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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Retirement Benefits: Employer's Duty Beyond Initial Retirement
Retired employee continues working; Supreme Court clarifies prescription, retirement pay computation, and employer obligations under Philippine law.
Lost Appeals When Negligence Bars Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an appeal for failure to file brief on time, stressing that the right to appeal is a mere statutory privilege.
Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer: When Permission Becomes a Possession Dispute
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tolerated possession becomes unlawful detainer and how courts resolve ownership questions in ejectment cases.
Speedy Trial Rights When Agreement Nullifies Delay In Securities Act Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's agreement to defer trial negates claims of speedy trial violation in securities cases.
Speedy Trial Rights: When Delay Is Not a Violation
The Supreme Court explains when delays in criminal prosecution do not violate the right to speedy trial, and the limits of double jeopardy.
Double Jeopardy and Acquittal: The Grave Threats Case of Tiu v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms that an acquittal in a grave threats case bars further prosecution, explaining double jeopardy rules.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Delayed Witness Testimony and the Pursuit of Justice in Murder Cases
A delayed eyewitness affidavit doesn't automatically destroy credibility, the Supreme Court rules in People v. Cawaling, affirming a murder conviction.
Corporate Rehabilitation vs. Creditor Claims: The Broad Scope of Stay Orders
The Supreme Court clarifies that suspension orders under corporate rehabilitation cover all creditor claims, regardless of when they arose.
Perfecting Real Estate Sales Registration NOT Always Required FOR Validity
The Supreme Court clarifies that registration of a deed of sale is not always required for a real estate sale to be valid between the parties.
Stay Orders in Corporate Rehabilitation: Why All Claims Against Distressed Firms Are Suspended
The Supreme Court explains why all claims against corporations under rehabilitation are suspended, regardless of when the claim arose.
Falsification of Public Documents and Suspension Pendente Lite Under Anti-Graft Law
Explains when public officers may be suspended pendente lite for falsification of public documents involving fraud upon government funds.
Hierarchy of Courts and the Right Venue for Legal Recourse: Lessons on Resolving Moot Issues
A Supreme Court ruling on the hierarchy of courts, proper venue for legal recourse, and how courts resolve issues that have become moot.
Doubt Benefits The Accused When Witness Testimony Falls Short In Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains that reasonable doubt in rape cases arises when witness testimony is inconsistent, uncorroborated, or fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Corporate Liability and Bouncing Checks: Clarifying the Scope of B.P. Blg. 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporations cannot be impleaded in B.P. 22 cases, but creditors may still pursue separate civil actions against them.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Weighing Company Doctor vs Independent Medical Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims when company physicians and independent doctors disagree, favoring the worker's evidence.
Due Process and Good Faith: When Clubs Cannot Foreclose on Membership Shares
Supreme Court rules a non-stock club's sale of a member's share for unpaid dues violated due process and good faith.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: When Can a Corporation Be Sued?
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation can be sued separately for civil liability from bounced checks even if the signing officer is acquitted.
Eminent Domain Authority and Just Compensation in Expropriation Cases
Supreme Court clarifies board authority for expropriation and the immediate payment rule under R.A. 8974 for writs of possession.
Upholding Final Judgments: A Judge's Duty to Execute Without Alteration
Exploring the Supreme Court's ruling on the finality of judgments and a judge's ministerial duty to execute them without modification.
Accretion Rights and Innocent Purchasers: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on accretion rights, reconveyance actions, and the protection of innocent purchasers for value in land disputes.
Proxy Validation vs Solicitation: SEC and RTC Jurisdiction in Corporate Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies when proxy disputes in corporate elections belong to the RTC, not the SEC, under the Securities Regulation Code.
Guardianship Betrayal: How the Supreme Court Views Rape Within Foster Family Structures
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of a foster father and foster brother for raping an 11-year-old girl, clarifying key rules on qualified rape, medical evidence, and the credibility of child v
CARP Coverage Disputes: DAR Secretary Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Registered CLOAs
Supreme Court clarifies that CARP coverage disputes belong to the DAR Secretary, not DARAB, even when a CLOA is already registered.
Voluntary Resignation Bars Seafarers Claims Understanding Contractual Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary resignation affects seafarers' claims for sickness allowance and disability benefits under POEA contracts.