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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Fair Play in Legal Practice: Limits on Filing Criminal Charges to Gain Advantage in Civil Cases
When does a lawyer cross the line by filing criminal charges during a civil case? The Supreme Court explains the test under Rule 19.01.
Perfecting Appeals: The Strict Requirements for Employers in Labor Disputes
Employers must strictly comply with appeal bond and deadline rules under Article 223 of the Labor Code or risk losing their appeal entirely.
Corporate Responsibility Enforcing Contracts Despite Technicalities
Supreme Court clarifies corporate rehabilitation rules, HLURB receiver requests, and 180-day plan approval periods in Lexber v. Dalman.
Beyond the Lease: Determining the Limits of Compromise Agreement Execution in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction, prescription, and res judicata in accion publiciana, reinforcing the indefeasibility of Torrens titles.
Torrens Title Imprescriptibility and Recovery of Possession: Supapo v. De Jesus
Supreme Court rules Torrens title holders can recover possession anytime; registered land cannot be acquired by prescription or adverse possession.
Reinstatement During Appeal: Employer Must Pay Wages Until Final Reversal
Employers must pay reinstatement wages during appeal until the NLRC reversal becomes final. Learn the rule from Smart Communications v. Solidum.
Double Jeopardy and Provisional Dismissal: When Cases Can Be Reopened With Accused Consent
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed criminal case can be revived without violating double jeopardy, and why accused consent matters.
Seafarers' Rights: Defining Total and Permanent Disability in Maritime Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's partial disability becomes total and permanent under the POEA-SEC and Labor Code.
Reconstitution of Title Requires Authentic Decree, Not Mere LRA Certification
Supreme Court clarifies that reconstitution of lost titles needs authentic sources; a decree unavailable in LRA records cannot support it.
Provisional Dismissal in Drug Cases: When Can the State Revive a Case?
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed drug case may be revived without violating double jeopardy, and who may file the revival motion.
Second Marriages and SSS Benefits: Proving Legal Spousal Status for Social Security Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that only a legal spouse qualifies for SSS death benefits, even if the member designated a second wife as beneficiary.
Judicial Impropriety: A Judge's Debt and the Appearance of Justice
The Supreme Court fined a judge for failing to pay a debt, explaining the line between impropriety and willful failure to pay.
Accountability in Public Works: Grave Misconduct in Infrastructure Projects
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of DPWH officials for grave misconduct over irregular change orders in road project.
Dismissal of Clerk of Court for Gross Neglect, Grave Misconduct, and Serious Dishonesty in Handling Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court who failed to remit judiciary collections and submit financial reports, ruling that restitution does not erase administrative liability.
Free Speech on Wheels: When Campaigning Rights Meet Public Utility Regulations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down COMELEC's ban on campaign materials in PUVs and terminals, affirming free speech rights of owners.
Breach of Duty and Dishonesty: Dismissal of a Court Clerk for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court dismissed a Clerk of Court for gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty over unremitted judiciary funds.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: The Duty of Candor in Court Investigations
The Supreme Court dismissed a clerk of court for gross neglect, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty over unremitted judiciary funds.
Cash Deposit or Counter Bond: The Only Ways to Discharge an Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only cash deposits or counter-bonds can discharge a writ of attachment—not real property.
Loss of Earning Capacity: The Necessity of Competent Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of earning capacity in criminal cases requires competent proof, not self-serving testimony.
When Can a Bank Deposit Real Property Instead of Cash to Lift an Attachment?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that under Rule 57, only cash deposit or counter-bond can lift a writ of attachment.
Notarial Misconduct: Scope of Authority and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' ethical duties in notarial practice and the scope of their authority in Davao Import Distributors v. Atty. Landero.
Probable Cause and Estafa: Balancing Judicial Discretion and Individual Rights in Criminal Arrests
Learn how the Supreme Court balances probable cause requirements and individual rights in estafa cases, from arrest to attachment.
Parol Evidence Rule Unveiling True Intent IN Contractual Disputes
Habeas Corpus Remedy for Illegal Detention Due to Mistaken Identity
When police detain the wrong person, habeas corpus is the proper remedy. The Supreme Court explains why in this 2015 ruling.