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.
Publication Requirement for Tax Ordinances: A Prerequisite to Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that publication of local tax ordinances is a condition precedent to their enforceability and collection.
Navigating Forum Shopping: The Consequences of Concealing Related Cases in Habeas Corpus Petitions
The Supreme Court explains why filing a habeas corpus petition while concealing a related certiorari case amounts to forum shopping, with serious consequences.
Father's Betrayal: Upholding Justice in Statutory Rape Cases Despite Hymen Integrity
Supreme Court affirms father's statutory rape conviction despite intact hymen, clarifying that virginity is not an element of rape.
Abolition of Public Office: Balancing Government Reorganization and Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court explains when abolishing a government office is valid and how it differs from removal, protecting security of tenure.
Workplace Remarks and Dismissal: When Is It Serious Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee remarks during union meetings constitute serious misconduct warranting dismissal.
Direct vs Indirect Contempt: When Courts Must Hold a Hearing Before Punishing
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between direct and indirect contempt, requiring due process and proper hearing before punishment.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: Why a Final Judgment Bars a Second Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents relitigation of property ownership after a final judgment.
Probationary Employment and Dismissal for Slanderous Remarks: Key Lessons from Pasamba v. NLRC
Probationary employees may be dismissed for violating reasonable company standards, including rules against slanderous remarks, as explained in this case.
Employer's Liability for Diligence in Employee Supervision After a Vehicular Accident
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability and the standard of diligence required in supervising employees after a vehicular accident.
Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Murder Convictions
How credible eyewitness testimony and treachery shape murder convictions in the Philippines, with lessons from People v. Dulanas.
When Is Property "Taken" for Expropriation? The Timing of Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "taking" occurs in expropriation, affecting how just compensation is valued.
INP Retirees Entitled to PNP Retirement Benefits Under R.A. 6975
Supreme Court rules INP retirees are entitled to the same retirement benefits as PNP retirees under R.A. 6975, as amended.
Establishing Filiation: How Informal Writings Can Prove Paternity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how handwritten letters can establish paternity and filiation of illegitimate children under the Family Code.
Law Students as Agents in Inferior Courts: The Cruz v. Mina Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a law student may appear in inferior courts without lawyer supervision, and the civil aspect of grave threats.
Formal Offer of Evidence: Why Failure Can End a Land Ownership Case
A missed deadline to formally offer evidence can doom a land dispute. Learn the rule from Heirs of Pasag v. Parocha.
Independent Damage Claims in Forcible Entry: Separating Possession From Subsequent Harm
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when damages from forcible entry may be claimed in a separate ordinary action rather than the ejectment case.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorneys AND THE Prohibition Against Forum Shopping 2
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that filing repeated suits for the same cause violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and constitutes forum shopping.
When Jurisdiction Attaches: The Ombudsman vs. DECS in Public School Teacher Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies which agency has jurisdiction over administrative cases against public school teachers, explaining the limits of the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority.
Good Faith in Property Transactions: Protecting Innocent Purchasers Under the Torrens System
When a notarized special power of attorney turns out forged, who keeps the land? The Supreme Court explains good faith under the Torrens system.
Rape and the Best Evidence Rule: Proving Minority in Statutory Rape Cases
A father convicted of qualified rape challenges the death penalty, claiming the victim's minority was not proven. The Supreme Court explains how a photocopied birth certificate can establish age.
Intent to Kill: Understanding the Nuances of Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill and treachery are established in murder cases, using a fatal explosive bottle attack as the example.
Defective Land Titles: Good Faith Purchasers and Torrens System Fraud in the Philippines
When a land title traces to a fictitious source, even good faith buyers lose protection. Learn the rule from a 2007 Supreme Court case.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Consent, Intimidation, and Victim Credibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how intimidation, victim credibility, and medical evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Warrantless Vehicle Searches: When Can Police Search Your Car in the Philippines
Philippine law allows warrantless vehicle searches under certain conditions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling on illegal lumber transport.