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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Court Employee's Immorality Case: When a "Kasunduan" Cannot Justify an Affair
Philippine Supreme Court rules a court employee's illicit relationship violates conduct standards, despite a private "Kasunduan" allowing separation.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, with penalties for delay under Rule 140.
Judicial Impartiality: How the Supreme Court Enforces Ethical Conduct in Philippine Courts
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling shows that a judge who suggests settlement terms to a litigant violates judicial ethics and erodes public trust in the courts.
Extension of Lease Agreements: Lessees' Rights in Cases of Partial Dispossession
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessees' right to lease extension when partially dispossessed, explained in plain language.
Tax Delinquency Auctions: When a Bid Before the Auction Date Is Not a Valid Bid
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that paying delinquent taxes before an auction date does not constitute a valid bid, and why procedural regularity matters.
Tax Delinquency and Public Auction: When a Tax Sale of Land Is Invalid
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a tax delinquency auction sale of real property is invalid and what documents prove a valid tax sale.
Indefinite Suspension for Lawyer’s Gross Immoral Conduct: Zaguirre v. Castillo
The Supreme Court indefinitely suspends a lawyer for siring a child outside marriage and reneging on his sworn support, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold moral standards at all times.
Self-Defense and Treachery: The Boundaries of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law.
Upholding Seafarer Rights: Vessel Use Change Does NOT Void Employment Contracts
Supreme Court rules a vessel's change from overseas to coastwise use does not invalidate a seafarer's employment contract or the manning agent's liability.
Dying Declarations and Juvenile Offenders: Defining Justice in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on a dying declaration but spares a 15-year-old from death.
Supreme Court Upholds VAT Refund Law for Foreign Tourists
The Supreme Court upheld the VAT refund law for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection and uniform taxation.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence and Vicarious Responsibility Override Defenses
Supreme Court affirms insurer's subrogation claim, holding driver negligent and employer vicariously liable for damages in vehicular accident.
Cyber Libel Prescription: One Year from Discovery, Not Publication
The Supreme Court clarifies that cyber libel prescribes in one year from discovery, not publication, and settles the doctrinal value of unsigned resolutions.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: SC Clarifies Evidence Rules Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies standards for judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title, applying Republic Act No. 26 and Bercede guidelines.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's erroneous ruling is a judicial matter, not administrative misconduct, and warns against harassment suits.
Surety Bonds, Deficiency Claims, and the Burden of Proof in Collection Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for payment is valid and what evidence creditors must present to collect a deficiency after foreclosure.
Rape Conviction Upheld on Credible Testimony Despite Lack of Medical Evidence
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony and threats, showing that medical evidence is not required to prove the crime.
Mistaken Payment: Recouping Funds Paid Under a False Belief of Co-Ownership
When money is paid by mistake under an assumed co-ownership, Philippine law allows recovery. Learn when solutio indebiti applies and how courts rule.
Reopening Corporate Disputes: Finality, Fraud, and the Abadilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reopen proceedings, pierce corporate veils, and award damages in intra-corporate disputes.
Workplace Misconduct and Immorality: Defining Acceptable Behavior in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court personnel that smoking or vaping inside court premises is a punishable offense, even when the photo evidence is unclear.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conviction Affirmed: The Law on Conspiracy and Death of an Accused
The Supreme Court affirms kidnapping-for-ransom convictions, explains conspiracy, and clarifies that an accused's death extinguishes criminal and civil liability.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Court Clarifies Burden of Proof Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing the order of sources and burden of proof under RA 26.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence Is Proven
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict liability, negligence, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident case.
Bank Negligence Bars Recovery: Solutio Indebiti and Unjust Enrichment in Check Clearing Errors
Supreme Court rules banks cannot recover funds lost to their own gross negligence in check clearing, explaining solutio indebiti and unjust enrichment.