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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Reasonable Doubt and Witness Credibility in Philippine Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility against reasonable doubt in homicide cases, explained through Medina v. People.
Estate Inventory Disputes: Probate Courts' Provisional Powers on Inclusion of Properties
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on probate courts' authority to provisionally determine ownership for estate inventory inclusion.
Illegal Strikes and Employee Rights: What the Supreme Court Actually Said
A Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes shows how the right to strike is protected but never absolute, and how participation can carry consequences.
SEC Suspension Order as a Valid Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
When a lawful SEC suspension order precedes check presentment, the drawer may be excused from B.P. 22 liability.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Banks Must Uphold Transparency in Trust Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Land Bank v. Oñate clarifies banks' fiduciary duties, transparency obligations, and liability for undocumented trust account withdrawals.
Family Code Compromise Rule: When Courts Cannot Dismiss Family Suits Motu Proprio
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to allege compromise efforts under Article 151 is a waivable defect, not grounds for motu proprio dismissal.
When Remand Limits Amendments: Damages in Expropriation Cases
Supreme Court rules on when courts may allow amended complaints after remand in eminent domain cases, protecting property owners' rights.
Unjust Enrichment When Illegal Contracts Require Restitution
The Supreme Court explains when the in pari delicto doctrine yields to the public policy against unjust enrichment in illegal contracts.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal When Medical Negligence Results in Damages
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts award damages based on preponderance of evidence.
SEC Suspension Order as Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
Supreme Court rules SEC suspension of payments order excuses check dishonor under B.P. 22, reversing conviction of corporate officer.
Premature Foreclosure: Protecting Mortgagors' Rights Before Default
Philippine Supreme Court rules that foreclosing a mortgage before the debtor defaults on the principal loan is void and ineffectual.
VAT Refund Timeliness: Strict Deadlines for Appealing BIR Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund judicial claims, citing CBK Power v. CIR.
Sheriff’s Duty on Expense Handling: Strict Compliance With Court Rules to Prevent Misconduct
A sheriff who demanded and received execution expenses without court approval or liquidation was suspended for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Regular Seasonal Employment in the Sugar Industry: What Workers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regular seasonal employees and regular permanent workers in the sugar milling industry.
Treachery in Criminal Law: How It Elevates Murder Charges in the Philippines
Learn how treachery qualifies killing into murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Ownership Disputes and Wrongful Property Levy: Why Registration Prevails Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why unregistered sales lose to registered titles and levies, and what buyers must prove to claim good faith.
Navigating Search Warrants: Privacy and Public Interest in Cybercrime Investigations
The Supreme Court clarifies when search warrants in cybercrime cases are valid, balancing constitutional privacy rights against effective law enforcement.
Judicial Independence vs Prompt Resolution: Balancing Justice and Timeliness in Court Decisions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delayed ruling clarifies the balance between judicial independence and the mandatory 90-day period for resolving cases.
When a Seafarer's Disability Becomes Total and Permanent: The 120/240-Day Rule
Learn when a seafarer's unresolved medical condition becomes total and permanent disability under Philippine law, and what the 120/240-day rule means.
Financial Crisis NOT A Valid Defense Upholding Consumer Rights IN Real Estate Development
Breach of Contract and Banks' Liability: Understanding Hold Out Clauses in Deposit Agreements
When can a bank freeze a depositor's account? The Supreme Court explains the limits of "hold out" clauses in deposit agreements.
Constructive Dismissal Demotion and Unfulfilled Reinstatement Undermine Labor Rights
SC rules on constructive dismissal via demotion, reinstatement impossibility, and early retirement requiring explicit employee consent.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Compensable Under Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine
Supreme Court rules seafarers injured during onboard recreational activities like basketball are entitled to disability benefits under the Bunkhouse Rule.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Loss of Owner's Duplicate Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies evidence needed to reconstitute a lost or destroyed certificate of title under Republic Act No. 26.