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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Res Judicata in Land Registration: Ramirez v. Court of Appeals Explained
When does a final denial of a land registration application bar a later one? The Supreme Court clarifies res judicata in Ramirez v. Court of Appeals.
Res Judicata in Land Cases: When a Prior Denial Does Not Bar a New Claim
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior land registration denial bars a new claim, and when changed legal bases allow a fresh application.
Illegal Strikes and Employee Rights: Understanding the Limits of Labor Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes, constructive dismissal, and employee rights in labor disputes explained in plain language.
Dismissal for Gross Insubordination and AWOL: A Lesson in Judicial Accountability
A Supreme Court ruling on gross insubordination and AWOL shows why court employees must obey lawful orders and report for duty.
The Anti-Alias Law: When Is Using Another Person’s Name a Crime?
The Supreme Court explains the limits of the Anti-Alias Law in a case where a government employee signed a visitor’s logbook with another person’s name.
Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts: The Responsibilities of Court Stenographers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of court stenographers and the consequences of failing to transcribe and transmit notes on time.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Who Must Prove What
Learn who bears the burden of proof in labor cases—especially on payment of wages and employer-employee relationship—from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Injunctions and Property Rights: When Courts Will Intervene
A clear property right is essential for an injunction. The Supreme Court explains the rules in Far East Bank v. Court of Appeals.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Application and Implications
How Philippine courts apply treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explained through the 1996 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Caritativo.
Highway Robbery vs Simple Robbery: Distinguishing the Elements and Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a robbery on a highway is highway robbery under P.D. 532, and when it is only simple robbery.
Certiorari vs Appeal: The Proper Legal Remedy in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn when to file certiorari versus appeal in Philippine labor cases, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Espejo v. NLRC.
Acquisitive Prescription: How Long Does It Take to Gain Ownership of Land in the Philippines
Learn how long you must possess land in the Philippines to acquire ownership through acquisitive prescription, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Eyewitness Testimony and Reasonable Doubt: When Convictions Get Overturned
The Supreme Court explains when flawed eyewitness testimony and trial court speculation require acquittal under the reasonable doubt standard.
Child Custody in the Philippines: Understanding the Under-Seven Rule
The Supreme Court explains the mandatory under-seven rule in child custody cases under Article 213 of the Family Code.
Sequestration and Search and Seizure: Constitutional Limits in Asset Recovery
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on PCGG sequestration and search and seizure orders, and the constitutional limits on asset recovery.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws: When Does a Lighter Sentence Apply
Explaining when Philippine courts apply a new, lighter penal law retroactively, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Magtibay.
Speedy Trial Rights, Dismissals, and Double Jeopardy in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for failure to prosecute violates due process and when double jeopardy protects the accused.
Falsification of Time Records: Penalties and Considerations for Government Employees in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on falsified daily time records by a government employee, the penalties involved, and mitigating factors considered.
Mismanaging Judiciary Funds: A Cautionary Tale for Court Personnel
The Supreme Court's ruling in a 1996 administrative case shows the severe consequences of mishandling Judiciary Development Fund collections.
Estafa vs Breach of Contract: When a Civil Wrong Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to return leased property crosses from civil breach to criminal estafa, requiring criminal intent.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Judges Delaying Case Resolutions IN THE Philippines
Learn the consequences for judges who delay case resolutions in the Philippines, citing the Supreme Court's ruling on gross inefficiency.
Liquidated Damages in Lease Agreements: Enforceability and Practical Implications
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages in lease contracts are enforceable and how courts treat penalty clauses.
Ejectment Cases: Immediate Execution and the Mandatory Supersedeas Bond
Learn how immediate execution works in Philippine ejectment cases and why failing to post a supersedeas bond can lead to swift eviction.