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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Verbal Leases and Ejectment: When Can a Tenant Be Evicted in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a verbal month-to-month lease can be terminated, and why ejectment courts may rule on lease and ownership issues.
The Boundaries of Buy-Bust Operations: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, evidence, and penalties in illegal drug sale cases under Philippine law.
Perfected Sale vs Contract to Sell: Distinguishing Ownership Transfer in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Work-Related Death and the Presumption of Compensability: Leviste v. SSS
The Supreme Court clarifies when sudden cardiac death is presumed work-related and compensable under PD 626, easing the burden on claimants.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Strict Rules on Perfecting Appeals
Learn why missing the appeal bond deadline in labor cases is fatal, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Falsifying Attendance Records in the Judiciary: A Lesson in Integrity
A sheriff falsified his attendance logbook. The Supreme Court reprimanded him, stressing that dishonesty has no place in the judiciary.
Dying Declarations and Witness Testimony Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
How a victim's dying declaration and an eyewitness's testimony secured a murder conviction, and what this means for Philippine criminal evidence.
Housing Rights: Actual Occupants Prevail Over Absentee Awardees in Government Projects
Supreme Court rules that absentee awardees cannot keep government housing lots meant for actual occupants, protecting bona fide residents' rights.
Upholding Judicial Accountability: A Judge's Disregard for Court Directives Leads to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a judge for six months for repeatedly ignoring directives to furnish a copy of her comment, ruling that defiance of Court orders constitutes gross misconduct.
Reversion of Expropriated Land: Who Can Sue and When the Right Arises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for reversion of expropriated land and when the right to challenge an award arises.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how public social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when using ICT raises the penalty.
Zoning Compliance Hospital Expansion Rights Under Prior Ordinances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hospital expansion rights, non-conforming structures, and the applicable zoning ordinance at time of application.
Untimely Appeal Dooms Land Dispute: Finality of Judgments and Prior Registered Liens
The Court explains when a missed appeal is fatal, why judgments must become final, and how a registered execution levy beats an unregistered sale.
Land Registration AND THE Burden OF Proof Establishing Alienability AND Disposability
Unjust Enrichment in Foreclosure: A Mortgagee's Duty to Return Excess Proceeds
The Supreme Court ruled that a bank must return surplus proceeds from an extrajudicial foreclosure sale and cannot unilaterally apply them to unsecured debts.
When Length of Service Does Not Trump a Fixed-Term Appointment as Dean
A college dean's fixed-term appointment ends on its own at term expiry, even if the employee served beyond probation.
Insurer's Subrogation Claim Fails: The Actionable Document Rule Explained
A Supreme Court ruling on why an insurer must present its insurance policy to recover as subrogee, and the actionable document rule.
Behest Loans and the Statute of Limitations: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for behest loan offenses begins, and what evidence is needed to prove them.
Mandatory Retirement Age for Water District Employees: The Bayona Case
The Supreme Court affirms that water district employees must retire at 65, not 60, and that forced early retirement entitles them to back salaries.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended FOR Neglecting Case AND Failing TO File Appellants Brief
Union Fund Mismanagement: Substantiation Required for Special Assessments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union officers' liability for unsubstantiated special assessments and litigation expenses.
Cooperative Membership vs Employment: Defining SSS Coverage Obligations
Supreme Court rules cooperatives can be employers of their owner-members for SSS coverage purposes, clarifying when membership does not negate employment.
Land Registration: Proving Public Lands Are Alienable and Disposable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why applicants must prove public lands are alienable and disposable before registration.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: Lessee's Duty to Pay Rent and Repair Under Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Mercury Drug v. Republic Surety clarifies when a lessee may suspend rent payments and the binding effect of contractual repair obligations.