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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Force AND Consent IN Rape Examining Standards OF Proof AND Victim Behavior
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty Over Court Property
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for taking court property without authority and lying under oath, reaffirming strict standards for judicial personnel.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Ethical Standards for the Bench and Bar
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for an extramarital affair and suspends him from law practice for three years, clarifying ethical standards.
When Land Boundaries Prevail Over Stated Area in Lump-Sum Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump-sum land sales, boundaries control over stated area, preventing relitigation of ownership disputes.
Lump Sum Sales Boundaries Prevail Over Area In Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump sum real estate sales, boundaries control over stated area under Article 1542.
Just Compensation and Agrarian Reform: When Courts Can Deviate From DAR Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies when Special Agrarian Courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas in determining just compensation under RA 6657.
Navigating THE Boundaries OF Treachery Distinguishing Homicide From Murder IN Sudden Attacks
Overlapping Land Claims Resolving Boundary Disputes IN Property Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies remedies for unpaid sellers in land sales, distinguishing dacion en pago from absolute sale.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Negligence and Conflict of Interest in Public Office
A Supreme Court ruling on public officials who signed resolutions recommending their own appointments, and the consequences of conflict of interest.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Courts May Deviate From DAR Valuation Guidelines
Explaining when courts may depart from DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform cases, and why a clear explanation is required.
Common Carriers and Stolen Goods: The Extraordinary Diligence Standard in the Philippines
Philippine law holds common carriers liable for stolen goods unless theft involved grave threat or irresistible force. Learn the extraordinary diligence standard.
CNA Incentive Disallowance Navigating THE Boundaries OF Government Employee Benefits
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disbarment for Attorney's Deceptive Settlement Tactics
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for deceiving an opposing party into paying P2 million under a false compromise agreement, reaffirming high ethical standards.
When Police Break the Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165, highlighting a strict standard for drug prosecutions.
Just Compensation Courts Role IN Agrarian Reform Valuation
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts may deviate from DAR's valuation formula in agrarian reform cases, provided the deviation is reasoned and grounded on evidence.
DAR Secretary Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Title Cancellations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DAR Secretary exclusively handles cancellation of registered emancipation patents and agrarian titles.
Upholding Just Cause in Employment Termination: The Boundaries of Company Policy and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for fraud is valid and when company rules must be followed for just cause.
Chain of Custody Breakdown: Drug Evidence Integrity and the Reasonable Doubt Standard
When police break the chain of custody in drug cases, the Supreme Court may acquit—even if the accused was caught in a buy-bust.
Protecting Children: Lascivious Conduct and the Boundaries of Child Abuse Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between simple rape and sexual abuse under RA 7610, and the rules on proving a victim's minority.
Upholding Employer Rights Teleperformances Justification FOR Dismissal Based ON Performance Standards
Explore how consistent failure to meet reasonable performance metrics can justify dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Substantial Evidence Standard in Disbarment Cases: Buntag v. Atty. Toledo
The Supreme Court clarifies the substantial evidence standard in disbarment cases and reminds lawyers to put fee agreements in writing.
When Finality Isn't Enough: Re-Evaluating Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries After a Concluded Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when DAR may re-open beneficiary identification despite a final ruling, and why that isn't contempt.
Dismissal of Court Employee for Gross Neglect and Insubordination in the Judiciary
Court employee dismissed for gross neglect of duty and insubordination. Learn the standards of conduct required in the Judiciary.
Overseas Workers' Money Claims: Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction and Agency Solidary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies Labor Arbiter jurisdiction over overseas workers' illegal dismissal claims and recruitment agencies' solidary liability.