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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Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: How Courts Value Right of Way Acquisitions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine just compensation for right of way acquisitions, using market value at time of taking.
The Ombudsman's Control Over Special Prosecutors: Limits on Prosecutorial Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's authority over special prosecutors and the limits of prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases.
Supplemental Complaints and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Young v. Sy
The Supreme Court clarifies when supplemental complaints are allowed and why filing both an appeal and certiorari amounts to forum shopping.
Stepfather Convicted of Qualified Rape: Lessons from People v. Arsayo
A stepfather's rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter yields a qualified rape conviction, reclusion perpetua, and key lessons on evidence and penalties.
Limits on Delegated Authority: NPC Drivers and Mechanics Association v. NPC
When board members send alternates to vote, are their resolutions valid? The Supreme Court says no—discretion cannot be delegated.
Res Judicata and Land Disputes: When a Prior Judgment Bars Relitigation
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata prevents relitigation of land disputes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Villarino v. Avila.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Clerks of Court Failing to Safeguard Public Funds
Philippine Supreme Court rules on dismissal of court personnel for breach of trust involving mishandling of public funds.
Arson and Homicide: Distinguishing Intent and Consequences in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arson absorbs resulting deaths versus when separate homicide charges apply, using intent as the key.
Defective Land Title Overcoming Fraud IN Property Ownership Claims
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Broadcasting
The Supreme Court clarifies when production assistants in broadcasting are regular employees entitled to security of tenure and CBA benefits.
Honesty in Public Service: Upholding Integrity in Daily Time Records
Court rules that instructing others to punch a time card constitutes falsification and dishonesty, even for official business.
Void Judgments Protecting Real Parties in Interest in Property Disputes
When a court decides a property case without the true owner, the judgment is void—protecting buyers who were never impleaded.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land: Key Lessons from Tri-Plus on Land Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove land is alienable and disposable in Philippine land registration cases.
Public Land vs Private Claim: Military Reservations and the Limits of Land Acquisition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court voids a title over land inside Fort Bonifacio, ruling military reservations are inalienable public land.
Due Process and Preliminary Investigations: Balancing Rights in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process rights in Philippine litigation, including the duty to serve pleadings on counsel of record.
Fatal Appeal Errors: Why Choosing the Wrong Mode of Appeal Can End a Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows how filing the wrong mode of appeal can be fatal, even when filed on time.
Dower Rights and Evidence Establishing a Muslim Wife’s Entitlement to Mahr Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Muslim wife can claim mahr property and why procedural errors can forfeit that claim.
Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits for Dishonest Clerks of Court: A Cautionary Tale
Learn how a clerk of court's failure to remit judiciary funds led to forfeiture of retirement benefits for dishonesty and grave misconduct.
When Judges Overstep Preliminary Investigation Boundaries: A Lesson in Judicial Overreach
SC ruling on a judge who issued arrest warrants without preliminary investigation, and the limits of judicial authority.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Remedy Against Shari'a Court Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why certiorari cannot substitute for a lost appeal, using a Shari'a court dispute as the case study.
Attorney's Fees Need Explicit Justification in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts cannot award attorney's fees without stating factual and legal basis in the decision's text, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Good Faith and Due Diligence in Property Transactions: Lessons from Bautista v. Silva
When is a buyer of real property truly in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to inquire beyond a special power of attorney.
Dilatory Tactics and the Five-Year Rule: When Delaying Execution Backfires
The Supreme Court condemns a losing party's dilatory tactics that delayed execution of a final judgment for years, clarifying the five-year rule on execution by motion.