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.
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Forum Shopping in Land Expropriation: When Separate Claims for Just Compensation Are Allowed
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing separate cases for just compensation over different lots taken by the government does not constitute forum shopping.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence in Ejectment Cases: The Violago Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's errors in ejectment cases amount to gross negligence warranting discipline, and when they do not.
Investment vs Loan: When a "Pay on Demand" Promise Binds the Investor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an investment becomes a recoverable obligation, and how the parties' own acts define their contract.
Balancing Employee Misconduct With Proportionate Penalties: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that dismissal was too harsh for an employee who took expired company products, emphasizing proportionate penalties.
Understanding Incestuous Rape Standards and Victim Credibility in Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies legal standards for incestuous rape and how courts assess victim credibility in such cases.
Unlocking the Path to Remarriage: How Philippine Courts Handle Foreign Divorce Decrees
The Supreme Court clarifies when Filipino spouses in mixed marriages may remarry after a foreign divorce, and why courts relax procedural rules for substantial justice.
Probable Cause and Government Procurement: Insights from the DOH v. Pascua Case
The Supreme Court dismissed DOH petitions against a trial court's TRO and injunction in a bidding dispute, ruling the case moot after the project proceeded.
Understanding Probable Cause in Public Procurement: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in public procurement cases, emphasizing that mere signature on documents does not prove bad faith.
Understanding Mootness in Philippine Legal Proceedings: Insights from a Landmark Infrastructure Project Case
The Supreme Court explains mootness doctrine through a DOH infrastructure bidding dispute, showing when courts dismiss cases as moot.
Attempted vs. Frustrated Homicide: The Gemenez Ruling on Proving Fatal Injuries
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, homicide—key lessons on proving fatal injuries.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Municipality of Bakun v. Municipality of Sugpon
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how local government boundary disputes are appealed, and why procedural rules yield to substantial justice.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains treachery, alibi, eyewitness identification, and damages in murder cases. Learn the key principles.
Proving Inheritance The Burden OF Evidence IN Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a certificate of title existed before reconstitution is granted.
Navigating Work-Related Illness Claims: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Seafarer Compensation
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on seafarer compensation for work-related illness, including the reasonable link test and quitclaim validity.
Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
When Sellers May Keep Partial Payments in a Failed Property Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller may keep partial payments as rentals after a failed contract to sell.
Notarizing a Document: When a Notary Public Is Not Liable for False Contents
Learn when a notary public is not liable for false statements in a notarized document, based on a 2020 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Partitioning Inherited Property: Why Precise Land Identification Matters for All Heirs
A Supreme Court ruling on partition shows why heirs must clearly identify inherited land. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Filing Baseless Lawsuits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for filing baseless suits to harass an opposing party—a lesson on the limits of a lawyer's zeal.
Teasing in the Public Sector: When a Joke Becomes Simple Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when workplace teasing crosses the line into simple misconduct, and why dismissal may be warranted for repeat offenses.
Medical Abandonment and Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Antolino Case
When a seafarer skips required medical check-ups, disability benefits may be forfeited. The Supreme Court explains the limits of financial incapacity as an excuse.
Tax-Free Share Swaps in the Philippines: The Co Ruling and CGT Exemptions
The Supreme Court's Co ruling clarifies when share swaps are tax-free under (C)(2) of the NIRC, saving businesses millions.
When Can You Challenge an Ombudsman Dismissal? Certiorari Limits Explained
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Dormido v. Ombudsman on why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment in graft case dismissals.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Witness Identification in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Supreme Court affirms convictions for robbery with homicide despite delayed witness identification, explaining why silence does not destroy credibility.