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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Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Property Rights Lessons from Tala Realty vs. Banco Filipino
A Supreme Court ruling on lease contracts, good faith, and the limits of property rights under Philippine law.
Rescission Rights: When a Buyer's Failure to Pay Lets the Seller Cancel
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a seller may rescind a contract to sell, how installment payments are applied, and why a memorandum is not required for due process.
Mining Rights vs National Patrimony: The La Bugal Case on Foreign Control of Philippine Resources
Explaining the Supreme Court's La Bugal ruling on the Philippine Mining Act and foreign ownership limits over the country's mineral resources.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Misconduct and Accountability in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on judge and clerk misconduct underscores the strict standards of propriety required of all court personnel.
Unconscionable Interest Rates When Loan Agreements Become Exploitative
When do monthly interest rates become illegal? The Supreme Court explains the limits of lender freedom in Cuaton v. Salud.
Who Decides Plebiscite Disputes? COMELEC's Power to Annul Results
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC has jurisdiction over plebiscite result disputes, not the RTC, in Buac v. COMELEC.
Upholding Legal Ethics: Attorneys Accountability for Misappropriating Client Funds
A look at Mercedes Nava v. Atty. Sorongon, where the Supreme Court addressed conflict of interest and the mandatory requirement of formal investigation in disbarment cases.
Cracking Down on Illegal Recruitment: The State's Power to Protect Workers
The Supreme Court affirms that illegal recruitment in large scale is a crime against the state, explaining its elements and penalties.
COMELEC Jurisdiction Over Plebiscite Disputes: The Buac v. COMELEC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the COMELEC has jurisdiction to resolve disputes over plebiscite results, including petitions to annul or recount ballots.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Treachery Must Be Proven Clearly to Elevate Homicide to Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that treachery must be proven as clearly as the killing itself; otherwise, the crime is homicide, not murder.
Double Jeopardy and Forum Shopping: When Filing Redundant Claims Backfires
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing multiple suits for the same cause of action constitutes forum shopping and why dismissal is proper.
Rape vs Illegal Detention: Distinguishing Intent in Criminal Liability
When does illegal detention become absorbed in rape? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction based on the offender's intent.
Valid Elections Require Informed Voters: Notice and Special Senate Seats
The Supreme Court explains when a special election for a vacant Senate seat is valid despite COMELEC's failure to give separate notice.
When Judges Can't Serve as Attorneys-in-Fact: Fiduciary Limits Under the Code of Judicial Conduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's private role as attorney-in-fact violates judicial ethics, even for relatives.
When a Judge Serves as Attorney-in-Fact: Ethical Limits on Fiduciary Roles
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's private role as attorney-in-fact crosses into an ethical violation under the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Local Autonomy vs National Mandate: Limits of City Ordinances in Liga ng mga Barangay Elections
Supreme Court clarifies that city ordinances cannot override the Liga ng mga Barangay's own election rules, and explains proper remedies.
Robbery With Homicide: Conspiracy, Identification, and Fair Sentencing Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld robbery with homicide convictions on conspiracy evidence but reduced death sentences to reclusion perpetua.
Imperfect Self-Defense and the Line Between Homicide and Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on treachery, evident premeditation, and when killing is murder rather than homicide.
Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers: The Need for HLURB Approval in Mortgage Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a developer's mortgage over subdivision lots is void without HLURB approval, and what this means for lot buyers and banks.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Balancing Corporate Independence and Labor Rights
When can courts disregard corporate fiction to hold officers liable for labor claims? The Supreme Court explains in this labor law case.
Rape Conviction and the Importance of Properly Alleging Relationship in Qualified Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows why the death penalty cannot rest on a victim's age or kinship with the offender unless both are alleged in the Information.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Affect Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery in murder cases, and when it does not.
Annulment of Judgment and Correction of Civil Registry Entries: Barco v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment correcting civil registry entries may be annulled, and why publication binds the whole world in Rule 108 proceedings.