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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When Can Conjugal Assets Be Seized to Pay a Spouse's Criminal Liability?
The Supreme Court explains when conjugal partnership properties may be levied to satisfy civil indemnities arising from a spouse's criminal conviction.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Attorney Negligence Threatens a Client's Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may relax procedural rules, holding that a counsel's ordinary negligence binds the client and cannot justify a late appeal.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Why Original Documents Matter for Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains strict requirements for reconstituting lost land titles under RA 26, emphasizing original documents over substitutes.
Reconveyance and Good Faith: When a Torrens Title Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a Torrens title obtained in bad faith may be defeated by an action for reconveyance by one with a better right.
Reconstitution of Title: The Critical Requirements of Loss and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles under RA 26.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Boundaries of Justification in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill prevails in frustrated homicide cases under Philippine law.
Causal Connection in Seafarer Death Claims: Proving the Link Between Injury and Fatality
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for death compensation claims in seafarer cases, requiring substantial proof of causation.
Seafarers Death Benefits Proving Causation Between Injury AND Fatal Illness
Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' death benefits: bare allegations of causation between injury and fatal illness are not enough.
Dying Declarations and Eyewitness Testimony Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how eyewitness testimony and dying declarations establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
Standing to Sue: Why Private Complainants Cannot Appeal Criminal Dismissals Alone
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why private complainants lack legal standing to appeal criminal case dismissals without the Solicitor General.
Guardianship Ends Upon Death: Abad v. Biason and the Mootness Doctrine
When a guardian dies, the guardianship automatically ends. The Supreme Court explains why the case became moot.
Seafarers Disability Claims Strict Compliance With POEA SEC Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must strictly comply with POEA-SEC disability claim procedures, including the 3-day post-employment medical examination rule.
Rehabilitation vs Secured Interests: Balancing Creditor Rights in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how corporate rehabilitation balances secured creditors' rights with the need for equal treatment and recovery.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform Land: What Land Bank v. Costo Teaches
The Supreme Court affirms that courts, not agencies, have the final say on just compensation for agrarian reform land.
Prolonged Layoff Equals Constructive Dismissal Employer Liability FOR Separation PAY
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged layoff becomes constructive dismissal, entitling employees to separation pay and backwages.
IBP Elections: SC Clarifies Rotation Rule for Governor Elections
Supreme Court clarifies IBP rotation rule: after a full cycle, all chapters may compete again, except the last served chapter.
Forcible Entry Cases: Prior Possession and Real Party-in-Interest Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession matters more than who holds title or certificate.
When Can't a Party Change Legal Strategy on Appeal: Crisologo v. People
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable on trust receipts, and the limits of changing legal theories on appeal.
Mandatory Injunctions When Possession of Titles Must Be Returned
When can a court order the return of property titles before trial? The Supreme Court explains the rules on preliminary mandatory injunctions.
Personal Guarantees and Piercing the Corporate Veil: Lessons from Crisologo v. People
When corporate officers sign personal guarantees, they may face personal liability. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Crisologo v. People.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Drug Cases Due to Broken Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, explaining why procedural lapses matter.
Redemption Rights Upheld: SSS Bound by Repurchase Agreement Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court rules SSS must honor deed of conditional sale for foreclosed property, despite expired redemption period and internal procedural lapses.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Testimony and the Element of Carnal Knowledge
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that carnal knowledge does not require full penetration and that a victim's credible testimony alone can prove the crime.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Child Rights in Sexual Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a stepfather for rape and sexual abuse of his 12-year-old stepdaughter, reinforcing protections for child victims.