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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Surrender of Title Broadening RTC Jurisdiction in Land Registration Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts, as land registration courts, can hear contentious cases involving surrender of title under PD 1529.
Good Faith vs Gross Negligence: Due Process in Government Benefit Disallowances
The Supreme Court nullified a COA decision holding BSP officers liable for cash shortage, ruling that due process was violated when the Commission treated a request for opinion as a complaint.
Due Process Prevails: COA Decision Overturned for Lack of Fair Hearing
The Supreme Court annulled a COA ruling that held BSP officers liable for a cash shortage without affording them due process.
Affidavits of Retraction and Evidence in Illegal Dismissal Cases: PNB v. Gregorio
Supreme Court clarifies how courts review NLRC rulings and how affidavits of retraction are treated in illegal dismissal cases.
Perfecting Imperfect Titles: Possessory Rights and Land Registration in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when long possession can confirm imperfect titles, even without a DENR certification, in Republic v. Noval.
Perfecting Imperfect Titles: Open Possession and Land Registration in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court ruled that long, open possession of land can be confirmed as title, even without a DENR certification.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status and Continuous Possession
When can long possession overcome the lack of a DENR certification in land registration cases? The Supreme Court explains.
Upholding Contract Validity Against Claims of Forgery and Incapacity in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forgery, mental incapacity, and undue influence when challenging notarized property sales.
Estafa Corporate Liability vs Personal Liability in Loan Agreements
When is a corporate officer personally liable for estafa in a loan deal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between criminal fraud and civil debt.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Victim Testimony and Credibility Matter in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony outweighs denial, alibi, and inconclusive medical findings.
Mutual Termination of a Construction Contract Does Not Erase Unpaid Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mutually terminating a government construction contract does not waive the contractor's right to collect payment for work already completed.
Safeguarding Rights Chain of Custody in Drug Cases and the Presumption of Innocence
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict, ruling that police lapses in chain of custody defeat the presumption of regularity.
Optional Positions and Local Government Authority: Budgetary Allocation Required for Municipal Appointments
The Supreme Court clarifies that appointments to optional LGU positions like the MENRO require both sanggunian concurrence and a valid appropriation ordinance.
Mutual Contract Termination Does Not Waive Payment Claims in Construction Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on DPWH v. CMC/Monark Joint Venture clarifies that mutual termination of a construction contract does not extinguish valid payment claims.
The 10-Day Rule for Appealing Voluntary Arbitrator Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the strict 10-day deadline for appealing voluntary arbitrator decisions in Philippine labor cases, based on a 2017 Supreme Court ruling.
Bank Manager's Acquittal in Graft Case Does Not Erase Civil Liability for Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that acquittal in a criminal graft case does not automatically absolve a bank manager from civil liability for negligence.
When a Tax Sale Lacks Notice: Due Process and Res Judicata in Property Auctions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a tax delinquency sale without proper notice violates due process and is not barred by res judicata.
Res Judicata and Due Process in Tax Sales: When a Prior Case Does Not Bar a New Suit
The Supreme Court clarifies when res judicata applies in tax delinquency sales and protects property owners' right to due process.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Adherence to Chain of Custody Rules
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify deviations from Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rule.
Protecting Childhood Conviction Stands In Statutory Rape Case Despite Lack Of Fresh Medical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court affirms statutory rape conviction based on credible child testimony, ruling medical evidence is not indispensable.
Eminent Domain: How Courts Fix Just Compensation and Interest in Expropriation
Learn how Philippine courts determine just compensation and legal interest in expropriation cases, based on a 2017 Supreme Court ruling.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld: RA 7610 and Child Testimony Explained
The Supreme Court affirms a triple statutory rape conviction, clarifying RA 7610, child testimony, and damages for child victims.
Sheriffs Must Follow Execution Procedures Exactly or Face Administrative Liability
A sheriff who skipped the demand step before garnishing and levying property was suspended for simple misconduct by the Supreme Court.
Guilt Beyond Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for criminal prosecutions.