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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Co-Ownership Rights and Provisional Ownership in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that co-owners cannot eject each other from inherited property before partition, even with a Torrens title.
Insufficient Evidence Acquittal in Child's Death Due to Drowning
Supreme Court acquits grandmother of murder after prosecution fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in child's drowning death.
Notarial Duties Are Personal: Attorney's Lapses in Recording SPA Lead to Suspension
A lawyer cannot delegate notarial record-keeping to staff. Learn the rules and consequences from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Unlawful Arrest and the Exclusionary Rule: Protecting Rights Against Illegal Marijuana Seizure
Supreme Court acquits in marijuana cultivation case, ruling that evidence from an unlawful warrantless arrest is inadmissible.
When Delay Defeats Title: Laches and Registered Land in Lorenzo v. Eustaquio
The Supreme Court ruled that laches can defeat registered land ownership, even when the original transfer was flawed. Learn the key rules.
Restaurants Infringe Copyright by Playing Radio Broadcasts Without a License
The Supreme Court rules that restaurants playing radio broadcasts as background music without a FILSCAP license commit copyright infringement.
Copyright vs Fair Use: Restaurants Playing Radio Music in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that restaurants playing radio music through speakers must pay license fees to FILSCAP for public performance.
Judicial Clemency: When Is a Judge Entitled to a Second Chance?
The Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for judicial clemency, including remorse, reformation, and the five-year waiting period.
Dual Citizenship by Birth vs. Naturalization: Election Eligibility in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when dual citizens by birth may run for office without renouncing foreign citizenship under R.A. 9225.
Sovereign Debt vs Constitutional Mandates: Balancing Loan Agreements With National Interests
The Supreme Court upheld two China-financed loan agreements, ruling on presidential immunity, Monetary Board concurrence, and procurement rules.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: Remorse and Reformation for Reinstatement of Benefits
The Supreme Court denied a dismissed judge's plea to restore retirement benefits, clarifying the strict proof of remorse and reformation required for judicial clemency.
Cabug-os v. Espina: Balancing Employee Rights and Micro-Business Realities
The Supreme Court ruled that illegal dismissal awards against sari-sari stores must be equitable, considering the BMBE status and actual salaries of micro-enterprises.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Jurisdiction First, Liability Later
Supreme Court clarifies that courts must first acquire jurisdiction over a corporation before applying the piercing the corporate veil doctrine to hold owners liable.
Venue vs Jurisdiction: When Courts Cannot Dismiss Probate Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that improper venue is not a ground for motu proprio dismissal of probate cases, distinguishing venue from jurisdiction.
Oral Partition and Mortgage Validity: Protecting Heirs' Rights in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that an oral partition ("toka") can be valid and that a mortgage over a non-owner's share is void, protecting heirs' property rights.
The Shared Burden: Defining Well-Founded Fear in Philippine Refugee Status Determinations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the shared burden of proof and "well-founded fear" standard in refugee status determination under the 1951 Convention.
Challenging Filiation: Birth Certificate Corrections and DNA Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules filiation cannot be collaterally attacked via Rule 108 birth certificate correction petitions; DNA testing requires prima facie evidence.
Prompt Compensation Imperative in Determining Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation is reckoned from the date of taking, not the filing of the complaint, and must be paid promptly with interest.
Accountability Beyond the Trigger: Command Responsibility in Amparo Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how command responsibility applies in writ of amparo cases involving extrajudicial killings, extending accountability beyond the actual perpetrators.
Understanding Fraudulent Property Inclusion Insights From A Landmark Supreme Court Decision
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when ejectment suits fail and why repeated demands don't reset the one-year filing period.
Right of Way Requisites: Proving Isolation for Easement Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for compulsory right of way easement claims under Civil Code Articles 649 and 650.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman's Discretion in Public Fund Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's probable cause finding against a mayor for unlawful appointments and graft, underscoring judicial restraint.
Protecting Minors: Defining Lascivious Conduct and the Boundaries of Consent
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual acts against minors constitute lascivious conduct under RA 7610, not rape, and how consent is treated.
Escrow Funds and Execution of Judgments: Rights of Third-Party Banks Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when escrow funds may be reached in executing money judgments, protecting third-party banks from premature court orders.