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 Can a Lawyer Withdraw Services? Ethical Boundaries Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may withdraw from a case and when withdrawal becomes unethical misconduct warranting discipline.
Tax Exemptions Are Strictly Construed: The Sea-Land Service Ruling
Philippine tax exemptions are strictly construed. Learn how the Supreme Court denied a US shipping firm's tax refund claim in Sea-Land Service, Inc. v. CIR.
Encroachment and Good Faith: What Builders Must Know Under Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on encroachment, good faith, and accion reinvindicatoria in Evadel Realty v. Soriano.
Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Lessons from Montes v. Bugtas
The Supreme Court reminds judges that failing to decide cases within the constitutional 90-day period is gross inefficiency, even with heavy workloads.
Abuse of Authority: Clerks of Court Must Not Issue Subpoenas Without a Pending Case
A clerk of court who issued a subpoena without any pending case was fined P5,000 for grave misconduct. Know the limits of court authority.
The Limits of Injunctive Relief When Enrollment Rights Meet School Policies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue injunctions in school enrollment disputes, requiring clear legal rights and urgent necessity.
The Perils of Compromise When Legal Counsel Exceeds Authority in Criminal Cases
Learn how defective pretrial notice can void default judgments and why counsel's authority to compromise has strict limits.
Accion Pauliana: When the Four-Year Clock Starts on Fraudulent Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period for accion pauliana begins, protecting creditors from fraudulent conveyances by debtors.
Fair Rental Value in Unlawful Detainer: Key Lessons from Catungal v. Hao
How Philippine courts determine fair rental value when a lease expires, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Catungal v. Hao.
Safeguarding Confessions: The Right to Competent Counsel in Custodial Investigations
A suspect's confession is inadmissible without effective, independent counsel during custodial investigation. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Patungan.
Consolidation of Cases: Ensuring Comprehensive Justice and Preventing Inconsistent Rulings
When related cases involve the same parties, Philippine courts may order consolidation to ensure comprehensive, consistent resolution of all issues.
When a Child Is Taken: Proving Parentage in Habeas Corpus Cases
The Supreme Court explains how courts determine a child's identity and parentage in habeas corpus custody disputes.
When Association Isnt Conspiracy Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies The Need For Concrete Proof In Criminal Co
The Supreme Court explains when mere presence becomes criminal conspiracy, requiring proof of a common design to commit a crime.
The People vs the President: Defining the Limits of People Power and Presidential Immunity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Estrada v. Desierto clarifies resignation, presidential succession, and immunity from suit under the 1987 Constitution.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
How Philippine courts apply treachery to qualify killings as murder, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a sudden stabbing.
When Sheriffs Overstep: Excessive Levy, Irregular Auction Sales, and Public Trust
A sheriff's excessive levy and irregular auction sale of levied property lead to suspension—what the rules require.
When Business Disputes Turn Deadly Examining Criminal Liability IN Contractual Conflicts
A sheriff's excessive levy and irregular auction in a rice dispute shows how execution of judgments can cross into misconduct.
Writ of Possession: Buyer's Right After Foreclosure Despite Pending Disputes
After foreclosure and failed redemption, a property buyer can obtain a writ of possession even if the former owner raises objections. Learn the rules.
Conditional Sales and Probate Court Approval: Protecting Heirs' Rights in Estate Transactions
Learn how Philippine courts handle conditional sales of estate property, protecting heirs' shares while honoring valid contracts.
Accountability in Group Crime: Conspiracy and Individual Liability in Violent Attacks
When a group attacks, Philippine courts can hold each member liable for the acts of all through conspiracy. This case explains how.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: Fair Hearings and Just Outcomes in Philippine Law
Explore how Philippine courts ensure due process in labor disputes, balancing employer rights and employee protections for fair hearings.
The Perils of Verbal Land Deals: Why Written Authority Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Real Estate
Learn how the Supreme Court protects small property owners from expropriation and why written authority is crucial in Philippine land deals.
Novation by Implied Consent: When a Creditor's Silence Speaks Volumes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a creditor's failure to object to a debtor substitution can constitute implied consent to novation.
Duty of Clerks of Court to Supervise Stenographers and Manage Court Records
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's duty to supervise stenographers and ensure timely transcription of notes and safekeeping of records.