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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Contractual Obligations Prevail: MIAA Must Refund Overpaid Rentals Despite Prescription Claims
Supreme Court rules MIAA must refund full overpaid rentals to lessee, rejecting prescription defense based on contract, not quasi-contract.
Subsidiary Liability of Employers: Execution Against Employers for Employees' Civil Delicts
Supreme Court clarifies when employers may be held subsidiarily liable for employees' civil liability arising from criminal acts.
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.
Quieting of Title as Direct Attack: Final Judgments and Property Claims in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that quieting of title is a direct attack on a certificate of title, not a prohibited collateral attack.
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.
Quieting of Title in the Philippines: Direct vs. Collateral Attacks Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when challenging a land title's validity is a direct attack, not a collateral one, in quieting of title cases.
Lawyer Disbarred for Neglect and Client Abandonment: Lessons on Legal Ethics
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years and orders return of fees for neglecting a client's annulment case.
Attorney Neglect Upholding Diligence AND Competence IN Legal Representation
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Key Witnesses Contradict Each Other in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, undermining proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Good Faith and Land Titles: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith protects parties from contempt in property disputes, balancing court orders with rights of innocent buyers.
Hidden Car Defects and Loan Obligations: What Buyers Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when car buyers can rescind a sale for hidden defects and why loan obligations remain separate.
Caveat Emptor and Land Titles: The Duty of Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Buyers of land with administratively reconstituted titles must exercise extra diligence. The Supreme Court explains why in Jurado v. Spouses Chai.
When Buy-Bust Operations Fail: Why Inconsistent Police Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, underscoring the prosecution's burden of proof.
Indirect Contempt Requires Willful Disobedience: Lessons from Land Bank v. MERALCO
When is failure to comply with a court order contempt? The Supreme Court clarifies in Land Bank v. MERALCO that good faith and impossibility matter.
Lawyer's Duty to Encourage Settlement: A Lesson from Sevilla v. Millo
When a lawyer blocked his clients' negotiated settlement, the Supreme Court imposed a one-month suspension, reaffirming that lawyers must encourage fair settlements.
CBA vs Company Policy: Protecting Employee Rights in SSS Loan Availment
Supreme Court rules company policy capping employee loans at 50% of pay violates CBA and Labor Code.
Diminished Capacity and Consent in Rape and Child Abuse Cases: Key Lessons from People v. Vañas
The Supreme Court clarifies when mental incapacity negates consent in rape and why defective Informations can void child abuse charges.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When a Supervisor's Single Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling on when a nurse supervisor's unauthorized taking of hospital supplies justifies dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Police Lapses Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over police lapses in Section 21 chain of custody, reaffirming presumption of innocence.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When a Supervisor's Actions Undermine Confidence
A nurse supervisor's dismissal for taking hospital supplies without recording was upheld. Learn the rules on loss of trust and confidence.
Deed of Assignment Validity and Loan vs. Sale: Key Contract Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Deed of Assignment establishes ownership, and how courts distinguish a loan from a sale.
Stop and Frisk During Election Periods: When Police Searches Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless stop and frisk search is valid, using an election gun ban case as an example.
Negligence in Notarial Duties Upholding Public Trust in Legal Documents
A notary's failure to properly record notarized documents leads to suspension and revocation of commission, underscoring the public trust in notarization.
Double Jeopardy in Administrative Cases: Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Affirmed
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaint against Atty. Salva, ruling that prior administrative penalty bars re-litigation of the same charges.