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.
Third Doctor's Opinion Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying Conflict Resolution Under POEA-SEC
Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's disability grade is determined by the company-designated physician's assessment, unless a third doctor's opinion is obtained.
Assurance Fund Claims: When the Prescriptive Period Starts for Defrauded Landowners
The Supreme Court clarifies when the six-year period to claim the Assurance Fund begins for landowners defrauded under the Torrens system.
Taming Unconscionable Interest: Reassessing Loan Obligations and Attorney's Fees in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts temper unconscionable loan interest rates and when attorney's fees may be awarded in foreclosure cases.
Corporate President's Authority to Sign Demand Letters and Verification in Unlawful Detainer
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president may validly issue demand letters and sign pleadings without a board resolution.
When a Corporate President Can Act Without Board Approval: Key Lessons from Colegio Medico v. Lim
A corporate president may act without board approval in ordinary business matters. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Proper Identification in Legal Documents
A lawyer's notarial commission revoked and practice suspended for notarizing a deed using only a community tax certificate as identification.
Establishing Tenancy Requires Concrete Evidence: Landowner Rights Upheld
Supreme Court rules tenancy cannot be presumed; claimants must prove all elements with substantial evidence, not mere certifications.
Double Taxation and Refund of Erroneously Paid Local Business Taxes in Manila
Supreme Court clarifies when a taxpayer can refund local business taxes after protesting an assessment and paying under protest in Manila.
Tenancy Rights vs. Co-Ownership: Proving Agricultural Tenancy in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy is a legal relationship that must be proven by substantial evidence, not presumed from mere occupation.
Extraordinary Diligence: Carrier Liability for Misdelivered Goods
When a courier delivers to the wrong person, the shipment is legally "lost." The Supreme Court explains carrier liability and the limits of air waybill exemptions.
Conjugal Property Rights: When a Forged Donation and Sale Divide Ownership
A forged donation of conjugal property leads to co-ownership between the buyer and the innocent spouse, each holding an undivided half.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: The Boundaries of Justifiable Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Boundaries of Drug Law Enforcement in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between entrapment and instigation in drug cases, upholding a buy-bust conviction under RA 9165.
Lawyers Barred From Lupon Proceedings: A Reminder on Barangay Justice Integrity
SC reprimands lawyer for appearing in barangay conciliation proceedings, affirming the mandatory ban on counsel under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law.
Probable Cause and Graft Liability When a Governor's Request Shapes Public Bidding
Supreme Court ruling on graft liability of DPWH-ARMM officials for irregularities in infrastructure projects, including premature contractor mobilization.
Receiving Money from Bondsmen Is Grave Misconduct for Court Personnel
Court employees cannot receive money from litigants, even as voluntary "token" gifts. The Supreme Court explains why in Perez v. Roxas.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Storage Fees Due Despite Customs Hold Order
Supreme Court clarifies that a Bureau of Customs hold order does not relieve a consignee from paying arrastre storage fees under its contract.
Travel Authority Requirements for Court Personnel: Lessons from a 30-Day Suspension
Court personnel must secure travel authority before going abroad. A utility worker's 13 unauthorized trips led to a 30-day suspension.
Presumption of Consideration: Bank's Good Faith Upholds Mortgage Despite Forged Deed Claim
Supreme Court rules a bank's good faith reliance on a Torrens title protects its mortgage even if the prior deed was allegedly forged.
Ouster by Quo Warranto Challenging the Eligibility of an Impeachable Officer in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling that quo warranto, not just impeachment, can oust an ineligible impeachable officer.
Due Process in Attorney Discipline: The Right to Fair Opportunity to Defend
The Supreme Court reminds us that even in disbarment cases, a lawyer must be given a fair opportunity to defend.
Aider and Abettor Establishing Criminal Liability in Rape Cases Through Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a person who aids a rape by holding the victim's legs is equally guilty through conspiracy.
Judge Fined for Undue Delay in Resolving Injunction Despite Heavy Caseload
A judge's two-year delay in resolving an injunction prayer draws a fine, even with heavy caseload as a mitigating factor.
Simple Misconduct in Public Office: Balancing Discretion and Due Diligence
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between grave and simple misconduct for public officers, using a fund placement case as a guide.