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.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Rights and Due Process in Anti-Graft Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when the speedy disposition clock starts in Ombudsman cases, distinguishing fact-finding from preliminary investigation.
When Finality Isn't Enough: Re-Evaluating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries After a Concluded Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when DAR may re-open beneficiary identification despite a final ruling, and why that isn't contempt.
Compromise Agreements Ensuring Mutuality AND Enforceability IN Debt Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court approves compromise agreement in debt settlement, highlighting mutual concessions and clear terms for enforceability.
Diversion of Tobacco Funds: Technical Malversation vs. Corruption Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when misusing public funds is technical malversation, not corruption, in Villarosa v. Ombudsman.
Venue in Estafa Cases: Where Does a Bouncing Check Crime Occur?
The Supreme Court clarifies that in estafa cases involving bouncing checks, venue lies where the check was issued and dishonored, not where negotiations occurred.
Reasonable Doubt in Qualified Theft: When Missing Proof Means Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted an accounting-in-charge of qualified theft when the prosecution failed to prove taking and intent.
Priority of Title: Resolving Conflicting Land Ownership Claims in the Philippines
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier one prevails. The Supreme Court explains the rule in Aquino v. Estate of Aguirre.
Intact Hymen Does Not Negate Statutory Rape: SC Upholds Child Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child's credible testimony can prove statutory rape even when medical findings show an intact hymen.
Unlawful Detainer: The Imperative of Alleging Tolerance in Ejectment Suits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tolerance must be alleged in unlawful detainer cases to establish jurisdiction.
Unexcused Absence and Termination: When Is an Employee Considered AWOL
Learn when an employee is considered AWOL and can be dropped from the rolls, based on a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Child Abuse Intent Not Always Required Under Special Protection Laws
Supreme Court clarifies that intent to debase a child is not always required for conviction under RA 7610's child abuse provisions.
Upholding Police Accountability: Grave Misconduct and the Limits of Procedural Technicalities in Administrativ
A police officer dismissed for grave misconduct fails to overturn his dismissal as the Supreme Court affirms that procedural rules on appeals must be strictly followed.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Witness Presence in Drug Cases
Explore why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to missing required witnesses during inventory, highlighting crucial procedural safeguards.
Unlawful Detainer The Jurisdictional Tightrope of Ejectment Cases in the Philippines
Understand the jurisdictional rules in unlawful detainer cases and why getting the wrong court can cost you your case.
Foreclosure Writ of Possession: Appeal Does Not Stay Implementation
Supreme Court clarifies that an appeal of a writ of possession order in extrajudicial foreclosure does not suspend its implementation.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may order reconstitution of a lost or destroyed land title under Republic Act No. 26.
When a Mortgage on Trust Property Is Void: UCPB v. Spouses Chua
The Supreme Court rules that a bank cannot foreclose on properties held in trust when the trustee had no authority to mortgage them.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Third-Party Property: UCPB's Duty to Protect Borrower Interests
When a bank forecloses property mortgaged by a third party without the owner's consent, the Supreme Court protects the true owner's rights.
Valid Dation in Payment: When a Debtor's Creditor Still Has Authority to Settle
Supreme Court explains when a dation in payment is valid even if the creditor assigned its receivables to another party.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
VAT Exemption for Agricultural Cooperatives: Protecting Farmers' Collective Interests
The Supreme Court affirms VAT exemption for agricultural cooperatives, protecting farmers' collective interests in sugar production and sales.
Management Prerogative vs Diminution of Benefits: The Coca-Cola Saturday Work Dispute
When can a company stop Saturday work without violating the non-diminution rule? The Supreme Court clarifies in this Coca-Cola case.
Unlawful Restraint Establishing Intent in Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention
The Supreme Court explains how acts of clubbing, sacking, and carrying a victim establish the intent to deprive liberty under Article 267.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.