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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Untangling Appeal Deadlines: Why Missing a Memorandum Matters
A missed appeal deadline due to lawyer negligence can be fatal. Learn the rules on relief from judgment in Philippine civil procedure.
Work Relatedness and Death Benefits: Proving Causal Links in Compensation Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when illnesses like breast cancer qualify for death benefits under PD 626, requiring proof of work-related risk.
When Can Cases Be Reassigned? Understanding Judicial Inhibition and Venue Transfer
The Supreme Court clarifies when cases may be transferred to another judge after inhibition, and why venue transfer is not automatic.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Warrant Removal from the Bench
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after he admitted to an extramarital affair and fathering a child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Judicial Reconstitution of Lost Titles and the Limits of the Bercede Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may rely on "other documents" to reconstitute lost titles, and how the Bercede guidelines apply.
Suspended Sentences for Juvenile Offenders: Limits and Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a juvenile offender cannot get a suspended sentence, even under RA 9344.
Attorney-Client Privilege vs Disclosure Mandates in Marcos-Era Asset Recovery
Supreme Court clarifies when attorney-client privilege yields to disclosure mandates in recovering Marcos-era ill-gotten wealth.
Reckless Imprudence and Civil Liability: How a Plea Bargain Affects Damages Beyond the Criminal Penalty
A plea to a lesser offense does not erase civil liability for the death caused by reckless imprudence, as heirs may still recover full damages.
Mandatory Arbitration Prevails: Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: when a contract has a mandatory arbitration clause, parties must arbitrate before going to court.
Court Division Jurisdiction Over Execution of Final Labor Decisions
Supreme Court nullifies CA ruling on labor award computation, holding only the division that decided the case may resolve execution disputes.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: Understanding Legal Obligations
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of first refusal in property sales, including the rules on offers, counter-offers, and legal redemption.
Upholding Arbitral Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court's Stance on Construction Disputes and Judicial Injunctions
The Supreme Court clarifies that CIAC has exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes, and courts must defer to arbitration proceedings.
Official Duty vs Criminal Liability: Defining Boundaries in Government Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for anomalous government transactions despite claims of mere ministerial duty.
SEC Retains Power to Execute Decisions in Pending Intra-Corporate Cases
Supreme Court rules the SEC may enforce its final decisions in intra-corporate cases retained under Section 5.2 of the Securities Regulation Code.
Warranty Against Eviction: Why Buyers Must Implead the Seller in Eviction Suits
Buyers who lose property to third-party claims must implead the seller in the eviction suit to enforce the warranty against eviction under Philippine law.
When Courts Won't Overrule Prosecutors on Probable Cause: GlaxoSmithKline v. Malik
Philippine Supreme Court explains why courts defer to prosecutors on probable cause, using a dismissed drug case as an example.
Quorum in Nonstock Corporations: Counting Only Living Voting Members
Supreme Court ruling on quorum in nonstock corporations—dead members excluded, only living voting members count.
Probable Cause VS Parallel Importation Navigating Prosecutorial Discretion IN Pharmaceutical Cases
Habeas Corpus Requires Proof of Illegal Detention, Not Just Disappearance
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that habeas corpus requires proof of actual detention, not merely a person's disappearance.
Beyond Boundaries: How Erroneous Land Awards Undermine Property Rights and Due Process
When a buyer is evicted from purchased land, the proper remedy is warranty against eviction—not specific performance. This case explains why.
Forum Shopping and Procedural Rules: Lessons from Estrera v. Demecillo
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified forum shopping rules, procedural deadlines, and due process in Estrera v. Demecillo.
When Self-Defense Fails: Justifying Force in Lawful Duty Requires Reasonable Response
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and performance of official duty justify killing, and why both failed for PNR security officers.
Structural Integrity vs Superficial Damage: What Property Buyers Must Know About Warranties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when cracks and leaks in a purchased property justify a refund or damages under the law.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: The Consequences of Disobeying Court Orders
In Gaspar v. Judge Adaoag, the Supreme Court fined a judge P10,000 for deciding a case while suspended, stressing that its orders must be obeyed fully.