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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Sheriffs Must Follow Court Procedure and Never Accept Unofficial Fees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to follow execution procedure and prohibition on receiving unofficial payments.
Buy-Bust Operations and Fair Representation: Ensuring Due Process for the Accused
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations, the right to counsel, and due process protections for accused persons in drug cases.
When Possession Does Not Equal Ownership: Public Land Act Claims After PD 1073
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that long possession of public land only ripens into ownership if it began by June 12, 1945.
Verifying Arbitral Awards: Authenticity Requirements Under Philippine Arbitration Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unverified copies of arbitral awards cannot support court confirmation orders, explaining verification requirements under R.A. 876.
Substantial Compliance in Labor Disputes: Upholding Merits Over Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court rules that substantial compliance with procedural rules, not technicalities, should govern labor dispute resolutions.
Retrenchment During Financial Strain: Employers' Right to Minimize Losses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly retrench workers during business losses, including evidence rules on appeal.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales: Vendee's Rights and Vendor's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer must pay the balance in a real estate sale and when a vendor can rescind.
Judicial Discretion in Voluntary Inhibition and Maintaining Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when judges may voluntarily inhibit from cases and why doing so protects judicial impartiality and public trust.
Wage Order Exemptions Limited to One Year Under NWPC Guidelines
Philippine Supreme Court rules wage order exemptions for distressed firms are non-extendable beyond one year under NWPC guidelines.
Ejectment Suits and Due Process: When Non-Parties Are Bound by Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when non-parties to an ejectment case may still be bound by a demolition order.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Fair Rental Value as Measure of Reasonable Compensation in Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine fair rental value and reasonable compensation when lease agreements fail to fix rental rates.
False Testimony and Prejudicial Questions: When Criminal Proceedings Must Wait
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when criminal cases for false testimony must be suspended pending resolution of a prejudicial civil question.
Voidable Contracts: Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a husband's sale of conjugal property without the wife's consent is voidable, not void, and how buyers can lose good faith protection.
Simple Misconduct vs Grave Misconduct: Ethical Boundaries for Court Personnel in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on DTR falsification by court personnel clarifies grave misconduct penalties and mitigating circumstances.
Promptness and Truthfulness: Disciplining Judges for Delays and False Certifications
Philippine Supreme Court rulings on disciplining judges for delayed decisions and false certifications of service.
Judicial Authority and Preliminary Investigations: Balancing Power and Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that municipal trial court judges may conduct preliminary investigations, and errors in judgment alone do not warrant administrative liability.
Upholding Regulatory Authority: Provisional Authorities and Non-Exclusivity in Telecom Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NTC's power to grant provisional authorities and the non-exclusive nature of telecom franchises.
Contempt and Due Process: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on civil contempt, due process, and personal liability of corporate officers for violating court orders.
Travel Agency Liability: Ordinary Care, Not Common Carrier Duties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that travel agencies owe ordinary diligence, not the extraordinary care required of common carriers.
Unregistered Mortgage vs Notice of Lis Pendens: Priority Rights in Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on priority between unregistered mortgages and notices of lis pendens in property foreclosure disputes.
Sheriff's Duty to Execute Writs Promptly: Accountability in Civil Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's mandatory duty to execute writs promptly and the consequences of dishonesty in civil cases.
Custodianship vs Trusteeship: Determining Liability in Investment Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a custodian and a trustee in investment agreements, and who bears liability when investments fail.
When Defense Turns Deadly Distinguishing Self Defense From Unjustified Aggression IN Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between lawful self-defense and criminal aggression in homicide cases, explaining burden of proof and reasonable belief.