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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Credibility of Witnesses in Drug Cases: Inconsistencies and the Presumption of Regularity
The Supreme Court explains when minor inconsistencies in police testimony do not destroy credibility in buy-bust drug cases.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Accion Publiciana: How Courts Determine Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a case is unlawful detainer (MTC) or accion publiciana (RTC), based on the complaint's allegations.
Lost Claim: Failure to Prove Open Possession Prevents Land Title Registration
Supreme Court denies land registration where applicant failed to prove open, continuous, exclusive possession since June 12, 1945.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's belated bid to reopen his case fails; the Court enforces finality, cites contempt, and orders execution.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended from Law Practice for Marital Infidelity and Abandonment
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Upholding Termination for Theft: Balancing Due Process and Employer Rights in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of cable splicers for theft of company property, clarifying that ample opportunity to be heard, not a formal hearing, satisfies due process.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Conspiracy and the Element of Deprivation of Liberty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies kidnapping for ransom elements, conspiracy liability, and what counts as deprivation of liberty.
Resignation vs Retrenchment: When Are Retirement Benefits Required?
Supreme Court clarifies when resigned employees can claim retirement benefits, distinguishing voluntary resignation from retrenchment in Kimberly-Clark case.
Appeal Bond Rules in Labor Cases: Why Posting the Full Bond on Time Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when appeal bonds in labor disputes may be reduced, and why employers must post the full amount within the reglementary period.
Parking Fees vs Public Access: Reconciling Building Codes and Private Property Rights in Philippine Malls
Supreme Court rules malls may charge parking fees; building codes require spaces, not free access. Property rights prevail.
Resolving Church Disputes: Jurisdiction and the Right to Possess Religious Property
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that ejectment cases involving church property are not intra-corporate disputes, and explains the limits of ownership claims.
Forgery Undermines Real Estate Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds transfer no rights, and why good faith buyers can still be protected under Philippine property law.
Appeal Bond Requirements: Strict Compliance Is Key in Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court in McBurnie v. Ganzon upheld the mandatory appeal bond rule, ensuring workers get their just awards.
Compromise Agreements and Illegitimate Filiation: When Settlements Violate Public Policy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: compromise agreements on filiation and civil status are void. Learn the public policy limits on settlements.
Silence Is Not Acquiescence: Delayed Reporting in Philippine Rape Cases
Why a rape victim's delayed report and vague words like "ginalaw" do not weaken a conviction, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Burden OF Proof IN Seafarer Death Claims Proving Suicide TO Deny Benefits
Rental Income in Co-Ownership Disputes: Protecting Rights During Partition
When co-owners dispute rental income during a partition case, courts can order deposits to protect rights—but only within proper limits.
Challenging Vagrancy Laws: The Supreme Court Upholds Article 202(2) of the Revised Penal Code
The Supreme Court upholds Article 202(2) on vagrancy, ruling it constitutional and not violative of due process or equal protection.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Shortage Claims: Proving Loss and Valid Insurance Coverage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cargo shortage claims: insurer must prove actual loss and valid policy coverage to recover from carriers.
Mission Orders and Firearm Permits: Clarifying the Scope of Authority for NBI Agents
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on when security guards and agents may bear firearms during election periods without COMELEC permits.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Why Registered Owners Must Be Notified in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and the registered owner's responsibility in property taxation.
Retrenchment Proving Business Losses To Justify Employee Termination Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the stringent standards employers must meet to validly retrench employees under Article 283 of the Labor Code.
Credibility of the Rape Victim: The Decisive Factor in Philippine Jurisprudence
In incestuous rape cases, the victim's credible testimony outweighs weak defenses like denial and alibi. Learn the rules.
Possession by Tolerance and Unlawful Detainer: Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when possession by tolerance triggers unlawful detainer jurisdiction in the MTC, not the RTC.