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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Property Disputes: Jurisdiction and Estoppel in Free Patent Repurchase Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on RTC jurisdiction over free patent repurchase actions and the principle of jurisdiction by estoppel.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Land Titling Case for Five Years
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting a client's land titling case for five years, violating Canons 17 and 18 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Client Neglect and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Six Months
Philippine Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for neglecting a client's land titling case and appearing against the client without consent.
Medical Negligence: Establishing the Standard of Care in Anesthesia
The Supreme Court clarifies when res ipsa loquitur applies in medical negligence cases and why expert testimony on the standard of care remains essential.
When a Case Becomes Moot: The Peñafrancia Sugar Mill Ruling on Forum-Shopping
The Supreme Court dismisses Peñafrancia Sugar Mill's petition as moot after the SRA revoked the assailed sugar orders, explaining when courts abstain from deciding.
Possession Is Key: Unpaid Trust Certificates and Bank Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a bank client holding original unpaid trust certificates can enforce payment, even years after maturity.
PLDT Network Integrity: Defining Theft in Telecommunications Fraud
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether ISR network fraud constitutes theft under the Revised Penal Code, and search warrant standards.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police broke the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Perfecting Land Titles: The Imperative of Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945
Learn the strict requirements for land registration in the Philippines, including proving possession since June 12, 1945, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
FDA Authority Upheld: Validity of Bioavailability Testing Circulars for Drug Registration
Supreme Court affirms FDA's power to issue BA/BE testing circulars for drug registration, clarifying administrative rule-making authority.
When Can a Property Buyer Be Liable in a Forcible Entry Case?
The Supreme Court rules that a subsequent buyer of property cannot be held liable for nominal damages unless it violated the plaintiff's rights.
Upholding Legal Ethics Dishonoring A Check Leads TO Suspension FOR Lawyer
Just Compensation Prevails: Government Must Pay for Land Taken for Public Use Even If Initially Reserved for R
Supreme Court rules government must pay just compensation for private land taken for public roads, even if the owner initially reserved it for road widening.
Just Compensation Required When Government Takes Private Property for Roads
Supreme Court rules government must pay just compensation for private property taken for road widening, not demand donation under PD 1529.
Just Compensation Prevails: Government Must Pay for Land Taken for Public Use
Supreme Court rules the government must pay just compensation for private land taken for public roads, even if the owner subdivided it.
Certiorari and the Secretary of Labor: Ensuring Procedural Correctness in Labor Disputes
When can a party file certiorari against the Labor Secretary's decision? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy and timing.
The High Cost of Procedural Lapses: Dismissal of Appeal in Estafa Case
Learn how the Supreme Court relaxed procedural rules to prevent injustice in a revival of judgment case.
Expired Permits and Regulatory Fines: NTC Authority Over Broadcast Operations
A broadcaster's expired provisional authority and NTC fines explained: the Supreme Court clarifies administrative penalties, prescription, and temporary permits.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Imperative of Truthful Asset Disclosure
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when SALN misdeclarations constitute dishonesty, not grave misconduct, and the importance of truthful disclosure.
Beyond the Salary: Defining Dishonesty in Public Office and the Limits of Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to declare assets amounts to dishonesty, not grave misconduct, in Ombudsman cases.
Revival of Judgment Equity Prevails Over Strict Procedural Rules in Land Dispute
Supreme Court allows revival of judgment beyond prescriptive period where strict rules would cause injustice to blameless litigants.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work Relatedness
A seafarer's disability claim fails without proof of work relatedness. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden in Ayungo v. Beamko.
Protecting Workers Rights Employer Interference AND Unfair Labor Practices
Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for challenging the Labor Secretary's assumption of jurisdiction over strikes in industries vital to national interest.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Free Speech and Judicial Integrity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when criticism crosses the line into contempt, using a lawyer's letter to a Court Administrator as the cautionary example.