Faith Requirement When Dealing With Agents
Notarial Duty Ensuring Personal Appearance In Document Acknowledgment
A notary public must require personal appearance of signatories before notarizing documents. Learn the legal consequences of violating this duty.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Courts Must Consider Appeals Despite Technical Errors
Sheriffs Duty Proper Execution OF Writs AND Consequences OF Neglect
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a sheriff's administrative liability for simple neglect of duty in executing writs.
When a Wrong Remedy Costs an Appeal: The Deus v. People Doctrine on Liberal Construction
The Supreme Court reminds courts to relax procedural rules when an unrepresented accused files the wrong remedy, protecting the right to liberty.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: When a Case Becomes Moot
Explore when a challenge to preventive suspension becomes moot, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Radaza v. Court of Appeals.
Lease vs Land Reform: Tenant Rights to Crops and Improvements Under CARP
When the government acquires land under CARP, who owns the standing crops and improvements—the landowner or the tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Management Prerogative vs Constructive Dismissal: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection
When does a job transfer amount to constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative in Bisig Manggagawa sa Tryco v. NLRC.
Exhaustion of Remedies and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Oporto v. NPC Board
Supreme Court ruling on exhaustion of administrative remedies, forum shopping, and due process in administrative cases against government employees.