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.
Perfecting Appeals in Labor Cases: The Strict Rule on Posting an Appeal Bond
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling that an employer's failure to post an appeal bond on time is fatal to an appeal, even if other requirements were met.
Possession by Tolerance: When Using Another's Land Becomes Unlawful
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated use of another's land becomes unlawful detainer, and which court has jurisdiction over the case.
Upholding Notarial Duties Consequences FOR False Acknowledgment AND Jurisdictional Violations
Jurisdiction in Property Cases: Why Assessed Value Determines the Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that assessed value, not market value, determines which court has jurisdiction over property possession cases.
Assessed Value vs Market Value: Key to Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
Philippine courts decide jurisdiction over property cases by assessed value, not market value. Learn the rule from Hilario v. Salvador.
Trust Betrayed Balancing Employee Rights AND Employer Prerogatives IN Dismissal Cases
A columnist's dismissal raises the appeal bond rule in labor cases. The Supreme Court clarifies when strict compliance may be relaxed.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds: Lessons on Fiduciary Duty
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for misappropriating P171,450 in judiciary funds, underscoring strict accountability for court personnel.
Witness Credibility vs Forensic Evidence: When Supreme Court Defers to Trial Court Findings
Philippine Supreme Court explains why witness credibility often outweighs forensic gaps in criminal convictions, citing Siccuan v. People.
When Obiter Dicta Blur THE Lines Examining Judicial Overreach IN Government Project Disputes
Upholding Moral Standards Disbarment FOR Issuing Worthless Checks AND Subsequent Conviction OF Estafa
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction in Malversation and Illegal Use of Public Funds: The Barriga Doctrine on Conspiracy
Learn when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over malversation and illegal use of public funds, even if the accused is not an accountable officer, based on the Barriga ruling.
Protecting Homebuyers: Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Properties
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed the Sandiganbayan's jurisdiction over cases involving sequestered properties, protecting homebuyers and the public interest.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets: The Del Moral Ruling
Explaining when the Sandiganbayan can annul an RTC ruling affecting sequestered corporations, and what this means for PCGG cases.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets in Partition Disputes
When a sequestered corporation's property shrinks in a partition case, the Sandiganbayan—not ordinary courts—has jurisdiction to protect it.
Strikes and Notice Requirements: Upholding Labor Law Compliance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that unions must strictly comply with the 24-hour notice requirement for strike votes, or the strike becomes illegal.
Supplemental Complaints Upholding Justice AND Efficiency IN Legal Proceedings
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial authority in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to jurisdictional boundaries and procedural rules.
Credibility of a Minor Rape Victim's Testimony: Lessons from People v. Suarez
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's testimony deserves full faith and credit despite minor inconsistencies.
Balancing the 60-Day Rule With Public Health: PhilHealth Claims and Timely Reimbursements
The Supreme Court ruled that PhilHealth's strict 60-day filing rule must yield to public health goals, allowing late claims from accredited hospitals.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Court Affirms Credibility of Minor Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible minor victim testimony, rejecting defense attacks on minor inconsistencies and delay in reporting.
Usufruct Rights and Survey Authority: Determining Land Boundaries in NHA v. Court of Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court resolved conflicting surveys over a seven-hectare usufruct, and the rules on boundary determination.
Double Jeopardy and Amendment of Information: Protecting Accused Rights After Conviction
Supreme Court rules on double jeopardy when prosecution tries to amend information after conviction and probation application.
Enforcing Justice Filing Fees AND Access TO Courts IN Foreign Judgment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on filing fees for enforcing foreign judgments, ensuring court access for human rights victims.
Dismissal for Dishonesty: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Court of Appeals employee who solicited P1 million for a favorable decision was dismissed. The Supreme Court reaffirms strict standards for court personnel.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction in Land Ownership Disputes: Key Lessons
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified docket fee payment, jurisdiction, and procedural rules in land ownership disputes.