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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Self-Defense vs. Extralegal Killing: Probable Cause in Murder Cases
When police claim self-defense after a killing, what must prosecutors weigh? The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause in Aguilar v. DOJ.
Salary Standardization vs Water District Autonomy: Reconciling Compensation Policies
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district general managers' salaries fall under the Salary Standardization Law, not PD 198.
The Limits of an Appellee’s Role: When Courts Cannot Raise New Issues on Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appellees cannot raise new issues on appeal without filing their own appeal, reversing the Court of Appeals.
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.
When Can an Appellee Raise New Issues on Appeal? The Villa Corazon Rule
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the scope of appellate review and when an appellee may raise new issues without filing a cross-appeal.
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.
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.
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.
Breach of Trust When Good Faith Fails in Public Office
A governor's conviction for violating RA 3019 shows that reliance on officials' assurances does not excuse sidestepping procurement rules.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability and Civil Liability Ex Delicto
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability arising from the offense.
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.
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.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Employee’s Initial Burden in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when dismissal for willful disobedience is lawful.