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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Self-Defense or Murder: Credibility and Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder in People v. Pajabera.
Co-Ownership and Property Recovery: When Must All Owners Join a Lawsuit
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners must be impleaded in property recovery suits under Article 487 of the Civil Code.
Conflicting Land Titles: Why Prior Titles Prevail in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conflicting land titles, explaining why earlier certificates of title prevail over later ones in property disputes.
Accountability Prevails THE Legal Implications OF Group Action AND Superior Force IN Criminal Liability
Graft and Corruption: Demanding Grease Money for Government Contracts
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on demanding grease money for government contracts under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Bouncing Checks AND Lawyer Discipline Upholding Integrity IN THE Legal Profession
Psychological Incapacity Must Exist at Time of Marriage to Nullify It
Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 must be proven to exist at the time of marriage, not just manifested later.
Stockholders' Right to Inspect Corporate Records: When Refusal Becomes a Crime
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on stockholders' inspection rights, prejudicial questions, and criminal liability for refusing access to corporate books.
Custody Battles: When Judicial Discretion Meets Legal Mandates in Child Protection Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's discretion in child custody disputes under RA 9262, balancing legal mandates with the child's best interest.
Corporate Inspection Rights: Balancing Stockholder Access and Corporate Interests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may deny a stockholder's inspection request and the criminal consequences of wrongful refusal.
Lawyer Fined for Shouting at Court Employee and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and defying IBP directives, clarifying penalties for disbarred attorneys.
When Silence Speaks: Examining Eyewitness Delay in Homicide Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that delayed eyewitness reporting doesn't automatically destroy credibility when fear explains the silence.
Carrier Liability for Cargo Damage During Unloading: The Wallem Doctrine
When is a shipping carrier liable for cargo damaged during unloading? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on carrier responsibility and arrastre operator liability.
Bonus Entitlement Discretion VS Contractual Right IN Employment Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bonuses are discretionary and when they become contractual obligations of employers.
Execution Pending Appeal: Weighing Discretion and Protecting Creditors' Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, execution, and the limits of challenging a labor arbiter's writ of execution.
Challenging Voluntary Arbitration Awards: The Right Remedy for Labor Disputes
Learn the correct legal remedy for appealing voluntary arbitration awards in Philippine labor disputes, from the Supreme Court ruling in Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Hyatt.
When Foreclosure Is Not Bad Faith: DBP v. Doyon on Mortgagee Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's foreclosure after withdrawing an earlier case is not bad faith, and upholds mortgage possession and auction rules.
Finality of Judgment in Labor Cases: Why a Won Case Cannot Be Undone
The Supreme Court barred a construction firm from reopening a final labor ruling, holding that a final judgment can no longer be altered even to correct errors of law.
Foreclosure Rights: DBP Can Foreclose Despite Prior Dismissal of Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a bank's withdrawal of a foreclosure case bars it from foreclosing again later. Learn the rules.
Safeguarding OFW Rights Supreme Court Strikes Down Unfair Compensation Limits IN Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court struck down the three-month cap on illegal dismissal compensation for overseas Filipino workers, affirming full protection of their contractual rights.
When Does a Bank Ratify an Unauthorized Act? Lessons from Westmont Bank v. Inland Construction
The Supreme Court explains when a corporation, especially a bank, is deemed to have ratified an unauthorized act of its officer.
Judicial Conduct: A Judge's Duty to Uphold Impartiality and Avoid Misconduct
The Supreme Court reminds judges that even well-intentioned suggestions to litigants can cross the line into misconduct, eroding public trust in the judiciary.
Ombudsman’s Authority to Directly Impose Penalties on Erring Public Officials
Supreme Court confirms the Ombudsman may directly impose administrative penalties like suspension, not merely recommend them.
Missed Your Appeal Understanding Finality of Judgments and Procedural Deadlines in Philippine Courts
Learn how missing appeal deadlines makes judgments final and binding, using a Philippine Supreme Court case on union elections as guide.