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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Unlawful Detainer: Why Prior Physical Possession Is the Core Issue in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—is the decisive issue.
Treachery and the Passage of Time: Examining the Boundaries of Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a brief pause between an argument and a fatal shooting does not negate treachery, affirming a murder conviction.
Judicial Efficiency Imperative Resolving Cases Within Prescribed Deadlines
Why Philippine judges must resolve cases within constitutional deadlines, and the consequences of delay, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Preliminary Investigation Rights: A Judge's Duty to Ensure Due Process
When a judge skips preliminary investigation, due process suffers. This ruling clarifies a judge's non-waivable duty to protect the accused's substantive rights.
Misappropriation of Litigant Funds Leads to Judge's Dismissal
Supreme Court dismisses judge for misappropriating P78,000 in fiduciary funds entrusted by litigants, violating Circular No. 50-95.
Defining Common Carrier: Liability for Cargo Loss Due to Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier status and extraordinary diligence in cargo loss cases, citing Asia Lighterage case.
Right of Legal Redemption: Written Notice Is Mandatory for Adjoining Rural Landowners
Supreme Court rules written notice under Article 1623 is mandatory for legal redemption by adjoining rural landowners, not just a formality.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes judges for undue delay in deciding cases, and what the 90-day rule means for litigants.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's 90-day case resolution duty, its constitutional basis, and the consequences of delay.
Holder in Due Course and Payee Obligations Under Philippine Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a check payee qualifies as a holder in due course and the duties of parties to negotiable instruments.
Ejectment and Due Process: When Occupants Become Parties in Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether occupants not named as defendants in forcible entry cases are bound by execution and demolition orders.
Prescription in Implied Trusts: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
Learn when the prescriptive period for implied trusts begins under Philippine law, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Writ of Possession Is a Ministerial Duty of Courts in Foreclosure Cases
In Chailease Finance v. Spouses Ma, the Supreme Court ruled that issuing a writ of possession after foreclosure is a ministerial duty, not a discretionary act.
Valid Service of Summons: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on personal service of summons, due process, and annulment of judgments in Lazaro v. Rural Bank.
Upholding University Authority When an Investigation Committee Can Be Challenged
Supreme Court ruling on when university investigation committees can be challenged, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and due process.
Substantial Compliance When Overly Strict Rules Give Way to Justice in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that procedural rules yield to substantial justice, as shown in a case on equitable mortgage and res judicata.
Copyright Protection Scope of Advertising Display Unit Drawings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that copyright over technical drawings does not extend to the depicted object; patents protect inventions.
Minority as a Privileged Mitigating Circumstance: The Weight of a Birth Certificate in Criminal Cases
A birth certificate is the best evidence of age. The Supreme Court explains how minority can reduce a criminal penalty.
Authorized Driver Clause and Police Blotters in Insurance Claims
When can an insurer deny a claim based on the authorized driver clause? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary weight of police blotters.
Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction of Neighbor of Child Victim
The Court affirms two rape convictions against a neighbor of a six-year-old, clarifying penalties and damages in child rape cases.
Back Wages and Security of Tenure: Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal in the Philippine Civil Service
Learn when illegally dismissed government employees can claim back wages, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure.
When a Lawyer Crosses the Line: The Ban on Acquiring Client Property in Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling explains why lawyers cannot acquire property involved in litigation they handle, even under a contingent fee arrangement.
Protecting the Child Victim's Testimony in Rape Cases and the Standard of Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: Standards and Penalties for Court Employees
Explaining the Supreme Court's standards on habitual tardiness for judiciary employees, the penalties imposed, and practical compliance tips.