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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Lawyer Negligence in the Philippines: Barbuco v. Beltran on Diligence and Competence
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling suspends a lawyer for six months after a late appellant's brief caused a client's appeal to be dismissed, showing what diligence demands.
Defense of Honor Justifying Homicide in Cases of Marital Fidelity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when defense of spouse can justify homicide, explaining unlawful aggression requirement.
Upholding Notarized Contracts Overcoming Forgery Claims In Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds, forgery claims, and expert testimony in property sales.
Appeal vs Certiorari: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Recourse in the Philippines
Learn when to file an appeal versus a certiorari petition under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Andalis v. Court of Appeals.
COMELEC Cannot Motu Proprio Cancel a Candidate’s Certificate of Candidacy: Cipriano v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules COMELEC cannot cancel a certificate of candidacy motu proprio without notice and hearing, safeguarding due process in election cases.
Tenancy Rights vs Ownership Claims: DARAB Jurisdiction in Agrarian Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction limits in agrarian disputes, distinguishing tenancy rights from administrative reallocation matters.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes: Mutuality of Contracts Prevails in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks cannot unilaterally raise interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts principle.
Service of Court Decisions on Government Entities: The Lead Counsel Rule Explained
When must court decisions be served on a government agency's lead counsel? The Supreme Court clarifies service rules and appeal periods.
Sheriffs' Duty to Timely Execute Writs and Accountability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' duty to enforce writs promptly and their accountability for actions that delay execution.
Standing to Sue, Co-Ownership Authority, and the Demurrer to Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner may sue alone and why lack of authority is not a ground for demurrer to evidence.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Disrespect Toward the IBP
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for neglecting a client's appeal and repeatedly ignoring the IBP's authority.
Res Judicata and Property Rights: When a Prior Judgment Does Not Bar a New Case
The Supreme Court explains when res judicata applies and why a dismissed ejectment case does not bar a later action to recover ownership.
Judiciary Employee Conduct: Moral Standards Apply Even After Spousal Forgiveness
Supreme Court rules spousal forgiveness cannot erase administrative liability for a court employee's immoral conduct.
Deceptive Promises When Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa Collide
When do illegal recruitment and estafa overlap? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Alzona, a case about fake overseas jobs.
Surety Reimbursement Rights: When Partial Payment Does Not Trigger Indemnity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-sureties can demand reimbursement and foreclose pledged shares under indemnity agreements.
Notarial Negligence and Lawyer Accountability: Serzo v. Flores on Falsified Deeds
The Supreme Court revoked a notary's commission and suspended him for two years after he notarized a deed of sale signed by a man who had already died.
Judicial Dishonesty: When a Judge Misleads the Court and Violates the Duty of Candor
The Supreme Court fined a judge for dishonesty and lack of candor after he misrepresented his case load to secure a transfer. Learn the rules.
Challenging Anti-Graft Law: Balancing Due Process and Public Accountability
The Supreme Court upholds Section 5 of RA 3019 against vagueness challenges, clarifying rules on repetitive motions, prescription, and immunity.
Preventive Suspension Applies Regardless of Current Office in Philippine Graft Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension under RA 3019 applies to any office a public officer currently holds, not just the position held when charged.
Public Office Conduct: Mayor's Residence vs Public Good in Radio Antenna Installation
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review Ombudsman findings on probable cause and public officers' use of government property.
Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
Falsification of Public Documents and Integrity in Public Service
Explore how the Supreme Court addressed falsification of public documents and the integrity required in public service.
Compromise Agreements and Illegal Strikes: The Limits of Condonation in Labor Law
When does a compromise agreement waive an employer's right to challenge an illegal strike? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of condonation.
Minority as Privileged Mitigating Circumstance in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that minority is a privileged mitigating circumstance under Article 68, reducing the penalty for murder by one degree.