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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Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying Time Records and the Limits of Leniency
Court personnel who falsify time records commit dishonesty, a grave offense. The Supreme Court explains when leniency may apply.
Intent vs Act: Distinguishing Homicide From Robbery With Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become robbery with homicide instead of murder? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Torres.
Maceda Law Rights of Installment Buyers in Real Estate Contracts
The Supreme Court explains how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers, including the required cash surrender value before contract cancellation.
Upholding Ethical Standards Lawyer Suspended FOR Dishonoring Financial Obligations AND Disrespecting Legal Processes
When Killing Is Not Robbery: Proving Intent in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing with theft is homicide, not robbery with homicide, focusing on criminal intent.
Regular Employment Defined: Security of Tenure and Length of Service in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies regular employment, security of tenure, and length of service in illegal dismissal cases.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent to Rob Must Precede the Killing
The Supreme Court clarifies that robbery with homicide requires intent to rob before the killing; otherwise, only homicide may be proven.
Notarizing Outside Commission Territory: A Lawyer's Administrative Liability
A notary public who notarizes outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and falsehood, facing suspension and disqualification.
Lawyer's Neglect of Client's Case Warrants Reprimand, Not Disbarment
Lawyer who failed to file immigration petition for client receives reprimand from Supreme Court for violating professional responsibility rules.
When a Trial Court Loses Jurisdiction: Double Jeopardy and Void Orders in Quiambao v. People
The Supreme Court explains when a dismissal order is void for lack of jurisdiction and why double jeopardy does not attach to a null judgment.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Unmasking the Innocent Purchaser Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers of registered land must go beyond the title when circumstances raise suspicion. Learn the limits of the innocent purchaser defense.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of a Minor Victim's Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on a minor's credible testimony, rejecting the sweetheart defense and clarifying force and intimidation requirements.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Company Doctors and Independent Assessments Clash
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why seafarers must see a company-designated physician within three days of repatriation and what happens if they don't.
Truth in Townsite Sales Misrepresentation Disqualifies Applicant Despite Denr Approval
Supreme Court rules misrepresentation in a Townsite Sales Application disqualifies an applicant, even if DENR initially approved it.
Fraudulent Land Titles: Possession Trumps Indefeasibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Torrens title indefeasibility cannot shield fraud when rightful owners remain in possession of the property.
Breach of Trust Estafa Conviction Affirmed in Jewelry Consignment Case
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for consignee who sold jewelry on credit and failed to remit proceeds or return items.
Res Judicata in Corporate Rehabilitation: Final Judgments Bar Relitigation
Explore how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar relitigation of an approved corporate rehabilitation plan, ensuring finality.
Breach of Legal Duty Attorney Neglect and the Imperative of Diligence in Legal Representation
A lawyer's neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility, even if fees are later refunded.
Seafarers Disability Claim Strict Compliance With Post Employment Medical Examination Rule
Public Officials Must Answer Letters Within 15 Days: Lessons from Bueno v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court affirms that public officials must respond to public queries within 15 working days, even without bad faith.
Dismissal for Habitual Absenteeism: Accountability in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for habitual absenteeism, reaffirming that public office is a public trust demanding strict accountability.
Sovereign Immunity and Environmental Responsibility: Jurisdiction in the Tubbataha Reef Case
The Supreme Court clarifies sovereign immunity limits and environmental accountability in the USS Guardian grounding at Tubbataha Reefs.
Upholding Accountability Attorney Sanctioned FOR Misleading THE Court AND Obstructing Justice
Supreme Court rules on contempt jurisdiction, residual powers of trial courts, and ministerial duties of court officers in execution pending appeal.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Ensuring Signatory Identity and Voluntariness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court reminds notaries public that verifying a signatory's identity and voluntariness is a sacred duty, not a routinary act.