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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Negligence in Handling Government Funds: A Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be held liable for negligence in handling government funds and the right to speedy disposition of cases.
Indispensable Parties: Why an Estate Administrator Is Not Always Required in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when an estate administrator is an indispensable party in property disputes, and the limits of raising new issues on appeal.
Equitable Mortgage Prevails When A Deed Of Sale Masks A Loan Agreement
When a deed of sale actually secures a loan, Philippine law treats it as an equitable mortgage. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Protecting Children: Statutory Rape and Sexual Assault Convictions Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when an accused can be convicted of both statutory rape and sexual assault arising from a single incident against a child.
Concubinage Beyond the Conjugal Home: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court clarifies that cohabitation in any place, not just the conjugal home, can constitute concubinage under Philippine law.
When a Missing Estate Administrator Does Not Void a Contract Case: Heirs of Manzano v. Kinsonic
The Supreme Court clarifies when the absence of an estate administrator is not fatal to a contract dispute, distinguishing indispensable from necessary parties.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Novation and Debtor Substitution in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a creditor's silence or acceptance of payments amounts to novation and debtor substitution.
Analysis Ehrenfrel C Azarraga Complainant VS Atty Eduardo L Jalbuna Respondent D E C I S I O N
Probable Cause vs Due Process: Navigating Preliminary Investigations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between probable cause and due process in preliminary investigations, affirming a direct bribery conviction.
Conjugal Property vs Separate Insurance: When a Spouse's Death Does Not Pay Off the Mortgage
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a mortgage redemption insurance payout applies after a spouse's death, and how conjugal property is determined.
Unlawful Termination Employer Liability FOR Extended Business Suspension AND Retrenchment Requirements
When a business suspension exceeds six months and retrenchment rules are ignored, employers face illegal dismissal liability. Learn the rules.
Business Permit Fees vs. Local Taxes: SC Ruling on Economic Zone Exemptions
SC rules tax-exempt economic zone entities must still pay business permit fees, which are regulatory, not tax.
Accountability in Public Office: Defining Public Officer Under the Anti-Graft Law
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that MMFF Executive Committee members are public officers under RA 3019, reinforcing accountability for public funds.
Bribery in Public Service: Demanding Money for Expedited Titling Constitutes Direct Bribery
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a public officer's demand for money to expedite a transaction constitutes direct bribery under Philippine law.
Notarial Duty Consequences Of Neglecting Proper Identification IN Philippine LAW
A notary who fails to verify identities faces suspension and perpetual disqualification, as shown in a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer Liability After a Prolonged Business Suspension
When a business suspension exceeds six months, employers must validly terminate or recall workers. Learn the rules from a 2023 Supreme Court ruling.
Drug Den Conviction Overturned: Isolated Incidents and Chain of Custody Failures
Supreme Court acquits accused of maintaining a drug den, ruling isolated test-buy and broken chain of custody cannot sustain conviction.
Accidental Killing vs Intent: Proving Guilt in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when the defense of accident fails in rape with homicide cases, and how circumstantial evidence can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Bank Liable for Moral Damages Over Mortgage Redemption Insurance Non-Disclosure
When a bank offers mortgage redemption insurance, it must disclose coverage limits. Learn from Land Bank v. Miranda why non-disclosure can lead to damages.
Disrespect to the Court: Disbarment for Abusive Language and Unprofessional Conduct
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for abusive language and disrespect toward court officials, affirming high standards of lawyer conduct.
Emergency Powers and Oil Industry Takeovers: Understanding Delegation Limits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down Section 14(e) of the Oil Deregulation Law for invalidly delegating emergency takeover powers. Learn the constitutional limits.
Lawyer Disbarred for Bribery Scheme and Misleading Client in Appeal
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who collected P160,000 to bribe CA justices, failed to file client's brief, and misled a desperate mother.
Cable TV and Copyright: When Retransmission Becomes Infringement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cable operators' liability for copyright infringement through videoke channel retransmission.
Disbarment for Misconduct: Lawyer Who Solicited Bribes for CA Justices Removed from Bar
Lawyer disbarred for soliciting P160,000 to bribe Court of Appeals justices, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.