法律洞察

Contract Assignments, Prior Rights vs. Garnishments in Construction Disputes

When a contractor assigns its receivables, who gets paid first—the assignee or a garnishing creditor? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and priority rules.

Newspaper Circulation and Foreclosure: Ensuring Public Notice in Property Sales

Supreme Court nullifies foreclosure sale because notice was published in a newspaper not circulated in the city where the property was located.

Judicial Efficiency: The Mandate for Timely Resolution of Cases

The Supreme Court reminds judges that the 90-day period to decide cases is mandatory, not merely directory.

Upholding Attorneys Duty Ethical Limits IN Advocating FOR A Clients Cause

The Supreme Court clarifies that illegally dismissed employees who are not faultless may receive separation pay but no backwages.

THE Weight OF Witness Testimony Convicting ON CO Conspirator Accounts IN Murder Cases

Franchise Tax Exemptions: Scope and Limits for Telecom Companies

The Supreme Court clarifies when "in lieu of all taxes" clauses in telecom franchises do not exempt companies from local business taxes.

Illegal Dismissal and Employee Misconduct: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Employment Law

Learn how the Supreme Court balanced illegal dismissal claims against employee misconduct in Palteng v. United Coconut Planters Bank.

When a Judge Misses the 90-Day Deadline: The Duty to Decide Cases Promptly

The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for missing the 90-day decision period. Learn the rules and consequences.

Year-End Benefits in Government Agencies: Balancing Statutory Limits and Employee Welfare

Supreme Court ruling on year-end benefits for government board members and consultants, balancing statutory limits with good faith.

Amending Criminal Informations: Balancing Rights and Procedural Rules in the Philippines

The Supreme Court clarifies when amended criminal informations are allowed after arraignment, balancing the accused's rights with procedural rules.

Broken Chains: Why Strict Evidence Procedures Matter in Drug Cases

The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21, R.A. 9165.

Rape AND Consent Establishing Force AND Rejecting THE Sweetheart Defense

Property Rights in Relationships: Protecting Filipino Land Ownership From Alien Acquisition

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an Austrian's Filipino girlfriend could keep land registered in her name despite his payment and later assignment to a Filipino buyer.

Month TO Month Lease When CAN A Landlord Eject A Tenant

Rape or Child Abuse? How the Supreme Court Draws the Line Under RA 7610

In People v. Abay, the Supreme Court clarified when sexual abuse of a minor is prosecuted as rape and when it falls under RA 7610.

Supreme Court Justice Held Liable for Leaking Confidential Draft Decision

The Supreme Court ruled that a Justice who leaks an unpromulgated decision breaches confidentiality and undermines judicial integrity.

Confession as Evidence Overcoming Hearsay in Robbery With Homicide and Carnapping Convictions

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's confession to a witness is admissible evidence, not hearsay, in robbery with homicide and carnapping cases.

Judicial Efficiency Sanctions FOR Undue Delay IN Resolving Motions

Good Faith and Land Sales: Protecting the True Landowner in Philippine Property Law

The Supreme Court clarifies that Torrens titles are not proof of ownership, and that a Filipino buyer can cure a flawed land sale from an alien.

Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: When Estafa Is Proven Beyond Reasonable Doubt

The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing bouncing checks amounts to estafa, and why a spouse is not automatically guilty by association.

Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Workers Beyond Direct Employment

Learn how Philippine courts hold employers and contractors jointly liable for labor standard violations, protecting workers beyond direct employment relationships.

Disbarment for Misusing Blank Checks: Dishonesty and Abuse of Authority

A lawyer who filled up borrowers' blank checks and filed baseless criminal cases was disbarred for gross misconduct and dishonesty.

Voter Registration AND Disqualification THE Imperative OF A Signed Application

Silence Isn't Always Acquiescence: Child Rape Victims and the Validity of Delayed Reporting in Philippine Law

The Supreme Court affirms that delayed reporting by child rape victims does not weaken credibility, explaining why silence is not acquiescence.