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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Sheriffs' Duty to Submit Timely Execution Reports: Dignum v. Diamla
The Supreme Court reminds sheriffs that failure to file periodic execution reports is simple neglect of duty, even without bad faith.
Judicial Delay in the Philippines: Holding Judges Accountable for Delayed Case Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling shows Philippine judges face fines for failing to resolve motions within the mandatory 30-day period.
Discernment of Minors in Philippine Criminal Law: Juvenile Responsibility Explained
A 12-year-old's rape conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, clarifying when minors act with discernment under Philippine law.
Final Judgments and Land Disputes: Why Courts Stand Firm on Settled Property Rights
Learn why Philippine courts uphold final judgments in land disputes, protecting settled property rights from endless litigation.
Proximate Cause in Homicide Cases: Lessons from Operiano v. People
The Supreme Court explains when a kick that leads to a fatal fall constitutes homicide, clarifying proximate cause rules in the Philippines.
Philippine Mining Disputes: DENR Jurisdiction vs. Court Authority
When do Philippine courts, not the DENR, decide mining contract disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary in Asaphil v. Tuason.
Peaceful Assembly in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Permit Requirements After Bayan v. Ermita
The Supreme Court upheld the permit requirement for rallies but struck down the Calibrated Preemptive Response policy. Learn your rights.
Contract to Sell vs. Contract of Sale: Why Consent on Payment Terms Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when a property agreement is a contract to sell, not a sale, and why consent on payment terms is decisive.
Lost Your Land Title? Why Proper Notice Is Your First Step to Reconstitution
Learn from Subido v. Republic: proper notice to occupants is mandatory before a court can reconstitute a lost land title.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines: When Reimbursement Does Not Erase Liability
Failure to liquidate public funds can lead to malversation conviction even if the amount is later reimbursed. Learn the rules and key lessons from a Supreme Court case.
Executive Privilege in the Philippines: When Can the President Withhold Information? Ermita v. Senate Explaine
The Supreme Court's ruling in Ermita v. Senate defines the limits of executive privilege and Congress's power of inquiry in the Philippines.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Amended POEA Contracts and Entitlements Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when amended POEA disability benefit rates apply to seafarers and how Grade 1 impediments are compensated.
Project vs Regular Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Construction
When do construction workers become regular employees? The Supreme Court explains the rules on project employment and security of tenure.
When Can Philippine Courts Issue Injunctions Against Government Orders? A Look at EO 420
The Supreme Court explains when courts can review executive orders, using the EO 420 unified ID system case as a guide.
Pre-Need Memorial Plans in the Philippines: Understanding Contract Terms and Funeral Service Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on pre-need memorial plans, contract terms, and when funeral service claims fail.
When Habeas Corpus Fails Understanding Valid Arrest Warrants in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why habeas corpus cannot prosper when a person is detained under a valid arrest warrant and charged with a crime.
Executive Order 420 and the Right to Privacy: When ID Systems Need Legislation
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420, ruling that unifying existing government ID systems is a valid executive act, not legislation.
Interest on Interest in Philippine Mortgages: The Cuyco Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains when unpaid interest earns further interest in mortgage foreclosures, and when future loans need not be secured.
When Courts Deny Postponements: Due Process in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling on when denying a motion for postponement violates due process, and what parties must show to get a resetting.
Supreme Court Upholds EO 420: Streamlining Government ID Systems Is Valid Executive Action
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420, ruling that unifying government ID systems is a valid exercise of presidential power, not legislation.
Philippine Venue Rules: Suing in the Right Court—Domicile vs. Residence
The Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for personal actions, distinguishing residence from domicile in Saludo v. American Express.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Streamlining Government IDs in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420 on unified government IDs, clarifying the limits of presidential power of control.
Possession vs. Paper Title: When Long-Term Possession Trumps a Certificate of Title
The Supreme Court explains when decades of open, exclusive possession can defeat a registered title in Philippine property disputes.