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.
Philippine Red Cross Charter: Understanding Its Unique Legal Status
The Supreme Court explains why the Philippine Red Cross is neither a private corporation nor a government entity, and why its charter remains valid.
Clerks of Court Accountability: Fiduciary Funds and Gross Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court holds court personnel liable for gross neglect of duty over mishandled fiduciary funds, even after retirement and restitution.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Face Liability for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when parent companies can be held liable for subsidiaries' labor violations, explained for employees and businesses.
Hotel Liability for Lost Vehicles: Necessary Deposits Under Philippine Law
When a hotel valet loses a guest's vehicle, who pays? Philippine law on necessary deposits and the Durban Apartments ruling explain.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences of Undue Delay in Case Resolution
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judge liability for delayed case resolution, highlighting the 90-day rule and its impact on judicial integrity.
Searching Inquiry and Guilty Pleas: Safeguarding Rights in Philippine Criminal Justice
The Supreme Court explains when a guilty plea requires a searching inquiry and when a conviction may stand despite an improvident plea.
Caught in the Act: Upholding Warrantless Arrests in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when police may arrest without a warrant under the in flagrante delicto rule in drug cases.
VAT Refund for Foreign Tourists Upheld: Equal Protection and Tax Classification Under RA 12079
The Supreme Court upholds RA 12079's VAT refund for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection or uniform taxation.
Land Ownership Disputes: Proving Your Claim in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes government instrumentalities from GOCCs in real property tax disputes, and what this means for proving ownership claims.
Rape Conviction on Credible Testimony: Proving Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible testimony, proving qualifying circumstances, and the effect of R.A. 9346 on the death penalty.
Protecting Your Property: Understanding Sheriffs Authority and Preventing Wrongful Levy in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects property from wrongful levy, using the PFDA case to explain exemptions and legal remedies.
Ejectment and Land Ownership: What a Torrens Title Means for Property Owners in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how registered owners can eject tolerated occupants, why laches does not bar recovery, and the limits of ownership claims in ejectment cases.
Indispensable Parties in Certiorari Petitions: The Rule on Due Process
Why omitting an indispensable party in a certiorari petition can invalidate proceedings and how to avoid this procedural pitfall.
Incestuous Rape Upholding THE Testimony OF Vulnerable Victims AND Addressing Familial Abuse
The Supreme Court affirms conviction for incestuous rape, underscoring the credibility of a minor victim's testimony and the State's duty to protect children from familial abuse.
When Courts Can Invalidate an Extrajudicial Settlement: The Tayco Case
The Supreme Court explains when a notarized deed of extrajudicial settlement can be voided despite formal requirements being met.
Due Process in Philippine Tax Assessments: The Critical Role of the Preliminary Assessment Notice
Philippine tax assessments require a Preliminary Assessment Notice; without it, the assessment is void for denying due process.
Bigamy and Nullity: When a Void Marriage Declaration Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that a belated judicial declaration of nullity of a first marriage does not automatically defeat a bigamy charge under Philippine law.
Breach of Trust Defining Qualified Rape and Parental Betrayal in Philippine Law
A father's rape of his 11-year-old daughter is qualified rape. The Supreme Court explains the rules on incestuous rape, penalty, and damages.
Falsification of Public Documents: Presumption of Authorship Explained
Learn how Philippine courts presume authorship of falsified documents and why beneficiaries bear the burden of proof under Article 172.
Custodia Legis and Garnishment: The BSP v. Judge Lanzanas Ruling
Funds in custodia legis cannot be garnished without court approval. The Supreme Court's ruling in BSP v. Judge Lanzanas explains why.
Equal Protection and Executive Power: The Philippine Truth Commission Case
The Supreme Court struck down Executive Order No. 1 creating the 2010 Truth Commission for violating equal protection. Learn why.
Sheriff's Duty in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: When Stubborn Reliance on Obsolete Rules Costs a Career
A sheriff's dismissal for gross neglect of duty in extrajudicial foreclosure shows why court officers must keep abreast of procedural rules.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: Proving Ownership in Philippine Land Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on burden of proof in inheritance disputes over titled land, and the indefeasibility of Torrens titles.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Ownership Through Deeds and Documents
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lost land title may be reconstituted from a deed of transfer, and what evidence suffices.