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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Right of Legal Redemption: Written Notice Is Mandatory for Adjoining Rural Landowners
Supreme Court rules written notice under Article 1623 is mandatory for legal redemption by adjoining rural landowners, not just a formality.
Defining Common Carrier: Liability for Cargo Loss Due to Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier status and extraordinary diligence in cargo loss cases, citing Asia Lighterage case.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes judges for undue delay in deciding cases, and what the 90-day rule means for litigants.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's 90-day case resolution duty, its constitutional basis, and the consequences of delay.
Ejectment and Due Process: When Occupants Become Parties in Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether occupants not named as defendants in forcible entry cases are bound by execution and demolition orders.
Valid Service of Summons: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on personal service of summons, due process, and annulment of judgments in Lazaro v. Rural Bank.
Writ of Possession Is a Ministerial Duty of Courts in Foreclosure Cases
In Chailease Finance v. Spouses Ma, the Supreme Court ruled that issuing a writ of possession after foreclosure is a ministerial duty, not a discretionary act.
Holder in Due Course and Payee Obligations Under Philippine Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a check payee qualifies as a holder in due course and the duties of parties to negotiable instruments.
Upholding University Authority When an Investigation Committee Can Be Challenged
Supreme Court ruling on when university investigation committees can be challenged, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and due process.
Minority as a Privileged Mitigating Circumstance: The Weight of a Birth Certificate in Criminal Cases
A birth certificate is the best evidence of age. The Supreme Court explains how minority can reduce a criminal penalty.
Prescription in Implied Trusts: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
Learn when the prescriptive period for implied trusts begins under Philippine law, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Substantial Compliance When Overly Strict Rules Give Way to Justice in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that procedural rules yield to substantial justice, as shown in a case on equitable mortgage and res judicata.
Copyright Protection Scope of Advertising Display Unit Drawings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that copyright over technical drawings does not extend to the depicted object; patents protect inventions.
Authorized Driver Clause and Police Blotters in Insurance Claims
When can an insurer deny a claim based on the authorized driver clause? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary weight of police blotters.
Protecting the Child Victim's Testimony in Rape Cases and the Standard of Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Back Wages and Security of Tenure: Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal in the Philippine Civil Service
Learn when illegally dismissed government employees can claim back wages, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure.
Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction of Neighbor of Child Victim
The Court affirms two rape convictions against a neighbor of a six-year-old, clarifying penalties and damages in child rape cases.
Patent Infringement and the Doctrine of Equivalents: Beyond Literal Claim Language
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the doctrine of equivalents applies in patent infringement cases, using Smith Kline Beckman v. Tryco Pharma as guide.
When a Lawyer Crosses the Line: The Ban on Acquiring Client Property in Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling explains why lawyers cannot acquire property involved in litigation they handle, even under a contingent fee arrangement.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: Standards and Penalties for Court Employees
Explaining the Supreme Court's standards on habitual tardiness for judiciary employees, the penalties imposed, and practical compliance tips.
Treachery vs. Evident Premeditation: Distinguishing Murder and Rape in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from evident premeditation in murder, and why charging documents matter in rape cases.
Challenging NTC Rules: Courts, Not Just Agencies, Can Hear Validity Cases
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts have jurisdiction to review NTC regulations issued under quasi-legislative power, without exhausting administrative remedies.
Possession vs Ownership: How Courts Decide Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when possession, not ownership, decides land disputes—and why evidence quality matters more than quantity.
Oral Extrajudicial Confession Alone Cannot Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court acquits accused in robbery with homicide case, ruling an uncorroborated oral extrajudicial confession is insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.