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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When Creeks Shift: Land Ownership and Natural Watercourse Changes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who owns abandoned river beds when creeks change course naturally, and the burden of proof required.
Writ of Possession Stays Ministerial Despite Foreclosure Irregularity Claims
Explaining when courts must issue writs of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures, and when objections may be raised.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: The Melendres Doctrine on Formal Hearings
When is a formal hearing required in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies due process rules for government officials facing charges.
Accretion vs Title: Proving Ownership of Abandoned Creek Beds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an abandoned creek bed transfers ownership and why a Torrens title prevailed.
Robbery With Homicide Conviction Upheld Despite Claims of Illegal Arrest and Lack of Counsel
The Supreme Court affirms a robbery with homicide conviction, ruling that illegal arrest claims are waived if not raised before plea, and that police line-ups are not part of custodial investigation.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Beyond Survey Plan Notations
Survey plan notations alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable. Learn the required evidence for land registration in the Philippines.
Dual Citizenship and Elective Office: The Imperative of Sworn Renunciation in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires dual citizens seeking elective office to execute a personal and sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship. The Supreme Court explains why.
Unexplained Wealth Forfeiture of Illegally Acquired Properties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forfeiture of unexplained wealth works under RA 1379, including due process rights and the finality of judgments.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Proving Force and Intimidation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Lumpayao shows why force, threat, or intimidation must be proven beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Breach of Trust
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to return client funds consigned with HLURB, violating Canon 16 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Probationary Employment: When Employers Can Terminate for Failure to Meet Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate probationary employees for failing reasonable standards, including chronic tardiness.
Corporate Merger and Garnishment: Surviving Corporation's Liability for Pre-Existing Obligations
When banks merge, the surviving corporation inherits garnishment obligations of the absorbed bank. The Supreme Court explains why.
Breach of Contract When Failure to Pay Justifies Rescission Despite Concurrent Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to pay a guaranteed amount justifies rescission even if the other party also breached concurrent obligations.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Two-Notice Rule and Employer Obligations
Learn the two-notice rule in Philippine labor law and how the Supreme Court applied it to probationary employees in Carvajal v. Luzon Development Bank.
Work-Related Illness and Seafarers’ Disability Claims: Proving the Causal Link
Seafarers claiming disability benefits must prove work-relatedness, not just illness during employment. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden.
Fiscal Autonomy and the Judiciary: The Supreme Court's Power to Dispose of Its Properties
The Supreme Court affirms its fiscal autonomy in property disposal, resolving a COA dispute over appraisal formulas for retired justices' purchases.
Devolution and Vested Rights: Protecting Public Sector Employees in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on devolution, vested rights, and security of tenure for public sector employees in the Philippines.
Protecting Judicial Independence SC Upholds Fiscal Autonomy IN Property Disposal
Breach OF Duty AND THE Anti Graft LAW Alvarez VS People
Judge, Prosecutor, and the Disapproved Resolution: Balancing Judicial Discretion and Prosecutorial Independenc
A judge insisted a prosecutor produce a disapproved resolution. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial discretion in warrant issuance.
Upholding Agreements: The Decisive Impact of Admitted Extensions in Maritime Claims
How a carrier's failure to specifically deny an agreed extension period can defeat a prescription defense in maritime cargo claims.
Military Jurisdiction Retirement Does NOT BAR Court Martial Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on military jurisdiction, retirement, and court martial proceedings explained for lay readers.
Misrepresenting Relationship in Rape Cases: Effect on Conviction and Penalty
A rape conviction can be downgraded from qualified to simple rape if the information misstates the accused's relationship to the victim, affecting the penalty.
Treachery's Shadow: Murder and Eyewitness Identification in the Anis Massacre
The Supreme Court affirms murder and attempted murder convictions from the 1999 Anis massacre, ruling on treachery and eyewitness identification.