法律洞察

Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at Time of Payment

The Supreme Court rules that just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at the time of payment, not at the time of taking in 1972.

Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Value at Time of Payment, Not Taking

Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at time of payment, not time of taking.

When Just Compensation Is Measured: The Tria Doctrine on Agrarian Expropriation Valuation

The Supreme Court ruled that just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at the time of payment, not at the time of taking.

When a Single Witness Suffices: Murder Conviction Upheld on Credible Testimony

Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on a lone eyewitness's credible testimony, clarifying rules on treachery and damages.

Mortgage Agreements Upholding Contractual Obligations AND Protecting Borrowers Rights

This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling in Go v. Looyuko on unlawful detainer, Torrens title, and the limits of ownership claims in ejectment cases.

Delayed Justice Determining Fair Compensation FOR Government Land Seizure

When the government takes property without expropriation, what value controls? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on just compensation.

THE Weight OF A Witness Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Philippine Murder Cases

Fruits of Ownership: Who Gets Rental Income in Contested Property Foreclosures

Philippine Supreme Court rules on who keeps rental income when a foreclosed property's title is later voided for fraud.

Probable Cause and Estafa: The Judge's Role in Dismissing Criminal Cases

Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, using estafa charges as the backdrop.

Privacy Beyond Residence: Surveillance Cameras and the Right to Be Let Alone

The Supreme Court expands the right to privacy beyond residences, holding that business premises and property enjoy protection from intrusive video surveillance.

Seafarers Death Benefits: Contract Extensions, Release Documents, and Compensability

Supreme Court rules seafarer's death compensable despite release documents and expired contract, protecting heirs' right to death benefits.

Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law

The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions in People v. Mendoza, clarifying buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and evidence integrity under RA 9165.

Abandonment vs. Illegal Dismissal: Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Cases

Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes abandonment from illegal dismissal and who bears the burden of proof in termination disputes.

Buy-Bust Operations, Warrantless Arrests, and Preserving Drug Evidence in Philippine Law

The Supreme Court upholds a shabu conviction, clarifying rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the chain of custody of seized drugs.

Falsification of Commercial Documents: When a Bank Manager Faces Estafa Liability

The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank manager who forges documents and misappropriates funds is liable for the complex crime of estafa through falsification of commercial documents.

Words Matter: Simple Misconduct and the Limits of Free Speech for Public Servants

A Sandiganbayan security guard's vulgar outburst at co-workers was simple misconduct, not grave. The ruling clarifies free speech limits for public servants.

Airline Breach of Contract of Carriage: Nominal Damages for Flight Disruptions

When do flight disruptions give rise to nominal damages? The Supreme Court clarifies airline and travel agent liability for breach of contract of carriage.

Treachery and Intent: How Grenade Attacks Establish Criminal Liability

The Supreme Court explains how treachery and criminal intent are established when a grenade is thrown into a crowd, affirming a murder conviction.

Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Convictions: The Role of the Presumption of Regularity

The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, explaining how the presumption of regularity in police buy-bust operations works and when it applies.

Mistake vs Misconduct in Employee Dismissal: Due Process in Philippine Labor Law

When is an employee's honest mistake a valid ground for dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between error and misconduct.

Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Following POEA-SEC Dispute Procedures Matters

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must follow the POEA-SEC third-doctor procedure in disability claims.

Ombudsman's Immunity Power Prevails in Protecting the State's Interest in Prosecuting Corruption

Supreme Court rules courts should defer to Ombudsman's grant of immunity to state witnesses in corruption cases, protecting prosecutorial discretion.

Protecting Marital Integrity When a Prior Spouse Can Challenge a Bigamous Marriage

A prior spouse can ask Philippine courts to recognize a foreign judgment nullifying a bigamous marriage, protecting marital integrity.

When Judges May Dismiss Criminal Cases for Lack of Probable Cause

The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, and when they must let the case proceed to trial.