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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When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's erroneous ruling is a judicial matter, not administrative misconduct, and warns against harassment suits.
Foreclosure Sales: Filing an Appeal Does Not Stop a Writ of Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an appeal against a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures does not stay its implementation.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conviction Affirmed: The Law on Conspiracy and Death of an Accused
The Supreme Court affirms kidnapping-for-ransom convictions, explains conspiracy, and clarifies that an accused's death extinguishes criminal and civil liability.
Bank Negligence Bars Recovery: Solutio Indebiti and Unjust Enrichment in Check Clearing Errors
Supreme Court rules banks cannot recover funds lost to their own gross negligence in check clearing, explaining solutio indebiti and unjust enrichment.
Cyber Libel Prescription: One Year from Discovery, Not Publication
The Supreme Court clarifies that cyber libel prescribes in one year from discovery, not publication, and settles the doctrinal value of unsigned resolutions.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Court Clarifies Burden of Proof Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing the order of sources and burden of proof under RA 26.
Assignment of Lease and Liability for Rental Arrears: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
When a lessee assigns a lease, does the assignee inherit unpaid rentals? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on subrogation and debtor substitution.
Mistaken Payment: Recouping Funds Paid Under a False Belief of Co-Ownership
When money is paid by mistake under an assumed co-ownership, Philippine law allows recovery. Learn when solutio indebiti applies and how courts rule.
Supreme Court Upholds VAT Refund Law for Foreign Tourists
The Supreme Court upheld the VAT refund law for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection and uniform taxation.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence Is Proven
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict liability, negligence, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident case.
Workplace Misconduct and Immorality: Defining Acceptable Behavior in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court personnel that smoking or vaping inside court premises is a punishable offense, even when the photo evidence is unclear.
Surety Bonds and Deficiency Claims: Why Evidence of Demand and Computation Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on suretyship, deficiency claims, and the need for valid demand with clear computation of amounts owed.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence and Vicarious Responsibility Override Defenses
Supreme Court affirms insurer's subrogation claim, holding driver negligent and employer vicariously liable for damages in vehicular accident.
Reopening Corporate Disputes: Finality, Fraud, and the Abadilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reopen proceedings, pierce corporate veils, and award damages in intra-corporate disputes.
When a Judge's Private Misconduct Becomes a Public Offense: The Aranas Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice, clarifying ethical standards for judges and lawyers.
When Reckless Imprudence Causes Death: Penalties, Contributory Negligence, and Voluntary Surrender
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, when contributory negligence matters, and why voluntary surrender may not reduce the sentence.
Sheriff Dereliction of Duty: When Delayed Execution Violates Judicial Mandate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' ministerial duty to execute writs promptly, with lessons on process server obligations.
Sheriffs Held Accountable for Neglecting Writs of Demolition
Philippine Supreme Court rules sheriffs must implement writs promptly; delays and procedural shortcuts draw fines for dereliction of duty.
Double Jeopardy and Reinstating a Dismissed Criminal Case: What the Supreme Court Says
When can a dismissed criminal case be reinstated without violating double jeopardy? The Supreme Court explains the rules on provisional dismissal.
Employer-Employee Relationship and Illegal Dismissal: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer-employee relationship and rules on illegal dismissal due to disease in Sy v. Court of Appeals.
Dismissal for Illness: Employer Must Prove Disease Grounds and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employer may validly terminate an employee due to disease, and the separation pay owed.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Consequences for Improper Document Acknowledgment
A notary public who acknowledges a document without the signatories appearing before him violates the law on notarial acknowledgment and faces suspension.
Misrepresentation and Estafa: When Silence Isn't Golden in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa under Article 316(2) RPC, the need for express misrepresentation, and civil liability for bad faith sales.
Mortgage Foreclosure Estoppel Prevents Claimants From Denying Prior Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how estoppel bars property claimants from questioning a mortgage foreclosure after prior inconsistent acts.