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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Who Pays When Cargo Vanishes: Defining Responsibility in Shipping Losses
When a shipment disappears in a terminal, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies arrastre liability and insurance subrogation.
Crediting Prior Government Service for Judicial Retirement: Ensuring Fair Pension Benefits
Supreme Court rules prior Sangguniang Bayan service counts toward judges' 20-year retirement requirement under R.A. 910.
Forcible Embrace of a Minor Constitutes Child Abuse Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court rules that a forcible embrace of a minor is child abuse under RA 7610, even without proof of developmental prejudice.
Corporations Cannot Acquire Public Land: T.A.N. Properties v. Republic
The Supreme Court denies a corporation's land registration application, ruling that private corporations cannot acquire alienable public lands under the Constitution.
Sheriff's Ministerial Duty to Execute Writs and the Proper Procedure for Collecting Expenses
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a sheriff's duty to enforce a writ is mandatory, and why collecting execution expenses outside the rules is misconduct.
Bouncing Checks and Deceit: When Issuing a Bad Check Becomes Estafa
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when issuing a bouncing check constitutes estafa, not just a civil debt, and explains the deceit requirement.
Beyond the Signature: Validating Agreements Despite Spousal Absence and Time Lapses in Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa clarifies deceit, notice of dishonor, and penalties for bouncing checks.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Foreclosure Amidst Corporate Liquidation Secured Creditor Rights Prevail
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on secured creditor foreclosure rights during corporate liquidation proceedings under RA 8799 and the Corporation Code.
Project Employee Status Requires Clear Notice: Hanjin Heavy Industries v. Ibañez
When does a construction worker become a regular employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on project employment and termination.
Land Registration: Proving Continuous Possession for Imperfect Titles
The Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed to register land under an imperfect title, requiring possession since June 12, 1945.
Fresh Period Rule Applies Retroactively to Pending Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Neypes fresh period rule applies retroactively to pending cases, allowing late appeals to proceed.
Residency Requirements for Elective Office: Domicile and Disqualification Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies how domicile is determined for election residency requirements, using a mayoral disqualification case as a guide.
Conspiracy in Estafa: How Courts Prove Joint Criminal Design
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy in estafa is proven through overt acts, not direct evidence, in Aquino v. Paiste.
Bank Negligence and Depositor Fault: Who Bears Loss in Fraudulent Deposit Reversals
Supreme Court rules on allocating loss between bank negligence and depositor contributory fault in fraudulent check deposit reversals.
Notary Negligence and Disqualification: Lessons from Baylon v. Almo
A notary who fails to verify identity can lose the commission and be disqualified. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
AWOL and Due Process: Can an Employee Dropped From the Rolls Still Face Administrative Cases?
The Supreme Court clarifies that being dropped from the rolls for AWOL does not end pending administrative cases, especially for court employees facing fund shortages.
Disbarred Lawyer Cited for Contempt After Defying Order to Return Funds
The Supreme Court denied with finality a disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen his case and cited him for indirect contempt for refusing to return funds to his former client.
Sheriff's Overzealous Writ Execution: Grave Abuse of Authority and Citizen's Rights
When a sheriff's writ execution crosses the line into illegal detention and premature demolition, the Supreme Court steps in to protect citizens' rights.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: The Notice Requirement in BP 22 Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that proof of receipt of notice of dishonor is essential to convict under BP 22, the bouncing checks law.
Fishpond Workers' Rights After Lease Expiration: Civil Lease vs Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond workers hired by a civil law lessee can stay after lease expiration, and why fishponds are exempt from agrarian reform.
Upholding Judicial Duty: Prompt Resolution of Cases and the Consequences of Undue Delay
The Supreme Court fines a Pasay City judge P10,000 for resolving motions many months late, confirming that undue delay is a punishable offense.
Who Can Speak for the Deceased: Legal Representation and Estate Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may substitute for a deceased party in civil cases, protecting estate rights and due process.
Fishpond Exemption and Farmworker Security of Tenure After Lease Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond farmworkers retain security of tenure after a civil law lessee's lease expires.