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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Bigamous Marriage and Property Rights: When No Contribution Means No Co-Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property acquired during a bigamous marriage and the crucial role of actual contribution in determining ownership.
Judicial Accountability Dismissal OF Baseless Charges Against Judges FOR Alleged Errors IN Judgment
Upholding Ethical Standards Extramarital Affairs AND THE Judiciarys Integrity
Explore how the Supreme Court reinforces judicial ethics, holding court personnel accountable for procedural lapses and safeguarding public trust.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Objective Test in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains the "objective" test for buy-bust operations and when a lone police witness can prove drug selling beyond reasonable doubt.
LIS Pendens Protecting Real Property Rights IN Loan Disputes
Easement of Right of Way: Requisites and Application in Philippine Law
Learn the four requisites for a legal easement of right of way under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Lee v. Carreon.
Judicial Ethics and Free Speech: When Complaints Against Judges Cross the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies when criticism of judges becomes baseless and how judicial remedies must precede administrative complaints.
Sheriffs Must Get Court Approval for Execution Expenses: A.M. No. P-06-2184
Philippine Supreme Court rules on sheriff's duty to secure court approval for execution expenses and remit fees under Rule 141.
Land Dispute Resolution Supreme Court Upholds COSLAP Authority and Emphasizes Judicial Hierarchy
The Supreme Court reinforces the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and res judicata in land disputes involving COSLAP, dismissing a direct petition for certiorari.
Double Sale OF Registered Land Good Faith Registration Prevails
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder: Collective Intent Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy and treachery from concerted acts, and the damages rules in murder convictions.
VAT Refund Claims: Why Purchase Invoices and Receipts Must Be Submitted
The Supreme Court held that summaries and CPA certifications cannot replace pre-marked purchase invoices and receipts in claims for refund of excess input VAT.
Diminished Will Mental Illness As A Mitigating Factor In Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mental illness reduces criminal liability but does not exempt an accused from guilt.
Private or Public? COA Audit Authority Over Animal Welfare Societies
When is a corporation created by special law a government entity subject to COA audit? The Supreme Court clarifies the test.
Force and Intimidation in Rape Cases: The Victim's Perspective Under the Anti-Rape Law
Examining how courts assess force and intimidation in rape cases through the victim's perspective, as illustrated in People v. Soriano.
Judicial Integrity: When a Judge Must Inhibit From a Case
A judge who hears a criminal case where his wife is the private complainant violates judicial conduct rules and must pay a fine.
Beyond Sweetheart Defense: RA 7610 Protects Minors in Professor-Student Relationships
The Supreme Court ruled that a minor's consent is immaterial in child abuse cases under RA 7610, rejecting the sweetheart defense in professor-student relationships.
Estoppel IN Election Protests THE Impact OF Delayed Challenges TO Filing FEE Payments
Irrevocability OF TAX Credit Options Understanding Restrictions ON Refunds
Burden of Proof in Compensation Claims: Establishing Work Relatedness of Non-Occupational Diseases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on proving work-relatedness for non-occupational diseases in SSS compensation claims under PD 626.
RES Judicata Preventing Repeated Litigation IN Foreclosure Cases
Protecting Children in Qualified Rape: When a Young Witness Takes the Stand
In People v. Balonzo, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's conviction for qualified rape, showing how courts weigh a child victim's testimony and proof of age.
Double Sale of Land: Priority of Registered Title in Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale of land: who owns the property when the same parcel is sold twice.
Boundary Disputes Between Municipalities: Who Has Jurisdiction?
The Supreme Court clarifies which body—the Sangguniang Panlalawigan or the courts—has jurisdiction over municipal boundary disputes under the Local Government Code.