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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Simulated Contracts Ownership Rights and Intent in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated property sales, trust agreements, and ownership rights when intent is to circumvent banking laws.
Finality of Labor Awards and Attorney's Fees in Compromise Settlements
When a client settles a labor case behind counsel's back to avoid attorney's fees, the Supreme Court protects the lawyer's right to compensation.
Appellees Cannot Raise New Issues on Appeal: Cruz v. MIAA Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that an appellee who did not appeal cannot raise new errors, limiting appellate review to the appellant's assigned errors.
Attorney Suspended for Incompetence and Lack of Communication with Client
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for filing cases in wrong courts and failing to update client on case status.
Prescription Periods in Securities Law: Balancing Investor Protection and Legal Certainty
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription periods for criminal and administrative liability under the Securities Regulation Code in Citibank v. Tanco-Gabaldon.
Presumption of Innocence: Why Identity Must Be Proven Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Estafa Cases
The Supreme Court acquits an estafa accused because the prosecution failed to prove his identity as the offender beyond reasonable doubt.
Upholding Arbitration Agreements When Courts Must Defer TO Contractual Dispute Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must defer to arbitration agreements and the limits of judicial intervention in contractual disputes.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force and Consent in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that voluntary presence in a motel does not equal consent to sex.
Perfecting Land Titles: Possession Requirements for Public Land Registration in the Philippines
Understand the possession rules for registering public land under PD 1529, including the June 12, 1945 requirement clarified by the Supreme Court.
Judicial Efficiency vs Due Process: Striking a Balance in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court absolves a judge of administrative liability, clarifying the balance between judicial efficiency and due process rights.
Beyond the Document: When the Best Evidence Rule Doesn't Apply in Philippine Law
The Best Evidence Rule only applies when a document's terms are in issue—not its existence. Learn from a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Finality of Judgments in Mining Permit Disputes: Stability Over Relitigation
The Supreme Court affirms that final and executory decisions in mining disputes cannot be relitigated, upholding the doctrine of immutability of judgment.
Best Evidence Rule in Quieting Title: Heirs of Margarita Prodon v. Heirs of Maximo Alvarez
Supreme Court clarifies when the Best Evidence Rule applies in quieting title cases, and when secondary evidence may prove a deed's existence.
When Insurance Exclusions Cover Damage But Not Loss: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "malicious damage" exclusion in insurance policies does not cover theft or loss of a vehicle.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights and Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring the need to protect accused rights.
Flexibility in Certiorari Petitions: Courts May Still Grant Extensions Despite Procedural Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts retain discretion to extend the 60-day period for certiorari petitions despite A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC.
Just Compensation and Land Valuation: Fairness in Agrarian Reform
When a landowner accepts the government's valuation and transfers title, can they later seek a higher price? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Illegal Dismissal Claims and the 60-Day Rule for Certiorari Petitions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend the 60-day period to file certiorari petitions, and discusses forced resignation in illegal dismissal cases.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Collection Cases: Learning from Cabrera v. Francisco
How courts determine jurisdiction in collection cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Cabrera v. Francisco as a guide.
Upholding Arbitration Finality and the Limits of Judicial Review in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when CIAC arbitral awards may be reviewed and the rules against forum shopping in construction arbitration.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Compliance with Invoicing Requirements Required
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with VAT invoicing requirements is mandatory for input VAT refund claims on zero-rated sales.
Forum Shopping and Government Funds: Rallos v. City of Cebu on Execution of Judgments
The Supreme Court dismisses a contempt petition for forum shopping and clarifies rules on executing money judgments against local governments.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict chain of custody rules for drug evidence under RA 9165, requiring police compliance and integrity preservation.
Just Compensation and Voluntary Land Sales: Valuing Property Under Agrarian Reform
A landowner who accepts payment and transfers title under agrarian reform cannot later seek higher just compensation. The Supreme Court explains.