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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Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Due Process in Property Disputes
When a property owner loses title without notice, annulment of judgment may lie. The Supreme Court clarifies extrinsic fraud and due process rules.
Certiorari vs. Appeal: Choosing the Right Legal Remedy in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when to use certiorari versus appeal, and why pursuing both remedies simultaneously can be fatal to a case.
Gross Receipts Tax and the 20% Final Withholding Tax on Bank Income
The Supreme Court has ruled that the 20% final withholding tax on a bank's passive interest income forms part of its gross receipts for gross receipts tax purposes.
Accommodation Mortgages: Validity Upheld Despite Claims of Fraud
When is a real estate mortgage valid despite claims of fraud? The Supreme Court explains accommodation mortgages and the burden of proof.
Balancing Zealous Advocacy AND Honest Conduct Limits TO Protecting Client Interests
A lawyer’s duty to protect a client has limits: the Supreme Court reprimands counsel for using false statements in demand letters.
Anonymous Complaints Against Judges: Evidence Rules and Due Process in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when anonymous complaints against judges may prosper and how due process protects judges in administrative proceedings.
Protecting Land Ownership: The Limits of Good Faith in Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a property owner's claim of fraud in a real estate mortgage fails for lack of evidence.
Void Writ of Execution: Supreme Court Nullifies Property Seizure and Auction
A void writ of execution invalidates all actions taken under it, including property levies and auction sales. Learn the rules.
Grave Neglect of Duty in Public Office: The Samson De Leon Case
When does a public official's inaction become grave neglect of duty? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in this administrative law case.
Stare Decisis in Indigenous Land Claims: Upholding Prior Rulings on the Busol Watershed
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to reverse an injunction favoring indigenous land claims in the Busol Watershed, following an earlier ruling.
Just Compensation and Timely Payment: Landowners' Right to Interest for Delayed Agrarian Reform Payments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may claim 12% interest on delayed just compensation in agrarian reform cases.
Abandonment vs. Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Law
When does absence become abandonment? The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Shortage Claims: When Arrastre Operators Escape Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on cargo shortage claims, the burden of proof, and when arrastre operators may avoid liability.
Challenging Residency Claims: The Supreme Court on Election Eligibility
A candidate's one-year residency requirement for local office demands clear proof of domicile, not just property ownership or voter registration.
Protecting Seafarers: Upholding Disability Claims Despite Company Doctor's Assessment
Supreme Court rules seafarers can dispute company-designated physician's fitness assessment with independent medical evidence, protecting their disability claims.
SEP Clearance and the Limits of Certiorari: When Administrative Action Is Not Quasi-Judicial
The Supreme Court clarifies when an SEP Clearance from the Palawan Council is an administrative act, not a quasi-judicial one, and why certiorari is the wrong remedy.
Good Faith and Land Titles: Protecting Innocent Purchasers in Real Estate Disputes
When is a bank a mortgagee in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on forged deeds and land titles.
Confessions and Conspiracy: Probable Cause in the Batasan Bombing Case
The Supreme Court explains why a co-accused's confession alone cannot establish probable cause for conspiracy in the Batasan bombing case.
Double Jeopardy and Speedy Trial Rights in the ASEAN Street Lighting Case
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on double jeopardy, speedy disposition, and amended informations in Braza v. Sandiganbayan.
Finality of Judgment vs Newly Discovered Evidence in Homicide Cases
When a conviction becomes final, can newly discovered evidence reopen the case? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Technical Malversation: Intent Not Required for Illegal Use of Public Funds
Supreme Court clarifies that illegal use of public funds under does not require intent, only the diversion of funds to another public purpose.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, using a 2013 case to clarify sudden, unprovoked attacks.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conspiracy in Robbery with Homicide: People v. Lamsen
How the Supreme Court upheld convictions for robbery with homicide based on eyewitness testimony, circumstantial evidence, and conspiracy.
Deceit and Syndicated Estafa: Distinguishing Simple Estafa From Large-Scale Swindling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fraud against a bank is simple estafa, not syndicated estafa under PD 1689.