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.
Lease Termination: Lessors Can Still Collect Rent After Lessee Default and Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessor rights when lessee defaults and abandons leased property, clarifying remedies for unpaid rent.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale With Right to Repurchase: Price and Intent
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" really an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the role of price adequacy and intent.
Judicial Accountability: Judges and Court Personnel Held Liable for Undue Delay and Misconduct
Supreme Court holds retired judge liable for undue delay in deciding 23 cases and clerk of court for issuing false certification.
The Fine Line Between Unpaid Bills and Criminal Fraud Estafa in Restaurant Settings
When does an unpaid restaurant bill become a criminal offense? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when non-payment crosses into estafa.
Presumption of Regularity of Public Documents: The High Bar for Proving Falsification
Public documents enjoy a presumption of regularity. Learn the high evidentiary standard needed to overcome it in administrative cases.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how public social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when using ICT raises the penalty.
Search Warrants for LPG Cylinder Misuse: Probable Cause Standards Under R.A. 623
Supreme Court ruling clarifies probable cause for search warrants involving unauthorized LPG cylinder use under R.A. 623, as amended.
Forum Shopping Dismissal of Land Registration Application Over Larger Properties
When does opposing a land registration application become forum shopping? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Calinisan v. Court of Appeals.
Unraveling Reasonable Doubt: The Role of DNA Evidence in Rape Cases
Explore how Philippine courts weigh DNA evidence and credible testimony in rape convictions, as shown in People v. Tuazon.
Restrictive Custody in the PNP: Balancing Discipline and Liberty
The Supreme Court explains when restrictive custody of police officers under investigation is lawful and not a ground for habeas corpus.
The Perils of Oversight: Delineating Negligence and Liability in Medical Practice
A missed surgery due to a time-zone error tests the line between ordinary and gross negligence in medical practice, shaping damage awards.
Contractual Obligations and Third Party Rights in Property Lease Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on when lease penalties bind only contracting parties, not property owners who are third parties to the contract.
Bail and State Witness Rules in Murder and Parricide Cases: The Valerio Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when bail may be denied and when an accused may be discharged as state witness in murder and parricide cases.
The Fresh Period Rule: Reinterpreting Appeal Deadlines for Fair Adjudication
The Supreme Court clarifies the fresh period rule, allowing appeals within 15 days from denial of reconsideration, promoting substantial justice.
Backwages in Illegal Dismissal: When the Employer’s Obligation Ends
Backwages in illegal dismissal accrue until actual reinstatement or payment of separation pay, per Mt. Carmel College v. Resuena.
Balancing Infant Health and Commercial Freedom: Limits on Restricting Breast Milk Substitute Ads
The Supreme Court struck down parts of the DOH's 2006 rules banning breast milk substitute ads, ruling the agency exceeded the Milk Code.
When Contract Claims Must Yield to the Sandiganbayan: Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets
A contract dispute over sequestered shares belongs to the Sandiganbayan, not the regular courts, when the assets are subject of ill-gotten wealth cases.
Duterte v. Kingswood: Burden of Proof in Disease-Based Dismissals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers, not employees, must secure a health authority certification to validly terminate on disease grounds.
Binding Amicable Settlements: Understanding Repudiation in Barangay Justice
When is a barangay amicable settlement binding? The Supreme Court explains repudiation rules under the Local Government Code.
Laches vs Torrens Title: When Delay Overrides Ownership Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when laches, not just prescription, can bar a registered owner from recovering possession of titled land.
Burden of Proof in Compensation Claims: Establishing Work Relatedness of Non-Occupational Diseases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on proving work-relatedness for non-occupational diseases in SSS compensation claims under PD 626.
Shared Intent Shared Liability Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how conspiracy works in Philippine criminal law, when co-accused share liability, and what the Supreme Court says about proving a common design.
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Bouncing Checks and Hearsay: BP 22 Conviction Upheld Despite Evidentiary Challenges
The Supreme Court explains when hearsay testimony may be admitted in a Bouncing Checks case, and why a BP 22 conviction can stand.