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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Upholding Public Land Rights Denying Land Registration Within Military Reservations
Supreme Court affirms that lands inside military reservations and forest lands are inalienable public domain, not registrable.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Valid Cause for Dismissal: Bibiana Farms v. Lado
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and what procedural due process requires in employee termination.
Due Process in Termination: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal for just cause still requires procedural due process, with nominal damages for violations.
Customs Bonds: Contractual Obligations vs Tax Collection Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that suits on customs bonds are contractual, not tax collection cases, so appeals go to the Court of Appeals.
When a Lessor Evicts Sublessees Before the Lease Ends: Sunbanun v. Go
The Supreme Court held a lessor liable for damages after ejecting her tenant's lodgers months before the lease expired, because the contract allowed a lodging house.
Certiorari as an Improper Remedy: Navigating Procedural Missteps in Foreclosure Annulment
When a final judgment can be appealed, certiorari is not available. Learn the procedural rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding the Integrity of Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges to decide cases promptly, underscoring how delay undermines the integrity of drug buy-bust operations and chain of custody.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: The Duty of Care and Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape, and the duty of a mother's live-in partner.
Intent to Gain in Robbery With Homicide: Key Element in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains intent to gain as a decisive element in robbery with homicide, clarifying the rules on killing incidental to robbery.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Affirmative Identification and Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court in Vidar v. People explains why delayed reporting, mug-shot identification, and relationship to the victim do not necessarily weaken a prosecution for robbery with homicide.
Judicial Accountability: The Cost of Undue Delay in Resolving Motions
When a Court of Appeals justice sat on a motion for nearly three years, the Supreme Court imposed a fine, reaffirming that judges must decide cases promptly.
Motion for Reconsideration: A Necessary Step Before Filing Certiorari
Learn why Philippine courts require a motion for reconsideration before a Rule 65 certiorari petition, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Clean Hands Doctrine Bars Relief in Alleged Illegal Land Ownership Case
Philippine Supreme Court applies clean hands doctrine to deny claims based on alleged illegal foreign land ownership arrangements.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Deadly Weapon in Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling credible victim testimony suffices and a proven knife threat justifies exemplary damages.
Finality of Foreclosure: Rights and Duties After a Mortgage Default
What happens after a mortgage default and foreclosure sale becomes final? The Supreme Court clarifies the mortgagor's rights and duties.
Who Can Contest Property Taxes: Defining Legal Interest in Real Estate Assessments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may protest real property tax assessments and what "legal interest" means under the Local Government Code.
Agency and Mortgage Law: When an Agent’s Signature Does Not Bind the Principal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an authorized agent’s mortgage signature binds only the agent, not the principal, and the role of laches.
Population Projections and Legislative Districts: The Malolos Case on Constitutional Compliance
The Supreme Court struck down RA 9591 creating Malolos' lone district, ruling that unreliable population projections cannot satisfy the 250,000 constitutional threshold.
Legislative District Creation Population Thresholds and the Limits of Projections
The Supreme Court struck down RA 9591 creating Malolos City's legislative district, ruling that unverified population projections cannot satisfy the 250,000 constitutional threshold.
Population Projections and Legislative Districts: The Malolos Case
The Supreme Court struck down a law creating a Malolos City legislative district for relying on an invalid population projection. Learn the rules.
Fair Election Practices: Candidates Responsible for Donated Political Ads
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on candidate liability for donated political advertisements under the Fair Elections Act and COMELEC rules.
Landowners Can Withdraw Revalued Compensation Pending Agrarian Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court affirms landowners' right to withdraw revalued compensation pending appeal in agrarian cases, citing just and timely payment principle.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without a License: Criminal Liability Under P.D. 957
Selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime. A later license does not erase liability, explains the Supreme Court.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without A License Hlurb Authority AND Criminal Liability Under PD 957
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime, and a later license does not erase liability.