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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Judicial Discretion vs Delay: Balancing Justice and Efficiency in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when court delays warrant administrative liability, distinguishing error from bad faith in judicial discretion.
When a Sale-Leaseback Is Really a Loan: Cebu Contractors Consortium v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court ruled that a sale-leaseback arrangement was actually an equitable mortgage, not a true financing lease, and ordered the contract reformed.
Sale and Leaseback as Disguised Loan: When Financial Leasing Is an Equitable Mortgage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale and leaseback is a disguised loan secured by chattel mortgage, not a true financial lease.
Accountability in Public Service: Reassessing Penalties for Malversation of Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of malversation and corrects the penalty imposed on a city cash clerk who failed to deposit public funds.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Obligations AND Equitable Relief IN Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sale-leaseback arrangements, equitable mortgages, and deed of assignment effects on debtor obligations.
Court of Appeals Erred in Dismissing Appeal Over Photocopied Annexes
Supreme Court rules photocopied annexes in Rule 43 appeals need not be certified true copies, only the assailed decision itself.
PCGG Authority Over Military Officers and the Limits of Revolutionary Power
Supreme Court ruling on PCGG jurisdiction over military officers, forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth, and the limits of revolutionary power.
Navigating COMELEC's Authority: Division vs. En Banc in Pre-Proclamation Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on COMELEC's division vs. en banc authority in pre-proclamation cases, citing Milla v. Balmores-Laxa.
Strike Legality Balancing Workers Rights AND Procedural Compliance IN Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strike legality, workers' rights, and procedural compliance in labor disputes.
Forum Shopping and Due Process in Mortgage Foreclosure: Avoiding Multiple Suits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forum shopping, due process, and the risks of filing multiple injunction suits in mortgage foreclosure cases.
Due Process, Right to Counsel, and Judicial Duty in Philippine Civil Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies due process, counsel of record rules, and forum shopping in PCIB v. Court of Appeals.
When a Rape Conviction Is Set Aside: The Right to Counsel and Clear Judicial Decisions
The Supreme Court nullified a rape conviction because the trial court's decision lacked factual and legal basis, and the accused was deprived of effective counsel.
Timely Execution: A Sheriff's Duty to Report and the Consequences of Delay
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling reminds sheriffs that writs of execution must be returned and reported on time, and that delay carries administrative liability.
Rape Conviction Upheld on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Intact Hymen
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies that intact hymen does not negate rape.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy Replaces Force in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, where a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation in securing conviction.
Judicial Accountability and Timely Resolution: Lessons from People v. Servano
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Servano clarifies incest rape rules while underscoring the judiciary's duty to resolve cases without delay.
Marcos Ill-Gotten Wealth: The Power of Presumptions in Forfeiture Cases
How the Supreme Court ruled that presumptions and admissions can justify summary judgment in recovering Marcos ill-gotten wealth under RA 1379.
Percentage Tax on Pawnshops: Defining Lending Investors Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether pawnshops are lending investors subject to 5% percentage tax under the NIRC.
Breach of Confidence When a Lawyer's Duty Collides With Self-Defense
A lawyer cannot use confidential client information to defend himself in an unrelated case. The Supreme Court explains the limits of attorney-client privilege.
Reinstatement After Election Protest: Oath of Office Not Always Required
Supreme Court clarifies when a reinstated local official need not retake the oath to validly reassume office after an election protest.
Tax Exemptions for Government Corporations: The Philippine Ports Authority Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations like the PPA must pay local taxes, and when they cannot change legal theories on appeal.
Timely Justice Reckoning Deadlines In Default Order Motions
Learn how the 90-day period for resolving motions is counted, based on a Supreme Court ruling on default orders.
Self-Defense Plea Fails When Ambush Claim Is Uncorroborated in Homicide Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery must be proven in homicide cases.
Acquisitive Prescription Good Faith AND Just Title IN Land Ownership Disputes
Learn how good faith and just title affect acquisitive prescription in Philippine land ownership disputes, based on Supreme Court rulings.