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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Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an accused who dies pending appeal has both criminal and civil liabilities extinguished.
Temperate vs Nominal Damages: When Philippine Courts Award Moderate Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply instead of nominal damages, using a shipping collision case as the guide.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Suspension for Dishonest Acts by Attorneys
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines attorneys for dishonest acts, including suspension, based on recent jurisprudence.
Understanding Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and corrects penalty and damages awards in De Guzman v. People.
State Sovereignty in Land Registration: Proving Alienability and Disposability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that land registration requires proof of alienability and disposability, not just possession.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Claims: Insurers Must Prove Actual Damages to Recover Subrogated Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply in cargo loss claims when actual damages cannot be proven with certainty.
Upholding the Sanctity of the Home: Violation of Domicile in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crime of violation of domicile under the Revised Penal Code, emphasizing the protection of the home against unlawful intrusion.
Breach of Trust Estafa and the Misappropriation of Funds Entrusted for Tax Remittance
When does a cashier's mishandling of funds amount to estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the key distinction between material and juridical possession.
When Paying a Bounced Check Before Charges Are Filed Can Mean Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court explains when full payment of a dishonored check before the filing of an Information can lead to acquittal from BP 22 charges.
PEZA Exempt From Local Property Taxes: Key SC Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled PEZA is exempt from real property taxes as a government instrumentality. Learn the legal basis and implications.
Cashier's Checks and Contractual Disputes: Bank Obligations and Purchaser Rights in Philippine Law
When can a purchaser stop payment on a manager's or cashier's check? The Supreme Court explains in Chiok v. Metrobank.
Juvenile Justice Balancing Rehabilitation AND Accountability IN HOMICIDE CASES
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child in conflict with the law may still be imprisoned, even under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Negligence and Fair Compensation: Temperate Damages When Proof of Loss Is Lacking
When a court finds negligence but exact losses are unproven, temperate damages may be awarded. A Philippine Supreme Court case explains.
Intent to Kill: What Separates Frustrated Homicide from Serious Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent to kill distinguishes frustrated homicide from serious physical injuries, with practical guidance on evidence.
PEZA Tax Exemption: Instrumentality of National Government and Real Property Tax
Supreme Court rules PEZA is exempt from real property tax as an instrumentality of the national government, clarifying local taxing limits.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonesty and Failure to Pay Debt: A Lesson in Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court affirms a lawyer's suspension for issuing worthless checks and failing to pay a debt, underscoring lawyers' ethical duty to honor financial obligations.
COMELEC's Budgetary Discretion and the Limits of Recall Election Funding
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC's 2014 budget covered recall elections, rejecting the agency's refusal to proceed for lack of funds.
Dual Office Ban and CSC Independence: Funa v. CSC Chairman (G.R. No. 191672)
The Supreme Court strikes down EO 864 for violating the constitutional ban on dual office and CSC independence.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for Anti-Graft Act violations begins, using a behest loan case as the backdrop.
Upholding Ethical Standards Attorney Suspended FOR Dishonest Real Estate Dealings
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for dishonest real estate dealings, reaffirming high ethical standards for attorneys in the Philippines.
Upholding Public Safety: Supreme Court Invalidates Ordinance Permitting Oil Depots in Densely Populated Area
The Supreme Court strikes down Manila Ordinance No. 8187 for allowing oil depots to remain in densely populated Pandacan, reaffirming the primacy of public safety and health.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: Jurisdiction Depends on the Complaint's Allegations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ejectment cases belong in MeTC versus RTC, based on the complaint's allegations.
Donor's Tax on Share Sales: Fair Market Value and Donative Intent
Supreme Court rules on donor's tax for share sales below book value, fair market value determination, and CTA jurisdiction.
Unlawful Detainer and Possession Rights in Philippine Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a case is unlawful detainer versus accion publiciana, and why the complaint's allegations determine jurisdiction.