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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Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Case of Conrado Casitas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill is shown by the number and location of wounds inflicted.
Judge Reprimanded for Discourtesy: Upholding Judicial Ethics in Philippine Courts
Supreme Court reprimands a Cebu RTC judge for berating a lawyer in open court, reaffirming strict standards of judicial conduct and courtesy.
Upholding Integrity: Disbarment for Bar Exam Leakage and the Duty of Care in Protecting Confidential Informati
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for leaking bar exam questions, and reprimanded the examiner for negligence in safeguarding confidential materials.
Negligence in Notarization Upholding the Integrity of Public Documents in the Philippines
A notary's failure to verify signatories' identity and presence leads to suspension, underscoring the sacred duty of notarization.
Upholding Judicial Accountability THE Consequences OF Ignoring Court Directives AND Undue Delay IN Resolving Cases
Age Verification in Rape Cases: Protecting Children and Ensuring Fair Trials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on age verification in rape cases, balancing child protection with the accused's right to a fair trial.
Justice Tempered: Due Process and Conviction in the Chiong Sisters Case
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of seven men for kidnapping and murdering the Chiong sisters, analyzing due process rights.
Presidential Power vs Constitutional Limits: The Illegality of Declaring a State of Rebellion
The Supreme Court ruled that declaring a "state of rebellion" is a superfluity with no legal effect, clarifying the limits of presidential power under the Constitution.
Surety Bonds and Legal Interest: When Default Makes a Surety Pay More Than the Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a defaulting surety must pay 12% legal interest on top of the bond amount.
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.
Torrens Title vs Unregistered Deeds: Resolving Land Possession Disputes
In Co v. Militar, the Supreme Court ruled that a Torrens title prevails over unregistered deeds of sale in an ejectment case, and that title can only be cancelled directly.
Debt Recovery Without Specific Claim: Equity and Unjust Enrichment in Arroyo v. Taduran
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering debt even without a specific prayer in the complaint, citing equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Court Can Grant Unprayed Relief When Facts Warrant It: Arroyo v. Taduran
Supreme Court affirms P500,000 award despite no prayer for indemnity, citing judicial admissions and the rule on relief based on factual allegations.
Forcible Entry Survey Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases: What the Supreme Court Says
Learn how Philippine courts resolve unlawful detainer cases, why Torrens titles prevail, and what summary procedure means for possession disputes.
Surety's Liability for Interest Beyond Bond Limit on Delayed Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a surety can be held liable for interest exceeding the bond's face value when payment is delayed.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof and Due Process in Termination Cases
Learn the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, the employer's burden of proof, and due process requirements in employee termination cases.
Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Just Cause AND Due Process Before Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers must prove both just cause and procedural due process to avoid liability for illegal dismissal.
When Courts Can Grant Unprayed Relief: The Taduran Case on Judicial Admissions
Explaining when Philippine courts may grant relief not explicitly prayed for, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Arroyo v. Taduran.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.