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.
Academic Freedom and Ethical Standards: Selling Books to Students as Conduct Prejudicial to Service
A professor's sale of books to her own students was upheld as conduct prejudicial to service, clarifying limits of academic freedom.
The Testimony of a Minor as Sufficient Proof in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a minor's credible testimony alone can prove statutory rape, even without medical evidence of injury.
Publication Requirement Prevails: Unpublished Handwritten Addendum Has No Legal Effect
Supreme Court rules unpublished handwritten addendum to a presidential proclamation has no force of law, reaffirming the indispensable publication requirement.
Erosion of Public Trust: Dismissal for Graft and Corruption in the Judiciary
A process server's dismissal for soliciting money from litigants underscores the strict accountability of court personnel in the Philippines.
Ballots vs Election Returns: Authenticity Prevails in Electoral Protests
When physical ballots are tampered, election returns become the best evidence of voter intent. Learn the rule from the Vinzons-Chato case.
Party Autonomy vs Individual Rights in Party-List Internal Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC’s authority to resolve internal party-list disputes and cancel registrations for nominee disqualification.
Co-Owner's Right to File Ejectment: Clarifying Philippine Rules on Co-Ownership and Unlawful Detainer
Can one co-owner file ejectment without joining others? The Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' rights under Article 487 in Catedrilla v. Lauron.
Can One Co-Owner File an Ejectment Case Alone? Yes, Says the Supreme Court
A co-owner can file an ejectment suit without joining other co-owners, as ruled in Catedrilla v. Lauron. Learn the rules.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: When a Purchaser's Right Is Absolute
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a foreclosure sale purchaser may demand a writ of possession and when exceptions apply.
Jail Officers Negligence Defining Gross Misconduct in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on when a jail officer's negligence and consent to a prisoner's escape constitutes gross misconduct in public service.
Child Abuse vs Physical Injury: Delineating Intent in Acts Against Minors
When does hitting a child become child abuse under RA 7610? The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial role of intent in Bongalon v. People.
Seafarers' Hyperthyroidism and Disability Benefits: The Disputable Presumption of Work-Relatedness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' hyperthyroidism claims, the disputable presumption of work-relatedness, and disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Upholding Electoral Tribunals Discretion Respecting THE Voters Intent IN Contested Ballots
A 3-3 Comelec en banc vote has no legal effect; the case must be reheard, the Supreme Court rules.
Beyond Labels: Conviction for Rape Stands Despite Mislabeling in Information
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mislabeling a crime in the Information doesn't invalidate a conviction if the facts alleged constitute the offense charged.
Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Protection When Personal Use Justifies Eviction
Explore how Philippine courts balance a landlord's need to repossess property for personal use against a tenant's rights under urban land reform laws.
Digital Ballots As Primary Evidence Protecting Electoral Integrity In The Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that digital ballot images from PCOS machines are functional equivalents of physical ballots, protecting elections from tampering.
Navigating VAT Refund Claims: Prescriptive Periods and Equitable Estoppel in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-year prescriptive period for VAT refund claims and the mandatory 120-day waiting period before judicial appeal.
Dispensing With the Confidential Informant: Upholding Buy-Bust Operations in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a confidential informant's testimony is not indispensable in drug cases when police officers personally witness the illegal sale.
When Can Government Agencies Represent Themselves? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Mandate
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Republic v. Cuizon on when government agencies may appear in court without the Solicitor General.
Corporate Reorganization, Presidential Alter Ego Doctrine, and Security of Tenure Limits
Supreme Court clarifies when government corporate boards may reorganize, reassign officers, and drop employees for poor performance without violating tenure.
Rescission Rights When Developers Fail to Deliver on Property Sales
Buyers who fully paid for a lot can rescind the contract and recover the property's market value when the developer fails to deliver title.
Challenging Residency Claims: The Supreme Court on Election Eligibility
A candidate's one-year residency requirement for local office demands clear proof of domicile, not just property ownership or voter registration.
Trust Receipt vs. Loan: When a Security Agreement Becomes a Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trust receipt arrangement is actually a loan, affecting liability and criminal exposure.
Co-Ownership, Partition, and Prescription in Disputed Land Titles: Key Lessons from Figuracion
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies co-owners' rights to partition property, the limits of prescription, and why Torrens titles are not absolute.