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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Estoppel by Laches and Government Reversion Claims: The Sundiam Ruling
When can the government be barred from recovering public land? The Supreme Court's Sundiam ruling clarifies estoppel by laches and innocent purchasers for value.
Other Deceits Under Article 318: Lessons from Magalona v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied Other Deceits under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code in Magalona v. People, and what it means for property transactions.
Robbery with Homicide vs Simple Robbery: When a Co-Robber Dies in a Police Shootout
The Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a robbery is "on the occasion" of the crime, and when it is not.
Understanding Statutory Rape and Sexual Assault Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the legal boundaries between statutory rape and sexual assault, and the importance of precise charges.
Understanding Recantation in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's recantation after conviction deserves scant consideration, affirming a father's conviction.
Implied Repeal and Administrative Regulations: The CTPL Insurance Case
The Supreme Court explains when a new administrative regulation impliedly repeals an earlier one, using the CTPL insurance integration case as an example.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Loan Agreements: A Guide to Immediate Debt Repayment
The Supreme Court explains how acceleration clauses work in loan agreements, allowing creditors to demand full payment upon default.
Robbery with Homicide: When a Deadly Robbery Is Only Simple Robbery
The Supreme Court explains when a death during a robbery still results in simple robbery, not robbery with homicide.
Gross Immorality and Bigamy: What Lawyers Risk in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how bigamy and extra-marital affairs violate the lawyer's duty of good moral character.
Franchise Renewal in Philippine Broadcasting: Insights from ABS-CBN v. NTC
The Supreme Court's ruling in ABS-CBN v. NTC clarifies that an expired legislative franchise cannot be extended by pending bills or administrative practice.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage Nullity: The Calma Case
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36, Family Code, emphasizing totality of evidence over rigid Molina guidelines.
Understanding Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: The Calma Case
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code, emphasizing totality of evidence over rigid rules.
When Property Disputes Must First Go to Barangay Conciliation: Ngo v. Gabelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to undergo barangay conciliation makes a property case dismissible, and why courts cannot simply suspend proceedings to cure the defect.
Robbery With Rape in the Philippines: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Victims
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on robbery with rape, clarifying penalties, damages, and how multiple rapes are treated under Philippine law.
Witness Presence in Drug Seizures: The Chain of Custody Rule Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule and witness requirements in drug seizures, and the scope of Section 13, RA 9165.
Compromise Agreements and Execution: Key Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when compromise judgments may be executed, the effect of res judicata, and limits on denying execution.
Understanding DUE Process IN Notice OF Disallowance Cases A Supreme Court Ruling
Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Cases: Insights from People v. Serafin
The Supreme Court explains when abuse of superior strength qualifies killing as murder, using People v. Serafin as a guide.
Work-Related Illness Claims: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Seafarer Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, the 120-day disability rule, and the weight of company doctor findings.
Mortgagee in Good Faith: Protecting Banks and Borrowers in Property Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on mortgagee in good faith doctrine and banks' duty of diligence in property loans.
Compulsory Insurance for OFWs: When Agency-Hired Coverage Applies
The Supreme Court clarifies when overseas Filipino workers are covered by compulsory insurance, and what happens when contracts are renewed.
Understanding Abuse of Rights When Legal Actions Cross Ethical Boundaries
When does the right to speedy disposition become a shield against inordinate delay? The Supreme Court clarifies in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Seizure Cases: The Crucial Role of Chain of Custody
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to follow Section 21 of RA 9165's chain of custody rules.
Why Insulating Witnesses Matter in Drug Seizure Cases: People v. Balbarez
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, stressing the critical role of insulating witnesses under Section 21.