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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Courts Must Ensure Proper Appeal Venue in Malversation Cases
Supreme Court rules trial courts must forward appeals to the correct forum, protecting accused persons' right to liberty in malversation cases.
Default Judgments and Due Process: The Imperative of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, procedural compliance, and the limits of post-judgment remedies in civil cases.
Redundancy in Labor Law Justifying Employee Termination During Business Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when business restructuring justifies termination and how regular employment status is determined under the four-fold test.
Rape and Moral Ascendancy: When the Sweetheart Defense Fails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape, moral ascendancy of a live-in partner, and the limits of the sweetheart defense.
Mortgagee's Duty to Verify Buyers Under PD 957: DBP v. Capulong
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that banks financing real estate projects must verify subdivision lot buyers before foreclosing mortgaged properties under PD 957.
Redemption Rights When A Sale Disguises A Loan Equity Prevails
When a bank finances a subdivision project, it cannot ignore buyers who already paid for lots. The Supreme Court explains why.
Real Property Tax: Who Is the Actual User in a BOT Agreement?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on real property tax exemption under a Build-Operate-Transfer agreement and who qualifies as actual user.
Standing to Sue for Reversion of Public Lands: The Real Party in Interest Rule
Who may sue to cancel titles over foreshore land? The Supreme Court clarifies that only the State, through the Solicitor General, may bring reversion actions.
Judicial Accountability: Death Does Not Erase Negligence in Office
The Supreme Court clarifies that a judge's death does not automatically erase findings of negligence, though it may affect the penalty imposed.
When Acquittal Extinguishes Civil Liability: Understanding Reckless Imprudence Cases
Learn how acquittal in reckless imprudence cases affects civil liability, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and key legal principles.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Supreme Court Upholds Protection for Overseas Workers
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, protecting overseas workers from fraudulent recruiters.
When Mootness Obscures Justice THE Dismissal OF AN Estafa Case DUE TO Supervening Events
Overcoming Fraud Claims Clear Proof Required FOR Land Title Reconveyance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance: fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, not mere allegations.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Estafa Conviction Affirmed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for bouncing checks, ruling that deceit exists even with prior business relations and contracts.
COA's Power to Audit Public Contracts: Lessons from Lotrim v. Commission on Audit
Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the binding effect of procedural rules in government contract disputes.
Refund of Creditable Withholding Taxes: Proving Entitlement and Accurate Income Declaration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on claiming tax refunds for creditable withholding taxes and the importance of accurate income declaration.
Why Retractions and Delayed Reports Don't Weaken Rape Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that delayed reporting and lack of resistance do not weaken rape cases, reaffirming victim protection.
Rehabilitation Petitions Technical Insolvency AND Creditors Rights IN Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a technically insolvent corporation may file for rehabilitation and how creditor rights are affected.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder: Lessons from People v. Sameniano
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on conspiracy, treachery, and a credible lone eyewitness.
Regular Employment and Security of Tenure: When Suspension and Reinstatement Bar Later Dismissal
The Supreme Court affirms that condonation of infractions and return to work protect an employee's security of tenure against dismissal.
Due Process and Arrest Warrants: Notice Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases
When can a court issue an arrest warrant in summary procedure cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirement and due process rules.
Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction: DARAB Prevails Over Civil Courts in Tenancy Conflicts
When a land dispute involves tenancy, jurisdiction belongs to DARAB, not regular courts. The Supreme Court explains why.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: Employer Obligations and the Corporate Rehabilitation Exception
When can a company under rehabilitation skip payroll reinstatement? The Supreme Court explains the two-fold test for wage claims pending appeal.
Option Contracts Consideration Requirement For Enforceability In Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on option contracts, consideration, and enforceability under Civil Code. Learn key takeaways.