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.
HLURB Jurisdiction Over Homeowner-Developer Disputes: Key Ruling
The Supreme Court confirms HLURB's exclusive jurisdiction over homeowner-developer construction disputes, not the RTC. Learn the rules and practical implications.
Incestuous Rape: Why the Supreme Court Upheld the Victim's Testimony Against Her Brother
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for incestuous rape, explaining why a victim's testimony against her own brother deserves full credence.
Forum Shopping and Foreclosure: Navigating Jurisdictional Boundaries in Mortgage Disputes
When properties in different provinces are foreclosed, filing separate suits to stop each sale is not forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains why.
Verifying Arbitral Awards: Authenticity Requirements Under Philippine Arbitration Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unverified copies of arbitral awards cannot support court confirmation orders, explaining verification requirements under R.A. 876.
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.
Equitable Mortgages Have No Redemption Right in Judicial Foreclosure for Private Mortgagees
In a judicial foreclosure of an equitable mortgage by a private lender, the mortgagor has no right of redemption after confirmation of sale.
Incestuous Rape: Why the Prosecution Must Prove the Victim's Age Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In incestuous rape cases, the prosecution must prove the victim's minority and relationship to the offender beyond reasonable doubt to justify the death penalty.
Upholding Impartiality: The Supreme Court on Fair Case Raffling and Judicial Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms COA's ban on auditors receiving local government allowances, preserving audit independence and integrity under RA 6758.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Procedural Lapses in Parental Incest Case
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of father but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua due to procedural defects in the information.
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.
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.
Easement by Prescription: Why Permissive Use Never Ripens Into a Right-of-Way
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tolerated use of land cannot create an easement by prescription, and when prescriptive periods for compensation begin.
Age Limits and Security of Tenure: Navigating Employment Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how age limits in service contracts interact with security of tenure and constructive dismissal claims.
Compulsory vs Permissive Counterclaims: When Court Fees Are Not Required in Loan Disputes
Learn when a counterclaim in a loan dispute is compulsory and exempt from docket fees, based on a 2003 Supreme Court ruling.
Witness Credibility and Its Decisive Role in Philippine Murder Convictions
How Philippine courts assess witness credibility in murder cases, explained through People v. Pacuancuan and practical lessons for litigants.
Murder Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Witnesses and Civil Damages in People v. Pacuancuan
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on witness credibility, clarifies damages for death by treachery in People v. Pacuancuan.
Perfecting a Sale vs. Transfer of Ownership: Forged Documents and Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ownership transfers in a sale, and why forged documents cannot defeat a registered owner's title.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: Undue Delay in Resolving Appeals Warrants Fine
A judge's 106-day delay in transmitting appeal records constitutes gross inefficiency, warranting a P11,000 fine under Rule 140.
Corporate Officers' Apparent Authority and Breach of Warranties in Stock Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate president's apparent authority to bind company and breach of warranty claims in stock purchase agreements.
Competency of Witnesses: Testimony of Persons with Mental Retardation in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a person with mental retardation can be a competent witness in rape cases if able to perceive and relate facts.
When Can a Corporate President Bind the Corporation? Lessons from Inter-Asia v. Asia Industries
A corporate president can bind the corporation even without board authority under apparent authority. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses judge for extramarital affair and child with another woman, ruling infidelity is gross immorality warranting removal from the bench.
Incestuous Rape: Broad Complaint Dates and Victim Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court affirms an incestuous rape conviction, ruling that inexact complaint dates are allowed and a young victim's credible testimony suffices.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on liberal construction of verification and non-forum shopping rules in labor cases.