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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Electoral Integrity: COMELEC Division Authority and Ballot Preservation in Election Protests
A 2010 Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC division jurisdiction, ballot integrity, and the proper conduct of election protests.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony: Evaluating Credibility in Vehicular Negligence Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness accounts and evidence in vehicular negligence cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Due Diligence in Mortgage Transactions: Protecting Landowners From Fraudulent Transfers
When a bank accepts a mortgaged property with suspicious title transfers, it cannot claim good faith. Learn from this Supreme Court ruling.
In Land Sales, Survey Duty Prevails Over Payment Deadlines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller must survey land before demanding payment, and when rescission is improper.
When Notice to Counsel Binds the Client: Due Process in Philippine Administrative Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why notice to a deputized counsel binds the government client, and what this means for due process and finality of judgments.
GSIS Contributions: Can Dismissed Government Employees Recover Their Personal Shares?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether dismissed government employees can recover personal GSIS contributions and premiums.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Why a Bank Can Foreclose Despite Loan Transfer Doubts
Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may foreclose mortgaged property even if the borrower questions the assignment of loan receivables.
Custody Agreements Contrary to Child's Best Interests Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint custody agreements for children under seven and the best interests standard.
Union Leave vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Rights in the Workplace
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union leave, management prerogative, and the consequences of defying a disapproved leave application.
Certiorari as an Improper Remedy: Navigating Procedural Missteps in Foreclosure Annulment
When a final judgment can be appealed, certiorari is not available. Learn the procedural rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding the Integrity of Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges to decide cases promptly, underscoring how delay undermines the integrity of drug buy-bust operations and chain of custody.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: The Duty of Care and Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape, and the duty of a mother's live-in partner.
Motion for Reconsideration: A Necessary Step Before Filing Certiorari
Learn why Philippine courts require a motion for reconsideration before a Rule 65 certiorari petition, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Agency and Mortgage Law: When an Agent’s Signature Does Not Bind the Principal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an authorized agent’s mortgage signature binds only the agent, not the principal, and the role of laches.
Fair Election Practices: Candidates Responsible for Donated Political Ads
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on candidate liability for donated political advertisements under the Fair Elections Act and COMELEC rules.
Waiver by Acquiescence: The Perils of Delay in Lease Agreement Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failing to promptly contest a lease violation can waive contractual rights — a cautionary tale for landlords and tenants.
Passport Validity and Deportation: Re-Entry Requirements for Deported Aliens in the Philippines
A deported alien who re-enters without a valid passport and prior consent may face deportation. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Zoning Regulations Balancing Property Rights and Community Welfare in Urban Development
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on zoning laws, property rights, and homeowners associations opposing high-rise construction in commercial zones.
Abuse of Right Doctrine: Accountability for Public Officials in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when local officials may adopt higher salary schedules and warns that unfounded suits against public officers can themselves be an abuse of right.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Prompt Resolution of Cases and Timely Transmission of Records
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges and clerks of court of their duty to decide cases promptly and transmit records on time.
Banking Negligence: How Shared Responsibility Impacts Liability for Fraudulent Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on banks' liability for unauthorized transactions and the doctrine of shared responsibility.
Holiday Pay on Rest Days: Clarifying CBA Interpretation for Daily Paid Employees
A Supreme Court ruling on holiday pay for daily-paid workers on rest days, clarifying how collective bargaining agreements and labor rules apply to premium pay claims.
PD 957 Criminal Cases Belong to Regular Courts, Not HLURB
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that HLURB handles only civil and administrative cases; criminal violations of PD 957 go to regular courts.
Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction: Protecting the Rights of Tenants and Home Lots
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that tenancy must be proven by substantial evidence, and that DARAB jurisdiction depends on the existence of a valid tenancy relationship.