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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When a Land Dispute Is Not an Agrarian Dispute: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are civil cases, not agrarian disputes, in DAR v. Lapanday Foods.
Winning the Lottery Without a Ticket: Contract Law and Games of Chance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that a damaged lotto ticket doesn't bar winning the jackpot if the bettor proves selecting the winning combination.
Partial Judicial Clemency Granted to Errant Judge Based on Remorse and Reformation
The Supreme Court partially grants judicial clemency to a dismissed judge, allowing 1/3 of her retirement benefits based on proven remorse and reformation.
Second Chances: The Supreme Court's Compassionate Stance on Judicial Clemency
The Supreme Court partially grants a dismissed judge's plea for clemency, allowing release of 1/3 of her retirement benefits.
Expropriation and Just Compensation: Understanding Legal Interest in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates landowners can claim when the government delays payment of just compensation in expropriation cases.
Disbarment for Judicial Misconduct: Upholding Integrity in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbars a former judge for soliciting money and covering up irregularities, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold integrity.
Senior Citizen Discount on Funeral Services Includes Interment, SC Rules
Supreme Court rules interment services are covered by the 20% senior citizen discount on funeral and burial services under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.
Disbarment for Judicial Misconduct: Integrity and Ethics in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a former judge for gross misconduct, including soliciting money and failing to report marriages she solemnized.
Interest on Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: The Tamparong Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting landowners' property rights.
Judicial Accountability: Granting Bail Without Due Process Is Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's dismissal for granting bail without due process illustrates the high standard of judicial competence and accountability in the Philippines.
Heirship Disputes: Why Summary Judgments Fail When Inheritance Rights Are Unclear
Supreme Court explains why summary judgment cannot resolve contested heirship and inheritance rights in estate administration cases.
Check Kiting and Actual Damages: Proving Real Loss in Banking Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies that banks must prove actual pecuniary loss to claim damages from check kiting schemes.
Psychological Incapacity and Marital Nullity: Spousal Rights and Evidentiary Standards in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies who may file for marital nullity based on psychological incapacity and the evidentiary standards required under Article 36.
Psychological Incapacity as a Legal Concept: Expert Testimony and Marital Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity is a legal concept, not a medical illness, and psychiatric examination of the spouse is not indispensable.
Plain View Doctrine Upholds Warrantless Seizure in Illegal Firearm Possession
The Supreme Court affirms that a firearm seen tucked in a suspect's waist during a lawful police response falls under the plain view doctrine.
Tolerance vs Title: Resolving Possession Disputes in Unlawful Detainer Cases
When does tolerated possession become unlawful detainer? The Supreme Court clarifies that a notice of adverse claim does not defeat a prior possessor's right to eject occupants.
GSIS Loan Penalties: When Are They Unconscionable?
The Supreme Court ruled that compounded GSIS loan penalties can be unconscionable and subject to reduction. Learn the rules.
Eminent Domain and Prior Rights: Resolving Land Disputes in Infrastructure Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract rights, port operations, and jurisdictional issues in infrastructure disputes.
Breach of Contract in Philippine Maritime Law: Dredging Obligations and Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on port operator's dredging obligations, liquidated damages, and breach of contract under maritime law.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Restore the Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence and misrepresentations cause a client to lose the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall the entry of judgment and reinstate the appeal.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Final Convictions Can Be Reopened for Due Process
When a lawyer's gross negligence and lies cost a client the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall a final judgment to protect due process.
Copyright Infringement: Playing Music in Commercial Establishments Without a License
Philippine Supreme Court rules commercial establishments need music licenses. Learn about copyright infringement, FILSCAP, and royalty obligations.
Mitigating Circumstances and Gross Neglect of Duty: Reassessing Penalties in Judiciary Misconduct
The Supreme Court modifies dismissal to suspension for a clerk of court guilty of gross neglect, appreciating mitigating circumstances under amended Rule 140.
Dismissal Delayed Is Justice Denied: The Right to Speedy Disposition in Philippine Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court rules that inordinate delay by the Ombudsman in resolving administrative cases violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.