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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Foreign Divorce Recognition: Proving Japanese Law in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof requirements for recognizing foreign divorces, remanding a Filipina's case for further evidence on Japanese law.
Heirs of Landowners Under CARP: No Separate Retention Rights After 1988
Supreme Court rules heirs of landowners who died after 1988 cannot claim separate retention rights under CARP; only the decedent's five-hectare limit applies.
Dead Incorporator in Articles of Incorporation: When Misrepresentation Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deceased incorporator in the Articles of Incorporation warrants revocation, and when amendment suffices.
Nuisance Candidates: Genuine Intention vs Political Viability in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court clarifies that lack of nationwide support or political machinery is not a ground to declare a candidate a nuisance under Section 69 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Attorney Disbarred for Promising Favorable Judgment Through Influence Peddling
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who promised clients a favorable annulment judgment through connections, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
When a Lawyer Promises a Fixed Outcome: Disbarment for Influence Peddling and Neglect
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who promised an antedated annulment judgment through connections, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: The Senate v. Medialdea Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed the Senate's petition against the October 2021 Memorandum barring executive officials from Blue Ribbon hearings, citing premature filing.
Navigating Search Warrants, Witness Presence, and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying rules on search warrant implementation, witness presence, and chain of custody under RA 9165.
Navigating Search Warrants Ensuring Rights AND Proper Procedure IN Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, showing how proper search warrant implementation and strict chain of custody lead to lawful seizure.
Attorney Conflicts of Interest: When Dual Representation Violates Client Loyalty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's dual representation becomes a prohibited conflict of interest under Rule 15.03 of the CPR.
Extrinsic Fraud and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on how failing to implead indispensable parties and extrinsic fraud can void a title.
Bidding Rights Clear Legal Right Required FOR Preliminary Injunction IN Government Contracts
Supreme Court clarifies that prospective bidders lack the clear legal right needed for preliminary injunction in government procurement disputes.
Building in Bad Faith: When a Landowner's Silence Equals Consent
The Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner's silence and inaction can make them a builder in bad faith under Article 453 of the Civil Code.
Bidding Rights Prospective vs Actual Bidders and Preliminary Injunctions
Supreme Court clarifies that prospective bidders lack clear legal rights for preliminary injunctions in government procurement disputes.
Safeguarding Justice: Private Parties' Right to Question Criminal Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies when private offended parties may question criminal judgments and acquittals in the Philippines.
Private Complainants and the Right to Appeal: Harmonizing Jurisprudence in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when private complainants may question acquittals or dismissals in criminal cases, and when only the OSG may act.
Taxing Transit: LRTA Exemption and the Public Good
The Supreme Court ruled the Light Rail Transit Authority is a government instrumentality exempt from real property tax, resolving conflicting rulings.
Upholding Decorum: Court Employee Dismissed for Gross Misconduct and Insubordination
The Supreme Court dismissed a court stenographer for repeated gross misconduct and insubordination, underscoring strict decorum standards for judiciary personnel.
Candidate Eligibility: No Automatic Disqualification for Unpaid Taxes Absent Express Court Order
Supreme Court clarifies that unpaid taxes do not automatically disqualify a candidate absent an express penalty in a final court judgment.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Neglect Dishonesty AND THE Duty TO Clients
A lawyer who neglects a client's case and deceives them faces suspension. The Court explains the duties lawyers owe.
Prohibition Denied When Government Contracts Become Fait Accompli
Supreme Court rules prohibition cannot stop an already completed government contract, and clarifies legal standing rules for citizen suits.
Estate vs Trustee: Intestate Courts Cannot Decide Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intestate courts lack jurisdiction to adjudicate ownership of properties claimed by third parties under adverse title.
Logbook Entries Alone Insufficient to Prove Illegal Dismissal of Seafarer
Supreme Court rules a vessel logbook entry alone cannot prove a seafarer's incompetence; employers must show substantial evidence for valid dismissal.
Standby Letters of Credit vs Counter-Bonds: Safeguarding Preliminary Attachments in Philippine Litigation
A standby letter of credit cannot substitute a counter-bond to discharge a preliminary attachment under Rule 57, per the Supreme Court.