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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Banks' Due Diligence in Foreclosure Sales and Rights of Land Reform Beneficiaries
A bank that forecloses on land without ocular inspection cannot eject land reform beneficiaries, as the Supreme Court ruled in Rural Bank of Sta. Ignacia v. Dimatulac.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigation of Reconveyed Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior final judgment prevents a second lawsuit over the same reconveyed property.
Treachery Defined When A Coordinated Attack Removes The Chance Of Self Defense
The Supreme Court explains how holding a victim's wrists while another stabs constitutes treachery, qualifying killing to murder.
Civil Law Leases and Tenant Rights: Clarifying Landowner Control in Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on when civil law lessees may install tenants, and the limits of landowner control under agrarian reform laws.
Land Registration Rights vs Government Reservation: Balancing Private Claims and Public Welfare
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on res judicata in land disputes involving government reconveyance, private contracts, and public interest.
Trust Receipts Law Liability: When Agents Face Estafa Charges
Learn when corporate agents can face criminal liability for estafa under the Trust Receipts Law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Ong v. Court of Appeals.
Judicial Accountability When Misinterpreting Circulars Leads to Liability
Supreme Court clarifies that Circular No. 3-89 covers only administrative cases, not criminal cases against judges; a judge's misinterpretation can result in administrative liability.
When Advertising Costs Become Capital Expenditures: Lessons from CIR v. General Foods
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when large advertising expenses are deductible business costs or capital outlays for goodwill.
When Consent Doesnt Protect Kidnapping for Ransom and the Limits of Voluntary Association
The Supreme Court affirms death sentences for kidnappers, rejecting claims that voluntary surrender as rebels shields them from common crime liability.
Right to Counsel and Due Process: The High Cost of Delay in Drug Offenses
A Supreme Court ruling shows how procedural lapses and missing evidence can unravel drug convictions, underscoring the need for airtight cases.
When Advertising Costs Become Capital Expenditures: Lessons from Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. General F
Supreme Court ruling on when media advertising expenses are deductible business expenses or capital outlays for goodwill.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: A Judge's Duty to Resolve Motions Promptly
Supreme Court holds judges must resolve motions within prescribed periods; lack of personnel is no excuse for delay.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds are void and why buyers must verify titles and possession before purchasing property.
Dead Man's Statute: Protecting Estates and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the Dead Man's Statute's scope, balancing estate protection against fair trial rights in claims against deceased persons.
Instigation Is Not a Defense Against Valid Employee Dismissal for Drug Use
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether instigation by an employer can shield an employee from dismissal for using prohibited drugs at work.
Illegitimacy, Inheritance Rights, and Marital Presumptions in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on paraphernal property, contract of adhesion, and unconscionable interest rates shows how Philippine law protects borrowers and spouses.
Option to Buy: Exercising Rights Without Immediate Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an option to buy can be exercised without immediate payment, but only under specific conditions.
When Retirement Is Not Voluntary: Illegal Dismissal and Security of Tenure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's "retirement" is actually illegal dismissal, protecting security of tenure.
When Contractors Overstate Work: COA's Audit Power and Quantum Meruit in Government Projects
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine actual work accomplished and recover overpayments from government contractors under quantum meruit.
Probationary Employment Due Process and Termination Standards in the Philippine Civil Service
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probationary employee termination rules, due process requirements, and civil service tenure protections.
Labor Disputes vs Torts: When Claims Fall Outside NLRC Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor arbiters and NLRC lack jurisdiction over tort claims that do not arise from employer-employee relations.
Rent Obligations Remain Lease Contracts Survive Land Ownership Changes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a change in land ownership cancels a lease contract and excuses unpaid rent.
Judicial Accountability When Judges Notarize Outside Their Authority
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the power to notarize ex officio is narrow, and that notarizing a document without the affiant present is a serious breach.
Local Governments vs National Corporations: Who Pays Franchise Taxes
Supreme Court rules government-owned corporations like NPC must pay local franchise taxes under the Local Government Code.