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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Unlawful Detainer: Proving Tolerance Is Key to a Successful Ejectment
Philippine Supreme Court explains why owners must prove tolerance to win an unlawful detainer case, and what happens when they fail.
Upholding Watershed Preservation When Ancestral Land Claims Clash With Environmental Protection In Baguio
The Supreme Court rules that pending ancestral land claims do not justify injunctions against demolition in the Busol Watershed, prioritizing environmental preservation.
Probable Cause in Trafficking Cases: The Two Kinds of Determination Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between executive and judicial probable cause in trafficking cases, and why judges should not dismiss cases prematurely.
Regular Employment in Poultry Farms: Length of Service and Necessity of Work
Supreme Court clarifies when maintenance workers in poultry farms become regular employees under Philippine labor law.
When Lawyers Fall Short: Negligence and Client Funds in Philippine Legal Ethics
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, missed deadlines, and mishandled client funds—and what it means for clients.
Willful Disobedience as Just Cause for Termination: Mamaril v. The Red System Company
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's repeated violation of safety rules justifies dismissal for willful disobedience under the Labor Code.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Bermudo
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and conspiracy establish guilt in murder cases, using the Bermudo case as a guide.
Ancestral Land Rights Prevail: Registration Allowed Despite Forest Reserve Status
Supreme Court rules ancestral lands occupied since time immemorial may be registered even if located inside a forest reserve, applying IPRA Law.
Protecting Childhood Statutory Rape AND THE Irrelevance OF Consent
The Supreme Court affirms that in statutory rape, consent is irrelevant; mere touching of the labia by the penis constitutes carnal knowledge.
Regular Employee Status: Distinguishing Independent Contractors From Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers are regular employees despite agency transfers, distinguishing independent contractors from labor-only contracting.
Third Doctor's Opinion Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying Conflict Resolution Under POEA-SEC
Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's disability grade is determined by the company-designated physician's assessment, unless a third doctor's opinion is obtained.
Regular Employment and Labor-Only Contracting: Lingat v. Coca-Cola Bottlers
Supreme Court clarifies when agency-hired workers are regular employees of the principal employer, and the limits of labor contracting.
When the Court Reduces a Lawyer's Fine: Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Ethics Cases
In Domingo v. Revilla, the Supreme Court cut a disbarred lawyer's P100,000 ethics fine to P50,000 after he cited illness, remorse, and loss of livelihood.
Government Employee Benefits: BIR Authority and the Limits of Compromise
The Supreme Court rules on BIR's power to tax government employee benefits and the limits of taxing allowances under RMO No. 23-2014.
Mandanas Ruling: LGUs' Just Share Must Come From All National Taxes
The Supreme Court expands the base for computing LGUs' just share in national taxes, clarifying the scope of fiscal autonomy under the Constitution.
Disbarment for Forging Court Decisions: A Lesson in Legal Ethics
When a lawyer faked a court decision to deceive a client, the Supreme Court imposed the ultimate penalty: disbarment.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Disbarment for Faking a Court Decision
A lawyer who notarized without the client present and fabricated a court decision was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
Senate Contempt Powers: When Legislative Inquiry Detention Must End
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Senate contempt detention limits during legislative inquiries, balancing legislative power and individual rights.
Assurance Fund Claims: When the Prescriptive Period Starts for Defrauded Landowners
The Supreme Court clarifies when the six-year period to claim the Assurance Fund begins for landowners defrauded under the Torrens system.
When Investment Promises Fall Short: Estafa and Other Deceits Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a broken investment promise is estafa, and when it becomes
Attorney Suspended for Six Months for Signing Deed With False Statements
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for signing a deed of sale containing false statements, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold truth even when following client wishes.
Taming Unconscionable Interest: Reassessing Loan Obligations and Attorney's Fees in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts temper unconscionable loan interest rates and when attorney's fees may be awarded in foreclosure cases.
Lawyer Suspended for Signing Falsified Deed in Family Property Sale
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for signing a deed of sale containing falsehoods, reaffirming lawyers' duty to uphold truth.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Proper Identification in Legal Documents
A lawyer's notarial commission revoked and practice suspended for notarizing a deed using only a community tax certificate as identification.