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.
Resignation Does Not Shield Court Personnel From Administrative Liability for Dishonesty
Court aide's resignation did not erase administrative liability for stealing a judge's money; forfeiture and disqualification still imposed.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without a License: Criminal Liability Under P.D. 957
Selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime. A later license does not erase liability, explains the Supreme Court.
Receivership as a Remedy: When Courts Can Appoint One Pending Litigation
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may appoint a receiver pending appeal, emphasizing that receivership is a harsh remedy reserved for extreme cases.
When Public Officials Are Protected From Unfounded Graft Complaints
Explore when public officials are shielded from unfounded graft complaints, and how courts respect the Ombudsman's discretion in dismissing baseless cases.
Rape Conviction Affirming Victim Testimony AND Ensuring Justice
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explains qualifying circumstances and penalties under Philippine law.
Execution Pending Appeal: Clarifying the Timeline for Election Contests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue execution pending appeal in election contests, resolving a common procedural misunderstanding.
Work-Related Stress and Compensability of Peptic Ulcer Under Philippine Law
Explains GSIS v. Raoet, where the Supreme Court ruled peptic ulcer is compensable when work involves prolonged emotional or physical stress.
Outsourcing Validity: Management Prerogative vs. Union Bargaining Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when outsourcing is valid management prerogative and when it intrudes on union bargaining unit coverage.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice Is Key in Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on tenant redemption rights under RA 3844 and the importance of written notice in agrarian reform cases.
When Is a Consignee Liable for Freight? The MOF v. Shin Yang Rule
A consignee named in a bill of lading is not automatically liable for freight charges. The Supreme Court explains when liability attaches.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: PEZA Cancellation of Ecozone Registration Upheld
Supreme Court rules on due process and substantial evidence in administrative proceedings involving PEZA cancellation of ecozone enterprise registration.
Good Faith and Land Titles: Resolving Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court balances Torrens titles against good faith in ownership disputes, and why buyers must investigate suspicious circumstances.
Retroactivity of Laws and Vested Rights in Bank Liquidation: PDIC v. Stockholders of Intercity Bank
When can a new law apply to an ongoing bank liquidation? The Supreme Court explains the rule on retroactivity and vested rights.
Torrens Title vs Deed of Sale: Who Wins a Possession Dispute in the Philippines?
In a Philippine ejectment case, a Torrens title beats an unregistered deed of sale. Learn the rule from Spouses Barias v. Heirs of Boneo.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and the Finality of COA Decisions
Court personnel who certify documents without verifying records face dismissal for gross neglect of duty, as this ruling shows.
Disbarment for Misconduct: Upholding Candor and Justice in Legal Practice
A lawyer's disbarment for abuse of court processes, forum shopping, and falsehoods—a reminder that zeal must yield to truth and justice.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Due Process and Unexplained Wealth in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may preventively suspend public officials and what due process requires in unexplained wealth cases.
Contempt of the COMELEC: The Scope of Its Quasi-Judicial Power Explained
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to cite for contempt even when acting through fact-finding task forces, clarifying the scope of its quasi-judicial authority.
Presidential Warranties vs. State Sovereignty: The PICOP Timber License Case
The Supreme Court ruled presidential warranties on timber licenses are not contracts, and state sovereignty over natural resources prevails.
Unlawful Termination of NPC Employees: Reinstatement Rights and Corporate Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies reinstatement rights for illegally dismissed NPC employees and limits PSALM's liability in execution.
Parol Evidence Rule and Commitment Fees: Norton Resources v. All Asia Bank
When a written contract is clear, courts will not look beyond its four corners. The parol evidence rule explained.
Accountability for Group Actions: Establishing Conspiracy in Criminal Law
Understand how Philippine courts determine conspiracy in criminal cases, when group liability attaches, and why mere presence or evasion of arrest does not equate to guilt.
Mining Rights and State Control: The Limits of Exploration Permits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permits, vested rights, and state control over mineral reservations under the Mining Act.
Handwriting Analysis and Election Disputes: Protecting the Sanctity of the Ballot
The Supreme Court clarifies when handwriting analysis may invalidate ballots in election protests, stressing that no two persons write alike.