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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Withdrawal of Appeal in Reclusion Perpetua Cases: Discretion and Executive Clemency
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua cases are not subject to mandatory review, allowing appellants to withdraw their appeals.
Upholding Arbitration Ciac Jurisdiction Over Construction Disputes Despite Contractual Nuances
Sheriffs Must Follow Auction Sale and Redemption Rules Strictly
A sheriff's failure to follow Rule 39 procedures on auction sales and property redemption constitutes simple neglect of duty, warranting suspension.
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Entrapment VS Instigation Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Cases 3
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Reorganizing Government Agencies in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the President's power to reorganize executive agencies, clarifying the limits of executive authority under the Constitution.
Perfecting Land Titles THE Burden OF Proof AND Attorneys Duty IN Land Registration Cases
Finality of DAR Decisions: Balancing Due Process and Timeliness in Agrarian Reform
When do DAR decisions become final? The Supreme Court clarifies the balance between due process and the 15-day appeal period in agrarian cases.
Inheritance Disputes: Redemption, Co-Ownership, and Prescription in Family Estates
When one heir redeems family property, does she own it? The Supreme Court clarifies co-ownership, prescription, and reimbursement rules.
Compassionate Justice: When Mitigating Circumstances Reduce Penalties in Attorney Discipline Cases
Explaining how the Supreme Court reduced a lawyer's suspension to a fine by considering mitigating circumstances in disciplinary proceedings.
Indefeasibility of Title: Why Land Ownership Can't Be Attacked Decades After Registration
A Torrens title becomes incontrovertible after one year. Learn why a collateral attack on a 1973 title failed in Ingusan v. Heirs of Reyes.
Unraveling Favored Contracts: The Imperative of Specificity in Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that bare allegations and conclusions of law cannot substitute for specific facts in ill-gotten wealth cases.
How Philippine Courts Compute the Two-Year Tax Refund Period
The Supreme Court clarifies how to compute the two-year prescriptive period for tax refund claims under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Candor and Fairness: A Lawyer's Duty to the Court and Fellow Counsel
A lawyer's entry of appearance must be candid and accurate. Learn the ethics rules from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Computing Prescriptive Periods: Calendar Months vs Fixed Days in Tax Refund Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies how to compute the two-year prescriptive period for tax refund claims under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Treachery in Criminal Law: When an Unsuspecting Victim Becomes the Target
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, using a billiards dispute that ended in a fatal stabbing.
Court Employee Fined for Gambling During Office Hours: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court fined a court clerk for gambling during office hours, underscoring the high ethical standards required of judiciary employees.
Demand Not Required for Liability Under Article 218: Manlangit v. Sandiganbayan
Public officers must render accounts on time—no demand needed. The Supreme Court clarifies Article 218 liability in Manlangit v. Sandiganbayan.
Ballot Integrity Examining Comelecs Discretion IN Election Result Validation
Estafa by Misappropriation of Goods Held in Trust: The Ceniza-Manantan Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains when failing to return jewelry or goods received on commission becomes estafa, and why a lawyer's mistakes rarely win a new trial.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery in murder cases, affirming that attacking a defenseless victim who is grappling with another constitutes treachery.
Gambling in the Workplace: Defining Ethical Conduct for Public Servants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when gambling during office hours becomes a dismissible offense for public employees and sets ethical standards.
Supreme Court Dismisses Judge for Gross Immorality, Suspends Him From Law Practice
A judge's extramarital affair leads to dismissal from service and three-year suspension from law practice, reaffirming strict ethical standards.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.