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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Vitiated Consent and Simulated Sales: Understanding Contract Nullity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent and simulated prices void sales, using a family land dispute as a guide.
Writ of Possession Denied When Third Party Holds Property Adversely to Mortgagor
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank cannot get a writ of possession after foreclosure—when a third party holds the property under an adverse title.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions: People v. Dela Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining rules on credibility, alibi, treachery, and damages.
Forged Signatures and Fraud: Establishing Liability for Estafa Through Falsification
How the Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for estafa through falsification when forged bank encashment slips were used to withdraw another's funds.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can establish rape beyond reasonable doubt, even when the victim was unconscious during the assault.
When Falsified Encashment Slips Lead to Estafa: Lessons from People v. Domingo
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for estafa through falsification of commercial documents, clarifying the elements and penalties involved.
Jurisdiction Thresholds: Which Court Hears Real Property Disputes Based on Assessed Value
Philippine court jurisdiction over real property disputes hinges on assessed value. Learn the P20,000 threshold rule from a Supreme Court ruling.
Second Chance Appeals: COMELEC's Duty to Allow Correction of Election Fee Payments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for a corporation's unpaid obligations under the Corporation Code.
Due Process and Representation: The Solicitor General's Role in Criminal Appeals
A criminal appeal decided without the Solicitor General's participation violates due process. The Supreme Court explains why.
Right of Way Cannot Be Acquired by Continuous Use Alone; Title or Written Agreement Required
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: easement of right of way is discontinuous, cannot be acquired by prescription or mere continuous use.
Abandonment of Duty, Unauthorized Absences, and the Doctrine of Dropping From the Rolls
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a court employee may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL and unauthorized foreign travel.
Upholding Integrity: Dismissal of Court Personnel for Fraudulent Retirement Benefit Release
The Supreme Court dismissed and disciplined court personnel who facilitated the fraudulent release of a dismissed judge's P1.55-million retirement gratuity.
Delayed Delivery and Rescission Rights in Pre-Selling Condominium Contracts
The Supreme Court held that a developer's failure to deliver a pre-selling condominium unit on time entitles the buyer to a refund of payments with interest.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Dismissal for Lascivious Acts and Workplace Misconduct
Court employee dismissed for kissing a co-worker and reporting drunk. The Supreme Court affirms strict ethical standards for judiciary personnel.
Corporate Officer Liability for Bad Faith Under Section 31 of the Corporation Code
When can corporate officers be personally liable for corporate obligations? The Supreme Court explains bad faith and gross negligence under Section 31.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape Conviction Upheld for Abuse of a Mentally Retarded Woman
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a man who sexually abused a mentally retarded woman, clarifying rules on witness credibility and insanity defenses.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Substantial Compliance Suffices for Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Rusiana on chain of custody, substantial compliance, and conviction for illegal sale of drugs.
Temperate Damages in Construction Breach: When Proof of Loss Falls Short
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts award temperate damages instead of actual damages in construction contract breaches.
Supreme Court on Sandiganbayan Appeals: Credibility Findings Bind Review
Learn how the Supreme Court limits appeals from the Sandiganbayan to questions of law, and why witness credibility findings are conclusive.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Philippine Judiciary: What the Supreme Court Says
Explore how the Supreme Court treats habitual absenteeism among judges and court personnel, and the disciplinary consequences under Philippine law.
Minor Defects in Election Returns Do Not Justify Exclusion from Canvass
The Supreme Court rules that minor defects in election returns are not grounds for exclusion in a pre-proclamation controversy.
VAT Credits for Real Estate Dealers: The Transitional Input Tax Rule
The Supreme Court ruled that real estate dealers may claim 8% transitional input tax credit on land inventory, not just improvements.
Safeguarding the Electorate's Will: Evidence in Election Result Exclusion
The Supreme Court ruled that while procedural lapses may be excused in pre-proclamation cases, the exclusion of election returns must rest on substantial evidence.
Cashier's Failure to Report Time Card Tampering Justifies Dismissal for Breach of Trust
Supreme Court ruling on cashier dismissal for failing to report time card tampering, explaining breach of trust and due process in Philippine labor law.