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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Hierarchy OF Courts AND Probable Cause IN Estafa Cases A Legal Analysis
Agency vs Assignment: Who Is the Real Party in Interest in Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a representative is an agent rather than an assignee, and who may sue on a contract.
Duty to Prosecute: Dismissal for Failure to Actively Pursue a Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a case may be dismissed for failure to prosecute, and what counts as justifiable cause.
Ombudsman Authority and Administrative Liability: The Barillo Case on Dishonesty in Public Service
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on administrative liability for dishonesty in public service, citing the Barillo case and its implications.
Self Defense OR Murder Examining Intent AND Evidence IN Philippine Criminal LAW
Upholding Finality When CAN Land Reclassification Be Contested
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land conversion finality, real party interest, and agrarian reform beneficiary status under CARL.
Faculty Rights VS University Policies Resolving Conflicts IN Employment Status AND Teaching Load
Foreshore Lease Preference: Riparian Rights vs. Reclamation in Philippine Land Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether a littoral owner retains preferential right to lease foreshore land that has been reclaimed by another applicant.
Upholding DUE Process When Loss OF Trust Must BE Substantiated IN Employment Termination
Ethical Boundaries FOR Lawyers THE Perils OF Misconduct AND Unauthorized Practice
Land Reform Heirs' Rights and the Social Function of Land Ownership
Supreme Court ruling on PD 27 land reform: heirs, not former owners, hold rights to beneficiary's farmland even amid unpaid amortizations.
Breach OF Professional Conduct Upholding Client Interests AND Ethical Duties IN Legal Practice
Execution of Intra-Corporate Judgments: When Reliefs Align With the Dispositive Portion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a motion for execution may seek reliefs that go beyond a judgment's dispositive portion in intra-corporate disputes.
Equitable Mortgage vs Option to Buy: Distinguishing Intent in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale with option to buy becomes an equitable mortgage, and the evidence needed to prove it.
CO Ownership AND Laches Understanding Property Rights AND Delays IN Legal Claims IN THE Philippines
Rape in the Victim's Home: When Dwelling Aggravates the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court explains when "dwelling" aggravates rape, and how RA 9346 changed the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua.
Execution of Judgment in Intra-Corporate Disputes: Ensuring Compliance with Dispositive Portions
The Supreme Court clarifies that execution of judgment must strictly follow the dispositive portion, ensuring compliance in intra-corporate disputes.
Upholding Integrity Penalties for Dishonesty in Daily Time Records Within the Philippine Judiciary
The Court holds that falsifying daily time records is grave dishonesty, warranting dismissal from the judiciary.
Employee Status Under the Control and Economic Reality Tests in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies how the control test and economic reality test determine employee status in Philippine labor law.
Breach of Parental Trust: Rape of a Minor and the Abolition of the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a father's qualified rape conviction but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua under R.A. 9346.
Failure to Appear at Judgment Promulgation: Losing Legal Remedies in Criminal Cases
In criminal cases, skipping judgment promulgation without justifiable cause forfeits remedies like appeal or reconsideration. The Supreme Court explains.
Sheriffs Must Obey Court Orders: Due Process in Implementing Writs of Demolition
A sheriff who proceeds with demolition despite a court order to defer commits simple misconduct. Learn the rules from Gonzales v. Cabigao.
Breach of Contract Rescission and the Importance of Proving Payment
A buyer who claims full payment must prove it with credible evidence; the Supreme Court explains rescission under Article 1191.
Union Rights vs Managerial Prerogatives: Defining Supervisory Roles in Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who counts as a supervisory employee eligible to join a union, and the proper remedy for appealing labor decisions.