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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Perfecting Land Titles Through Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that tax declarations, a survey plan, and witness testimony can prove open, continuous possession of land since June 12, 1945.
Accountability in the Judiciary: When Judges and Court Staff Fail in Their Duties
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges, clerks of court, and stenographers for delayed decisions and neglected duties.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: Enforceability of Sales Invoices Despite Claims of Discrepancies
Supreme Court affirms that signed sales invoices are binding evidence of delivery and payment obligations, even when a buyer later claims short deliveries.
Duty to Republish Notice in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: A Sheriff's Essential Obligation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rescheduling an extrajudicial foreclosure sale requires republication of the notice, or the sale is invalid.
When Is Property "Taken" for Expropriation? The Timing of Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "taking" occurs in expropriation, affecting how just compensation is valued.
Upholding Decorum: False Accusations Among Court Employees and Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts treat unproven accusations among judiciary employees and what happens when grave charges are not backed by evidence.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery in Murder Convictions: People v. Buban
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining treachery, alibi, and damages under Philippine law.
Three-Term Limit: Contested Elections Don't Break Consecutive Service
Philippine Supreme Court rules that serving a full term despite a voided proclamation still counts toward the three-term limit for local officials.
Election Returns Exclusion Based on Missing Pages and Evident Irregularities
When a missing page in an election return creates a prima facie irregularity, the Supreme Court explains why pre-proclamation remedies still have limits.
INP Retirees Entitled to PNP Retirement Benefits Under R.A. 6975
Supreme Court rules INP retirees are entitled to the same retirement benefits as PNP retirees under R.A. 6975, as amended.
Electoral Mandate vs Practical Realities: When the Right to Vote Encounters Logistical Hurdles
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's refusal to hold a third special election, balancing constitutional duty against practical constraints.
Right to Information vs Electoral Confidentiality: Unveiling Party-List Nominees
Supreme Court rules Comelec must disclose party-list nominees' names, balancing right to information against Section 7 confidentiality limits.
Proving Negligence in Vehicular Accidents: Lessons from a Quasi-Delict Case
A look at how Philippine courts determine negligence in vehicular accidents, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict claims.
Dismissal Upheld for Incorrigible Process Server: Upholding Diligence in Court Service
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a process server for habitual absenteeism, tardiness, and failure to serve court processes.
Credibility of Child Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible child witness testimony, explaining delay in reporting and denial defenses.
Serving at the Board's Pleasure: Security of Tenure for Water District General Managers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether water district general managers serve at the board's pleasure or enjoy security of tenure.
Dismissal for Grave Misconduct: Upholding Integrity in Court Administration
Explore how the Supreme Court upholds accountability in court administration, examining dismissal for grave misconduct and its impact on judicial integrity.
Dismissal of Appeal, Untenable Excuses, and the Boundaries of Judicial Discretion
When a lawyer's mistake costs a client the case, the Supreme Court explains the limits of relief from judgment and counsel's negligence.
Upholding Ethical Standards: One-Year Suspension for Lawyer's Bigamous Marriage
A municipal legal officer's second marriage while his first subsists violates lawyer ethics. The Supreme Court explains why.
Independent Damage Claims in Forcible Entry: Separating Possession From Subsequent Harm
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when damages from forcible entry may be claimed in a separate ordinary action rather than the ejectment case.
Law Students as Agents in Inferior Courts: The Cruz v. Mina Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a law student may appear in inferior courts without lawyer supervision, and the civil aspect of grave threats.
Judicial Integrity: Misappropriation of Court Funds Leads to Dismissal and Restitution
Supreme Court dismisses two court clerks for misappropriating over P4 million in judiciary funds, ordering joint restitution and forfeiture of benefits.
Medical Negligence and Res Ipsa Loquitur: Liability in Surgical Procedures
How the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur to hold a surgeon liable for a patient's unexplained burn during childbirth.
Establishing Filiation: How Informal Writings Can Prove Paternity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how handwritten letters can establish paternity and filiation of illegitimate children under the Family Code.