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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Conspiracy in Philippine Drug Cases: When Shared Intent Leads to Conviction
Learn how Philippine courts prove conspiracy in drug cases, where coordinated actions can convict multiple persons even if drugs are found on only one.
Proving Work-Related Illness in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Francisco Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, emphasizing proof of work-relatedness beyond mere occurrence during employment.
Homeowners Associations vs Non-Members: HLURB Jurisdiction and CMP Benefits
When can a homeowners association evict non-members from CMP land? The Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction in Eugenio v. Sta. Monica Riverside Homeowners Association.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and why self-defense failed in People v. Manulit.
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
When the Secretary of Labor May Award Higher Wages Than a Union MOA
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the Labor Secretary can grant wage increases higher than a union's memorandum of agreement.
Paraffin Tests and Witness Credibility in Philippine Homicide Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts weigh negative paraffin test results against eyewitness testimony in homicide cases, and why credibility prevails.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
When Can Employees Be Fired for Participating in a Strike in the Philippines
Philippine law protects rank-and-file strikers from dismissal for mere participation in an illegal strike, but union officers face stricter liability.
Finality of Judgments: Understanding Immutability and Exceptions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of finality of judgments and its exceptions in a labor case involving illegal dismissal and retirement.
When Judges Delay: Supreme Court Fines Retired Judge for Unjustified Case Delays
Supreme Court holds judges accountable for unjustified delays, fining a retired MTC judge P10,000 for failing to act on pending cases for over a year.
Corporate Officers vs Employees: Who Hears Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer's removal is an intra-corporate dispute, not an illegal dismissal case for labor tribunals.
Corporate Officers and Labor Jurisdiction: Lessons from Locsin v. Nissan Lease
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporate officers cannot claim illegal dismissal before labor tribunals; their removal is an intra-corporate dispute.
Novation in Philippine Law: Understanding the Requirements for Extinguishing Obligations
Learn how novation extinguishes obligations under Philippine law, its requirements, and how the Supreme Court applies these rules in corporate rehabilitation cases.