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.
Overcoming Title Presumptions: The Imperative of Clear and Convincing Evidence in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why clear and convincing evidence is required to overturn a free patent and certificate of title.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Religious Affiliation and Shari'a Court Jurisdiction
Can a municipality be considered Muslim for Shari'a court jurisdiction? The Supreme Court says no, reversing a Shari'a District Court ruling.
Hierarchy of Courts and Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: The Imperative for Orderly Legal Processes
The Supreme Court reiterates that parties must observe the hierarchy of courts and exhaust administrative remedies before seeking judicial relief.
Accountability Prevails: COA's Power to Discipline and Recover Unlawful Benefits
The Supreme Court affirms COA's authority to discipline its personnel and recover unauthorized benefits received from audited agencies.
Falsification of Court Documents: Accountability and Public Trust in the Judiciary
Court employee dismissed for falsifying a Certificate of Finality in a non-existent case, showing how public trust is protected.
Undue Delay in Ejectment Cases: When a Judge Must Decide Within 30 Days
A judge's failure to decide an ejectment case within 30 days is undue delay. Learn the rules and penalties.
Insanity as a Defense: Establishing Mental Incapacity in Criminal Proceedings
Understanding how Philippine courts assess insanity as a defense and what evidence is needed to establish mental incapacity in criminal cases.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises the penalty.
Supreme Court: Early Retirement Must Be Voluntary—Illegal Dismissal Ruling Against Letran
SC rules an employee cannot be retired early without express consent; Letran liable for illegal dismissal, separation pay, and backwages.
Safeguarding Impartiality Upholding DUE Process IN Administrative Whistleblowing Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of illegal firearm possession due to police failure to mark evidence at the place of seizure, establishing new guidelines for firearms cases.
Attorney Disbarment for Willful Disobedience Upholding Court Authority in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers for willful disobedience, protecting court authority and the integrity of the legal profession.
Upholding Child Protection: Parental Discipline vs. Child Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between parental discipline and child abuse under R.A. 7610 in a case involving a guardian who burned a child with a flat iron.
Tax Evasion and Prescription: The Statute of Limitations in Philippine Tax Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when the three-year prescriptive period for tax assessment applies, and why fraud must be proven to trigger the ten-year rule.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery: Conviction for Murder Upheld by Supreme Court
A look at how positive eyewitness identification and treachery established guilt beyond reasonable doubt in a murder case.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Procedure
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor lapses in drug evidence procedure do not automatically acquit an accused if the evidence's integrity remains intact.
Equitable Mortgage Protecting Vulnerable Parties IN Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contract breach warrants damages, and when it does not, in a property dispute.
When Counsel's Negligence Costs the Appeal: Lessons from Dimaandal v. Ilagan
A client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless gross negligence deprives them of due process. The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Construction Contracts Default Rules and Unjust Enrichment in Equipment Leases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules on minimum contract amounts, quantum meruit, and unjust enrichment in construction equipment lease disputes.
Surety’s Liability: The Extent and Limits Under Philippine Law
Understand the scope of a surety’s obligations in the Philippines, including liability limits, defenses, and key legal principles.
Writ of Possession After Tax Delinquency Sale: No Forum Shopping Certification Required
Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of possession petition after a tax delinquency sale is not an initiatory pleading, so no certification against forum shopping is needed.
Local Autonomy vs Centralized Power: Who Decides on Water Governance
Supreme Court ruling on who appoints water district boards when cities fail the 75% threshold, balancing local autonomy against centralized control.
Baguio Land Titles Validation Denied for Expanded Areas Despite Prior Resurvey Approval
Supreme Court rules resurvey approval doesn't validate expanded Baguio land titles under PD 1271, requiring strict compliance.
Summary Judgment vs Trial: Protecting Rights in Contract Disputes
How the Supreme Court protects judgment debtors from irregular execution sales in contract disputes, and what it means for your rights.
Improper Levy Voids Execution Sale Protecting Due Process in Debt Recovery
Supreme Court rules labor tribunals cannot hold corporate officers liable without summons, voiding execution sales against them.