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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Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Reopen Litigation to Protect Due Process
When counsel's gross negligence denies a client his day in court, the litigation may be reopened to protect due process.
Accretion vs. Dried Riverbeds: Who Owns the Land in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies that land formed by a dried-up riverbed belongs to the State, not adjacent owners. Learn the rules on accretion and land registration.
Overlapping Land Titles: Resolving Ownership Disputes Through Title Verification
Learn how the Supreme Court resolves property disputes involving overlapping titles, and why verifying technical descriptions matters in Philippine land ownership cases.
How Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength Shape Murder Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength are proven in murder cases, and why each participant bears equal liability.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Rodriguez v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, giving convicted accused a full 15 days from denial of reconsideration.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Protecting the Accused's Right to Appeal
The Supreme Court applies the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get a full 15 days to appeal after denial of reconsideration.
Bank Liability for Altered Checks and Employee Misconduct: Lessons from Westmont Bank v. Dela Rosa-Ramos
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks are liable for altered checks and negligent employees, and how depositor contributory negligence affects damages.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Upholding Victim Testimony AND Rejecting Alibi IN Qualified Rape Cases
Verification Matters: Why Unverified Labor Claims Get Dismissed
Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed 99 workers' labor claims for lack of proper verification in Martos v. New San Jose Builders.
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Fresh Period Rule Expanded to Criminal Appeals: Equal Rights for Accused
The Supreme Court extends the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get the same 15-day window as civil litigants.
Conspiracy and Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder: People v. Nazareno
Explaining how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength are proven in murder cases, and why the Supreme Court affirmed Nazareno's conviction.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Rodriguez v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, giving accused persons 15 days from denial of reconsideration to appeal.
Injunction Against Bank Foreclosure: When Borrowers Cannot Stop the Sale
Supreme Court explains when courts may issue injunctions to stop extrajudicial foreclosure, and why defaulting borrowers cannot rely on disputed interest rates.
Preliminary Injunction and Foreclosure: When Mortgagors Can Stop a Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgagor may obtain a preliminary injunction to stop an extrajudicial foreclosure sale.
Seafarers Disability Claims Upholding Company Physician Assessments IN THE Absence OF Clear Contradictory Evidence
Extending Option to Purchase in Government Contracts: When Amendments Are Valid
Supreme Court explains when extending an option to purchase in a government contract is a valid amendment, not a new procurement requiring public bidding.
Finality vs Justice: Reconciling Immutability of Judgments With Equitable Labor Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can be reconsidered, balancing the doctrine of immutability with the rights of illegally dismissed employees.
Judicial Conduct and Impropriety: Upholding Public Trust in the Judiciary
A judge's jail visits to solicit inmate signatures constituted simple misconduct, underscoring the duty to avoid impropriety.
Adultery IN THE Workplace Upholding Moral Standards FOR Public Servants
Bigamy Despite Annulment: Understanding Retroactive Effects and Marital Status
A sheriff's affair leads to suspension, clarifying how annulment petitions do not erase marital obligations or authorize new relationships.
Due Process in Homeowners Association Expulsions: Lessons from Arroyo v. Rosal Homeowners Association
Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements for homeowners association expulsion and eviction under the Community Mortgage Program.
Airline Liability for Breach of Contract When Confirmed Bookings Are Cancelled
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability when confirmed bookings are cancelled, covering damages, joint liability, and passenger rights.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Consent and the Legal Threshold
How moral ascendancy replaces force in rape by a stepparent, and why proving the victim's age matters.