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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Probable Cause vs Evidentiary Weight: The DOJ Secretary’s Review Power Delineated
The Supreme Court clarifies when the DOJ Secretary oversteps by weighing evidence in a preliminary investigation, not just determining probable cause.
Reckless Driving vs. Employee Rights: When Can a Driver Be Dismissed?
A bus driver's dismissal for reckless driving and dishonesty was upheld, but the employer still paid damages for skipping the twin-notice rule.
Courts, Not Legislators, Set Just Compensation in Philippine Eminent Domain Cases
Supreme Court rules statutory caps like NPC's 10% easement limit cannot override judicial determination of just compensation.
Bank Officer Liability for Fraudulent Export Transactions: The Dy Case
When can a bank officer be held solidarily liable for fraud? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy and approval of irregular transactions.
Res Judicata and Buyer Rights: PNB v. Lim on Mortgages Under PD 957
The Supreme Court clarifies how final judgments bind parties and how condominium buyers can still redeem units despite a valid mortgage.
Execution of Judgment Must Conform to the Dispositive Portion: The Golez v. Navarro Ruling
A writ of execution cannot add interest that the judgment never awarded. The Supreme Court explains how far a court may go in enforcing a final decision.
Protecting Children Upholding Justice IN Child Abuse AND Rape Cases Under Philippine LAW
A look at how Philippine courts decide rape cases, the weight given to credible victim testimony, and the rules on force, intimidation, and delay in reporting.
Mortgage Without HLURB Approval: Buyer Protection in Condominium Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a mortgage lacking HLURB approval is void only against the unit buyer, not the developer and bank.
Compromise Agreements in Agrarian Disputes: Ensuring Finality and Compliance
Learn how compromise agreements in agrarian disputes achieve finality and compliance, and why conclusiveness of judgment bars relitigation.
Redundancy Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Justification, Not Just Declare It
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers cannot simply declare redundancy—they must present substantial proof to justify dismissal.
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Ownership Claims
In ejectment cases, actual possession beats paper title. The Supreme Court explains why forcible entry is about possession de facto, not ownership.
Child Custody AND Welfare Prioritizing THE Childs Best Interest Over Prior Agreements
Child Custody Not Permanent: SC Clears Judge Who Respected Child's Choice Over Prior Agreement
Supreme Court rules child custody judgments are not permanent; a child over 7 may choose a parent, overriding prior compromise agreements.
Bank Officer Liability for Fraudulent Export Transactions: The Dy Case
Supreme Court ruling on bank officer liability for approving fraudulent export transactions with non-negotiable bills of lading.
Party-List Accreditation Is Never Permanent: The LPGMA Doctrine on Continuous Qualification Review
Supreme Court clarifies that COMELEC can cancel party-list registration anytime; accreditation never becomes final and conclusive against the state.
Party List Accreditation: COMELEC's Power to Cancel Registration Explained
Supreme Court clarifies that COMELEC can cancel party-list accreditation even without prior opposition to registration, upholding its authority to ensure marginalized representation.
Extinguishment OF Criminal Liability Death Before Final Judgment AND THE Privileged Mitigating Circumstance OF Minority
Accountability and Authority When Officials Overlook Financial Red Flags
A GSIS executive's dismissal for approving a flawed bid and premature payment, and the limits of certiorari.
Certiorari Limits: When Courts Can Review Administrative Decisions
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review administrative findings in certiorari petitions, using a Sandiganbayan graft case as the vehicle.
Determining Fair Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases: Key Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Bautist
Learn how Philippine courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Heirs of Bautista.
False Designation of Origin: When "Made in Portugal" Labels Mislead Consumers
The Supreme Court's ruling in Uyco v. Lo clarifies when geographic labels on products constitute false designation of origin under Philippine trademark law.
Perfecting Repurchase Agreements: The Necessity of Unqualified Acceptance in Real Estate Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a qualified acceptance of a repurchase offer is merely a counter-offer, not a perfected contract.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
How sudden, unexpected attacks qualify killings as murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code, explained through a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Master's Degree as Tenure Requirement: University of the East v. Pepanio and Bueno
Supreme Court rules college teachers without master's degrees cannot acquire regular or tenure status, affirming government regulations on faculty qualifications.