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.
Credibility of a Minor Rape Victim's Testimony: Lessons from People v. Suarez
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's testimony deserves full faith and credit despite minor inconsistencies.
Venue Stipulations in Promissory Notes Extend to Surety Agreements
When a promissory note fixes an exclusive venue, that stipulation binds the surety agreement supporting it, the Supreme Court rules.
Homestead Rights vs Agrarian Reform: What Landowners Must Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that homestead patents do not automatically exempt land from agrarian reform coverage under Philippine law.
Execution Pending Appeal: The Imperative of Good Reasons in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine courts grant execution pending appeal only for compelling reasons. Learn the rule, the exceptions, and practical takeaways.
Judicial Ethics and Impartiality: When a Judge's Errors Become Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's hasty grant of reinvestigation and dismissal without notice or hearing amounts to gross ignorance of the law, violating judicial ethics.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Evaluation Required Before Dismissing Criminal Cases
Supreme Court holds judges liable for granting motions to dismiss without independent review, notice, and hearing.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules Ensuring Fairness in Certiorari Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retroactive application of curative procedural rules for certiorari filings under Rule 65.
Correcting Election Returns: The Presidential Electoral Tribunal's Authority to Rectify Manifest Errors
The PET may correct manifest errors in election returns and certificates of canvass as part of its constitutional mandate to judge election contests.
Mootness Doctrine Resolving Disputes After A Corporations Dissolution
When a corporation dissolves mid-litigation, courts must decide if the case is moot. Learn the doctrine's application.
Supreme Court Upholds PNP Officer’s Dismissal for Grave Misconduct Under RA 6975
SC ruling on PNP summary dismissal powers, grave misconduct, and procedural rules in police administrative cases under RA 6975.
Modifying Penalties When Retirement Alters Judicial Discipline
When a judge retires before serving a suspension, the Supreme Court may convert the penalty to a fine. Learn how this works.
Breach of Barangay Settlement: Your Right to Rescind and Sue in Court
When a barangay settlement is breached, Philippine law gives the aggrieved party the right to rescind it and pursue their original claim in court.
Seafarer Status Contractual Employment AND Security OF TENURE IN Philippine Maritime LAW
The Supreme Court rules that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees, even after decades of continuous rehiring.
Future Inheritance vs Present Rights: Resolving Property Disputes Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on partition inter vivos, future inheritance, and validity of property transfers among heirs.
Voiding Contracts With Indigenous Peoples Prior Approval IS Mandatory
Supreme Court clarifies that contracts with indigenous peoples require prior government approval or they are void, protecting ancestral lands.
Letters of Credit and Attorney-in-Fact Duties: Land Bank's Dual Role Explained
Supreme Court clarifies a bank's limited role under letters of credit versus its fiduciary duties as attorney-in-fact in export collections.
Ejectment Suits MTC Jurisdiction Prevails Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTC retains jurisdiction over ejectment cases even when defendants raise ownership or agrarian reform claims.
Abuse of Rights and Uninvited Guests: The Amay Bisaya Damages Case
When does asking a gate-crasher to leave become actionable? The Supreme Court clarifies abuse of rights under Articles 19 and 21.
Taxing Electoral Contributions: Clarifying Gift Tax Law in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court ruling that political contributions are taxable gifts under the NIRC, absent an express exemption.
Habeas Corpus A Limited Remedy FOR Violations OF Speedy Trial Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus is not the proper remedy to enforce speedy trial rights, explaining available legal options.
Filial Privilege When CAN A Child Testify Against A Parent IN Philippine Courts
Philippine law on when a child may testify against a parent in court, explained in plain language for lay readers.
Unlawful Detainer: A Tenant's Admissions and the Inevitable Ejectment
In Mendoza v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court ruled that a tenant's own admissions in pleadings can seal an ejectment case.
Hotel Waivers for Lost Guest Items Are Void: The McLoughlin Rule
Philippine law voids hotel waivers for lost guest belongings. Learn the McLoughlin case and what hotels must do.
When Local Councils Overstep: Cable TV Franchises and the Limits of LGU Power
A look at Zoomzat v. People, where the Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot grant cable TV franchises—that power belongs to the NTC.