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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Dishonesty in Public Service: The Cost of Misrepresentation and the Limits of the Right to Counsel
A Supreme Court ruling shows how dishonesty in securing civil service eligibility leads to dismissal, and why the right to counsel does not apply in administrative probes.
Final Judgment Rule: When Court Decisions in Property Disputes Become Immutable
The final judgment rule makes court decisions in property disputes final and executory. Learn the exceptions and practical implications.
Judicial Ethics: Authorized and Unauthorized Absences for Philippine Judges
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when judges incur unauthorized absences and when filing leave is required under CSC rules.
Conjugal Property Sale Without Spousal Consent Is Void, Not Just Voidable
A sale of conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under the Family Code. Buyers must verify the seller's authority to sell.
HLURB Jurisdiction: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers' Right to Title Delivery
Supreme Court affirms HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision lot buyers' claims for title delivery against developers, protecting purchasers from unscrupulous sellers.
Encroachment Disputes and Land Ownership Rights: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies how registered owners can recover encroached land through accion reivindicatoria, demolition, and damages.
Prescription in Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights and Time Limits Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for heirs contesting extrajudicial estate settlements, fraud discovery, and time limits.
Robbery with Homicide Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Force, Intimidation, and Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and why denial cannot defeat positive identification.
Survival of Actions: Property Rights Prevail After Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawsuits survive a party's death, focusing on property rights versus personal actions under Rule 3.
HLURB Jurisdiction: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers From Developer Non-Compliance
When a licensed developer sells a lot and fails to deliver title, the HLURB has jurisdiction over the buyer's claim—regardless of project size.
Attorney's Fees and Estate Liens: Protecting a Lawyer's Right to Be Paid
The Supreme Court ruled that a lawyer may claim attorney's fees in the very case where he served and annotate a lien on the properties of the estate.
Project Employees vs Regular Employees: The Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers become regular employees and the employer's burden in proving project employment status.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Philippine Supreme Court rules that courts must apply DAR's mandatory valuation formula under RA 6657 in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Lease Agreements Defining the Scope of Leased Assets and Obligations Upon Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease agreements, defining asset scope and post-termination obligations for lessors and lessees.
Valid Service of Summons: Ensuring Corporate Officers Are Notified
Learn when substituted service of summons on a corporate officer is valid under Philippine rules, and how courts protect due process.
Evidentiary Omissions and Rape Convictions: Lessons from People v. De Guzman
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction despite minor testimonial inconsistencies, clarifying the role of medical evidence and victim credibility.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Non-Compliance with Section 21 RA 9165 Warrants Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove integrity of seized shabu, emphasizing chain of custody under Section 21, RA 9165.
Why the Victim's Testimony Is Crucial in Philippine Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape victim's credible testimony can sustain a conviction even without corroborating evidence.
Mootness Doctrine: Why an Active Legal Dispute Matters in Presidential Eligibility Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a moot case on presidential reelection eligibility was dismissed, and what this means for election law.
Jurisdictional Error: Appealing to the Wrong Court in Anti-Graft Cases
Learn how filing a COA appeal to the wrong court can be fatal, using a recent Supreme Court ruling on quantum meruit.
Credit Card Approvals: When Delay Is Not Legal Default
Supreme Court explains when a credit card issuer's delay in approving purchases constitutes legal default and liability for damages.
Certiorari as Remedy for Questioning Acquittal Based on Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may question an acquittal and why errors of judgment remain barred by double jeopardy.
Navigating the Chain of Custody: How Procedural Lapses Can Overturn Drug Convictions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, and what Section 21 of RA 9165 requires.
Water Districts as GOCCs: Reaffirming Government Control and Audit Authority
The Supreme Court reaffirms that water districts are government-owned or controlled corporations with special charters, settling tax and audit questions.