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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Voluntary Easements Survive: Why Adequate Access Does Not Cancel a Granted Right of Way
A voluntary right of way cannot be cancelled just because the dominant estate gains another outlet. Learn the rule from a 2009 Supreme Court case.
Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Negligence by Preponderance of Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically erase civil liability if negligence is proven by preponderance of evidence.
Habeas Corpus and Valid Court Judgments: When the Writ Is Denied in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions are denied despite procedural leniency, emphasizing valid judgments and pending cases.
Filing an Administrative Case Against a Judge in the Philippines: No Need to Exhaust Judicial Remedies First
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that exhaustion of judicial remedies is not required before filing an administrative case against a judge.
Philippine Red Cross Private Status and Constitutional Limits on Lawmakers
Supreme Court ruling on whether the Philippine Red Cross is a government corporation and the constitutional ban on lawmakers holding public office.
Election Protests: The Crucial Role of Ballot Examination and the Limits of COMELEC En Banc Review
The Supreme Court clarifies when ballot revision is mandatory in election protests and why only final Division orders reach the COMELEC En Banc.
Who Pays Real Property Tax When a Government Corporation Assumes a Private Firm's Tax Liability?
The Supreme Court rules on whether NPC can claim tax exemptions for a power plant it does not own or use under a BOT agreement.
Duty to Update Valid Service Despite Address Change IN Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on the duty to update service addresses in labor disputes, and why a postmaster's certification cannot override a registry return card.
Guilty Plea and Evidence: Conviction for Kidnapping With Rape Stands on Proof, Not Confession Alone
A guilty plea doesn't automatically convict. The Supreme Court explains why independent evidence still matters in kidnapping with rape cases.
When Judges Fail to Decide Cases: Court Rules on Gross Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court dismisses judge for failing to decide cases for years, ruling that heavy caseload is no excuse for judicial delay.
Workplace Conduct: Simple Misconduct and Disciplinary Actions for Employees
Learn how the Supreme Court defines simple misconduct in the workplace and what disciplinary actions employees may face for fighting or similar offenses.
Sheriffs Misconduct Upholding Integrity IN Writ Execution 2
When a sheriff oversteps in enforcing a writ, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on sheriff's expenses and conduct.
Qualified Theft vs Estafa: Defining the Boundaries of Employee Misappropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, based on the nature of possession.
Strike Legality Counter Proposals AND Union Officer Dismissals IN Labor Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies notice of strike requirements and the "knowingly participates" rule for dismissing union officers.
Property Rights in Void Marriages: Due Process in Asset Partitioning
The Supreme Court clarifies that partition of property in void marriages requires full hearing and due process, not hasty execution.
Standing to Sue: Who Can Challenge a Property Sale in the Philippines
Learn who has legal standing to challenge a property sale in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on agrarian reform land.
Prosecutors Discretion in the Philippines: When Courts Can Intervene
When can courts review a prosecutor's or the Ombudsman's decision? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial intervention.
Correcting Typographical Errors Valid Execution Despite Misstated Property Address
A typographical error in a judgment's dispositive portion does not render it defective or unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains how courts may correct such errors.
When a Dishonored Check Cannot Be Theft: The Impossible Crime Doctrine in the Philippines
Can a worthless check be the object of theft? The Supreme Court explains the impossible crime doctrine and why intent alone is not enough.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Inform Workers of Regularization Standards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment: employers must inform workers of regularization standards at the start of engagement.
Party List Representation: Guaranteeing Seats While Balancing Proportionality
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on party-list seat allocation in Philippine elections, balancing guaranteed seats with proportional representation.
Union Dues and Tuition Fee Hises: Protecting Faculty Benefits Under the Law
Supreme Court clarifies union dues on tuition-fee-funded faculty benefits, protecting mandatory allocations from negotiation fees.
Judicial Misconduct: When a Judge Borrows From Lawyers and Erodes Impartiality
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for borrowing money from a lawyer with cases pending before her court, underscoring judicial integrity.
Brokerage Obligations Accounting FOR Stock Certificates AND Exchange Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stockbroker duties: accounting for missing certificates, PSE's right to sell pledged seats, and client refunds.