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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Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at Time of Payment
The Supreme Court rules that just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at the time of payment, not at the time of taking in 1972.
Mortgage Agreements Upholding Contractual Obligations AND Protecting Borrowers Rights
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling in Go v. Looyuko on unlawful detainer, Torrens title, and the limits of ownership claims in ejectment cases.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Value at Time of Payment, Not Taking
Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at time of payment, not time of taking.
When a Single Witness Suffices: Murder Conviction Upheld on Credible Testimony
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on a lone eyewitness's credible testimony, clarifying rules on treachery and damages.
Fruits of Ownership: Who Gets Rental Income in Contested Property Foreclosures
Philippine Supreme Court rules on who keeps rental income when a foreclosed property's title is later voided for fraud.
Delayed Justice Determining Fair Compensation FOR Government Land Seizure
When the government takes property without expropriation, what value controls? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on just compensation.
THE Weight OF A Witness Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Philippine Murder Cases
When Just Compensation Is Measured: The Tria Doctrine on Agrarian Expropriation Valuation
The Supreme Court ruled that just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at the time of payment, not at the time of taking.
Ombudsman's Immunity Power Prevails: Protecting Whistleblowers in Corruption Cases
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's power to grant immunity to accused-turned-state-witness in tax credit scam, overriding Sandiganbayan's objections.
Parental Authority VS Childs Rights Examining Credibility IN Rape Cases
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Following POEA-SEC Dispute Procedures Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must follow the POEA-SEC third-doctor procedure in disability claims.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Convictions: The Role of the Presumption of Regularity
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, explaining how the presumption of regularity in police buy-bust operations works and when it applies.
Protecting Marital Integrity When a Prior Spouse Can Challenge a Bigamous Marriage
A prior spouse can ask Philippine courts to recognize a foreign judgment nullifying a bigamous marriage, protecting marital integrity.
Abandonment vs. Illegal Dismissal: Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes abandonment from illegal dismissal and who bears the burden of proof in termination disputes.
Words Matter: Simple Misconduct and the Limits of Free Speech for Public Servants
A Sandiganbayan security guard's vulgar outburst at co-workers was simple misconduct, not grave. The ruling clarifies free speech limits for public servants.
Airline Breach of Contract of Carriage: Nominal Damages for Flight Disruptions
When do flight disruptions give rise to nominal damages? The Supreme Court clarifies airline and travel agent liability for breach of contract of carriage.
Probable Cause and Estafa: The Judge's Role in Dismissing Criminal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, using estafa charges as the backdrop.
Mistake vs Misconduct in Employee Dismissal: Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
When is an employee's honest mistake a valid ground for dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between error and misconduct.
Falsification of Commercial Documents: When a Bank Manager Faces Estafa Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank manager who forges documents and misappropriates funds is liable for the complex crime of estafa through falsification of commercial documents.
When Judges May Dismiss Criminal Cases for Lack of Probable Cause
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, and when they must let the case proceed to trial.
Court Employee's Vulgar Outburst: Simple Misconduct Under Civil Service Rules
When a Sandiganbayan security guard cursed co-workers, the Supreme Court ruled it was simple misconduct, not grave misconduct.
Buy-Bust Operations, Warrantless Arrests, and Preserving Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court upholds a shabu conviction, clarifying rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the chain of custody of seized drugs.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions in People v. Mendoza, clarifying buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and evidence integrity under RA 9165.
Privacy Beyond Residence: Surveillance Cameras and the Right to Be Let Alone
The Supreme Court expands the right to privacy beyond residences, holding that business premises and property enjoy protection from intrusive video surveillance.