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.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a convicted person who misses the 15-day appeal period loses the right to appeal—and why counsel's negligence binds the client.
Judicial Independence: No CSC Clearance Required for Retiring Judiciary Employees
The Supreme Court rules that retiring judiciary employees need not secure CSC clearance for administrative cases, upholding judicial independence.
Breach of Trust Justifying Dismissal for Supervisors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when supervisors may be validly dismissed for loss of trust and confidence, applying the totality of infractions rule.
Secretary's Certificate as Proof of Corporate Authority in Philippine Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a secretary's certificate suffices to prove corporate authority to file pleadings, and the duties of plaintiffs in pre-trial.
Finality of Labor Awards and Attorney's Fees in Compromise Settlements
When a client settles a labor case behind counsel's back to avoid attorney's fees, the Supreme Court protects the lawyer's right to compensation.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force and Consent in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that voluntary presence in a motel does not equal consent to sex.
Perfecting Land Titles: Possession Requirements for Public Land Registration in the Philippines
Understand the possession rules for registering public land under PD 1529, including the June 12, 1945 requirement clarified by the Supreme Court.
Beyond the Document: When the Best Evidence Rule Doesn't Apply in Philippine Law
The Best Evidence Rule only applies when a document's terms are in issue—not its existence. Learn from a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights and Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring the need to protect accused rights.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Collection Cases: Learning from Cabrera v. Francisco
How courts determine jurisdiction in collection cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Cabrera v. Francisco as a guide.
Balancing Company Rules and Employee Rights: The Doctrine of Proportionate Penalty in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When does a company rule violation justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of proportionate penalty in illegal dismissal cases.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: When Courts Can Restore Destroyed Land Records
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Tax Treaty Benefits vs. BIR Rules: The Deutsche Bank Ruling on Prior Application
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to comply with the BIR's prior application rule does not automatically bar tax treaty relief.
Res Judicata Bars Repeated Litigation Over Same Land Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents endless litigation over the same property and title.
Trust Receipts vs Loans: When Intent Defines the Contract
Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt is really a loan, acquitting a corporate officer of estafa under PD 115.
Probable Cause in Kidnapping Cases: When Prosecutors Overstep Their Role
The Supreme Court clarifies the standard for probable cause in preliminary investigations and when a prosecutor's dismissal amounts to grave abuse of discretion.
Breach of Insurance Contract: The Impact of Unapproved Property Relocation
When insured property moves without insurer consent, coverage may cease. Learn from Malayan Insurance v. PAP Co. on relocation risks.
Speedy Trial vs Consolidation: Protecting the Accused's Rights
The Supreme Court rules that consolidating criminal cases cannot override an accused's constitutional right to a speedy trial.
Monetary Board's Bank Receivership Power Upheld for Public Protection
Supreme Court affirms Monetary Board's power to place banks under receivership without prior hearing, citing the "close now, hear later" doctrine.
Private Prosecutors in Perjury Cases: Upholding the Offended Party's Rights
Explaining when a private prosecutor may intervene in perjury cases, citing the Supreme Court's ruling in Lee Pue Liong v. Chua Pue Chin Lee.
When a Lawyer Buys His Client’s Land: Double Sale and Bad Faith Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who bought land his clients had already purchased lost the case. The Supreme Court explains double sales, bad faith, and unregistered land rules.
Eyewitness Testimony in Rape with Homicide Cases: Credibility and the Weight of a Single Witness
How Philippine courts assess the credibility of a single eyewitness in rape with homicide cases, explained through a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly and File Periodic Returns: DBP v. Famero
The Supreme Court clarifies a sheriff's duty to execute writs with dispatch and file Section 14, Rule 39 periodic returns, imposing a fine for neglect.
Agency and Authority: When a Deed Does Not Mean a Done Deal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of sale is void without proper agency authority under the Civil Code.