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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SEC Retains Oversight Power to Investigate Corporate Irregularities and Protect Stakeholders
The Supreme Court affirms the SEC's regulatory power to investigate corporate irregularities and create a management committee to protect stakeholders.
Advisory Bodies in Philippine Automated Elections: Chong v. Senate
The Supreme Court upheld the Advisory Council and Technical Evaluation Committee in automated elections, ruling they support rather than diminish the COMELEC's powers.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Disciplinary Action for Unauthorized Notarization
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a valid commission faces suspension and a permanent ban from notarial practice, as this case shows.
Salary Standardization vs Local Autonomy: Resolving Compensation Disputes in Water Districts
The Supreme Court clarifies that water districts must follow the Salary Standardization Law when fixing general manager pay, but good faith may excuse refunds.
Corporate Powers and Member Discipline: When Can Associations Suspend Member Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may discipline members and suspend privileges without committing an ultra vires act.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When It Justifies Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissing a managerial employee, and when it cannot.
Supreme Court Cancels Free Patent Over Timberland, Orders Reversion to State
SC rules DENR's presumption of regularity prevails; titles over inalienable timberland are void and must revert to the State.
Proving Land Ownership: Open Possession Since June 12, 1945
Free patents require open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945, but only over alienable land. Timberland cannot be privately owned.
Final Judgments Stand: Disbarred Lawyer's Bid to Reopen Case Denied
Disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final case denied; Court orders execution, fines, and contempt for defiance.
Homestead Rights Prevail: Reclassification of Land Does Not Extinguish Right to Repurchase
Learn how the Supreme Court protects homestead rights in expropriation, ruling on right-of-way measurement and just compensation.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for Social Media Offenses
Supreme Court rules that using social media to commit psychological abuse under RA 9262 warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When "Other Documents" Suffice Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies when "other documents" may support reconstitution of lost land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Determining Good Faith Remand FOR Trial ON Property Ownership Disputes
When can the Supreme Court remand a property dispute for trial? Learn from Toledo v. Court of Appeals on good faith buyers.
Upholding Client Loyalty THE Prohibition Against Representing Conflicting Interests IN Legal Practice
Balancing Corporate Development and Residents' Rights: Defining Cause of Action in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when evicted residents have a cause of action for damages against corporate developers in land disputes.
Home Lot Entitlement in Agrarian Disputes: Landholder Obligations and Tenant Rights
Who must provide home lots to agrarian tenants? The Supreme Court clarifies landholder obligations and tenant rights in a 2016 ruling.
Credibility of a Rape Survivor's Positive Identification and Corroborating Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how a victim's credible, positive identification and corroborating evidence outweigh defenses of denial and minor inconsistencies.
Forum Shopping Requisites and Exceptions in Tax Litigation: Commissioner of Customs v. Pilipinas Shell
The Supreme Court clarifies the three elements of forum shopping and when filing separate cases in different courts is allowed.
Cause OF Action Annulment OF Sheriffs Sale Based ON Alleged Loan Payment
Lawyer Suspended for Conflict of Interest: When a Former Client Becomes an Adversary
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for representing siblings against a former client, violating Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: Extinguishment of Penalties and Civil Obligations in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court rule that death extinguishes criminal liability and penalties, and its effect on civil liability in Philippine criminal cases.
Untimely Appeal: When Delays in Filing Cost Levi's Its Trademark Protection
The Supreme Court rules that failing to perfect a timely appeal to the Court of Appeals is jurisdictional, costing Levi Strauss its TAB DEVICE trademark.
When Can a Sheriff Accept a Voluntary Surrender? Scope of Authority Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs cannot accept an accused's voluntary surrender without a court order, ruling it simple misconduct.
Tax Amnesty Administrative Rules Cannot Override Statutory Law
Supreme Court ruling on ING Bank v. CIR: BIR revenue circulars cannot override the Tax Amnesty Act of 2007.