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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Reckless Imprudence and Civil Liability: How a Plea Bargain Affects Damages Beyond the Criminal Penalty
A plea to a lesser offense does not erase civil liability for the death caused by reckless imprudence, as heirs may still recover full damages.
Right of First Refusal in Property Sales: Understanding Legal Obligations
Learn how Philippine courts treat right of first refusal in property sales, including the rules on offers, counter-offers, and legal redemption.
When Courts Won't Overrule Prosecutors on Probable Cause: GlaxoSmithKline v. Malik
Philippine Supreme Court explains why courts defer to prosecutors on probable cause, using a dismissed drug case as an example.
Probable Cause VS Parallel Importation Navigating Prosecutorial Discretion IN Pharmaceutical Cases
Quorum in Nonstock Corporations: Counting Only Living Voting Members
Supreme Court ruling on quorum in nonstock corporations—dead members excluded, only living voting members count.
Beyond Boundaries: How Erroneous Land Awards Undermine Property Rights and Due Process
When a buyer is evicted from purchased land, the proper remedy is warranty against eviction—not specific performance. This case explains why.
SEC Retains Power to Execute Decisions in Pending Intra-Corporate Cases
Supreme Court rules the SEC may enforce its final decisions in intra-corporate cases retained under Section 5.2 of the Securities Regulation Code.
Habeas Corpus Requires Proof of Illegal Detention, Not Just Disappearance
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that habeas corpus requires proof of actual detention, not merely a person's disappearance.
Warranty Against Eviction: Why Buyers Must Implead the Seller in Eviction Suits
Buyers who lose property to third-party claims must implead the seller in the eviction suit to enforce the warranty against eviction under Philippine law.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: The Consequences of Disobeying Court Orders
In Gaspar v. Judge Adaoag, the Supreme Court fined a judge P10,000 for deciding a case while suspended, stressing that its orders must be obeyed fully.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Consumer Rights Publication Required FOR Electricity Rate Hikes
The Supreme Court ruled that electricity rate hike applications must be published and opened for public comment, protecting consumer rights under the EPIRA.
When Self-Defense Fails: Justifying Force in Lawful Duty Requires Reasonable Response
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and performance of official duty justify killing, and why both failed for PNR security officers.
Faulty Substituted Service of Summons: When Courts Fail to Acquire Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when substituted service of summons is invalid, and why courts fail to acquire jurisdiction over defendants.
Forum Shopping and Procedural Rules: Lessons from Estrera v. Demecillo
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified forum shopping rules, procedural deadlines, and due process in Estrera v. Demecillo.
Franchise Tax Obligations During Suspended VAT Implementation
When the Supreme Court suspends a tax law's implementation, old tax rules continue to apply. This case explains why.
Structural Integrity vs Superficial Damage: What Property Buyers Must Know About Warranties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when cracks and leaks in a purchased property justify a refund or damages under the law.
Delsan Transport v. American Home Assurance: Common Carrier Liability and Delivery of Goods
Explaining Delsan Transport v. American Home Assurance on common carrier extraordinary diligence, delivery of goods, and liability for spillage.
Dismissal of Administrative Complaint Against Court Interpreter: Burden of Proof in Administrative Cases
Administrative complaints require substantial evidence; mere allegations and assumptions are insufficient to hold court personnel liable for misconduct.
Court Interpreter Cleared of Administrative Charges for Lack of Evidence
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against court interpreter, stressing complainant's burden of proof in administrative cases.
Res Judicata in Philippine Courts: When Substantial Justice Overrides Procedural Bars
The Supreme Court explains when res judicata may yield to substantial justice, using De Leon v. Balinag as a guide.
Judicial Conduct and Mental Fitness: Ensuring Impartiality on the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court affirms removal of judge with mental unfitness and belief in "dwendes," citing judicial detachment.
Rape, Silence, and the Burden of Proof: Lessons from People v. Magallones
The Supreme Court clarifies that a rape victim's silence or lack of physical resistance does not negate force or intimidation.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Fair Market Value and the Role of Commissioners' Reports
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must determine just compensation in expropriation cases, and the proper weight of commissioners' reports.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Why Stipulated Notice Requirements Matter in Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial foreclosure: stipulated notice requirements in mortgage contracts are mandatory and enforceable.