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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When a Deed of Absolute Sale Governs: Ejectment, Ownership, and the Kasunduan
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts resolve ejectment cases when a seller claims the deed of sale was incomplete, and what the Kasunduan means.
Leave Credits Survive Dismissal: The Paredes v. Padua Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissed government employees keep earned leave credits, even when retirement benefits are forfeited.
Disproving Co-Ownership Claims: The Importance of Title and Evidence in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land registration: why bare claims of possession without solid evidence fail.
Security of Tenure: Upholding Tenants' Rights Against Ejectment Despite Landowners' Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies ejectment rules, provisional ownership resolution, and tenants' rights in unlawful detainer cases under Batas Pambansa Blg. 129.
Witness Credibility Prevails Over Alibi and Treachery in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court clarifies when a lone eyewitness's testimony can overcome alibi and when treachery fails to qualify murder.
When an Employee Jumps Bail: Employer's Subsidiary Liability and the Finality of Judgment
Can an employer appeal a criminal conviction when its employee jumps bail? The Supreme Court explains subsidiary liability and finality of judgment.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorneys' Duty of Diligence and Accountability
Banks must honor commitments in good faith; courts award temperate damages when actual loss can't be precisely proven.
When Self Defense Claims Fall Short Understanding Unlawful Aggression IN Philippine LAW
A street brawl, a fatal stabbing, and a conviction reduced to slight physical injuries—what the Supreme Court said about conspiracy and liability.
Reasonable Doubt and Warrants in Drug Cases: People v. Ayangao
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, explaining probable cause for warrantless arrests and the limits of the alibi defense.
Forged Documents and Ethical Boundaries: Attorney Accountability in Court Submissions
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability, damages, and the ethical duty of lawyers to verify documents before court submission.
Flight From Justice: How Fugitive Status Can Bar Appeal Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a fugitive's escape from custody can lead to dismissal of their appeal and loss of legal remedies.
Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts: COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld
Supreme Court affirms COA's power to recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit, even in void contracts.
Lawyers' Dishonesty and Disobedience: When Administrative Cases Lead to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for dishonesty and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying the burden of proof in disbarment cases.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Sales to Avoid Labor Judgments Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil to hold owners liable for obligations, including labor judgments.
Retirement Benefits, Creditable Service, and the Limits of Tacking in Government-Owned Corporations
A look at how the Supreme Court clarified the rules on retirement benefits, creditable service, and the limits of tacking in government-owned corporations.
Retirement Benefits Creditable Service and the Limits of Tacking in Philippine Labor Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when retirement benefits accrue, how service is counted, and the boundaries of optional retirement under Philippine law.
Protecting the Testimony of a Mental Retardate in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a mentally retarded victim's testimony, clarifying evidentiary rules for vulnerable witnesses.
Attorney's Fees: How Philippine Courts Determine Reasonable Compensation for Legal Services
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine reasonable attorney's fees under Rule 138 and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Upholding Professionalism Sheriffs Neglect OF Duty AND Impact ON Public Trust IN THE Judiciary
Upholding Judicial Integrity: The Limits of Administrative Complaints Against Judges
The Supreme Court clarifies when administrative complaints against judges proceed despite withdrawal, and distinguishes venue in criminal versus civil cases.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony vs. Alibi Defense in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms triple rape conviction, explaining why credible victim testimony outweighs alibi and sweetheart defenses.
Confession Under Duress: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights in Custodial Investigations
When a confession is extracted through violence or without proper counsel, it is inadmissible. The Supreme Court explains why.
Correcting Vote Tabulation Errors: The Supreme Court on Voter Intent and Ballot Appreciation
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC must correct manifest tabulation errors and uphold voter intent in ballot appreciation, reversing a ruling that ignored certified evidence.
The Two-Notice Rule: Safeguarding Employee Rights Against Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine law requires two written notices before dismissal. A 2004 Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to comply makes termination illegal.