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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Breach of Public Trust: Dishonesty in Government Service and Its Consequences
Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for dishonesty when a government official misused fuel for personal vehicles, and why length of service cannot excuse grave offenses.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause: Balancing Employer Rights and Due Process in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when employers still owe employees procedural due process.
Navigating Local TAX Protests THE Crucial Steps FOR A Successful Refund Claim
Barangay Dispute Resolution Lawyers Barred From Lupon Appearances
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers cannot appear before the Lupon Tagapamayapa, preserving the informal, conciliatory character of barangay justice.
Upholding Integrity in Notarial Duty: Consequences of Improper Acknowledgment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a notary public for notarizing a deed without the seller's husband personally appearing—a reminder that notarization is never a routinary act.
From Murder TO Homicide THE Crucial Role OF Evidence IN Establishing Qualifying Circumstances
Due Process in Attorney Discipline: The Right to Fair Opportunity to Defend
The Supreme Court reminds us that even in disbarment cases, a lawyer must be given a fair opportunity to defend.
SLAPP Defense Not Available in Domestic Violence Cases: Protecting Due Process and Preventing Abuse of Remedie
Supreme Court rules SLAPP defense applies only to environmental cases, not domestic violence cases under RA 9262.
Presumptive Death for Military Benefits: No Court Declaration Needed
Supreme Court clarifies that PVAO and AFP can process death benefits of missing soldiers without a court declaration of presumptive death.
Protecting Childhood: Upholding Conviction in Statutory Rape Cases Based on Victim Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, holding that a child victim's credible testimony alone suffices to prove carnal knowledge.
Judicial Ethics: Scrutinizing Complaints Against Justices and the Standard of Proof
A look at how the Supreme Court handles administrative complaints against justices, using a 2018 case to explain the burden of proof.
Dropping From THE Rolls Upholding Accountability IN Public Service Through Removal FOR Unexcused Absences
Supreme Court Upholds Strict Rules on Certiorari Petitions in Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict rules on certiorari petitions and what this means for legal practitioners and clients.
Rape of a Person with Mental Retardation: Consent and the Need for Specific Allegations
The Supreme Court clarifies that carnal knowledge of a mental retardate is rape, but qualifying circumstances must be alleged in the Information.
Maritime Liens vs Preliminary Attachment: Enforcement Rules Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a maritime lien suffices and when a writ of preliminary attachment is proper.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Accion Publiciana: Key Distinctions in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Learn the key differences between unlawful detainer and accion publiciana, and why filing the wrong action can get your case dismissed.
Judges Can Only Solemnize Marriages Within Their Court’s Jurisdiction
A judge who solemnizes a marriage outside his court's territorial jurisdiction violates the Family Code and faces administrative sanctions.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Consequences for Judicial and Notarial Misconduct in the Philippines
The Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality and suspends him from law practice, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the judiciary and bar.