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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Eminent Domain vs Urban Development: Balancing Public Need and Property Rights in Manila
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing under R.A. 7279.
Expropriation and Urban Development: When Can a City Take Private Land for Socialized Housing?
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-stage process of expropriation and when compliance with RA 7279's acquisition priorities must be shown.
Verbal Lease with Definite Period: When Courts Cannot Extend the Term
The Supreme Court clarifies that Article 1687 of the Civil Code does not allow courts to extend a verbal month-to-month lease, which has a definite period.
When Courts Can Extend a Lease: Limits of Article 1687 in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot extend a month-to-month lease under Article 1687 when a definite period exists.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Supreme Court's Stance on Rape of a Child with Epilepsy
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for four counts of statutory rape against a 10-year-old girl with epilepsy, clarifying rules on delay in reporting, alibi, and damages.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription in Breach of Warranty Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the six-month prescriptive period for breach of warranty claims and when courts may dismiss time-barred actions.
Upholding Employee Rights Illegal Dismissal AND THE Importance OF DUE Process
Breach of Trust: The Supreme Court's Stance on Incestuous Rape and Parental Authority
A stepfather's rape conviction upheld, but death penalty reduced to reclusion perpetua for failure to prove minority and relationship.
Public Officials and Due Diligence in Government Land Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling shows why possession of public land does not equal ownership, and why only the State can sue to recover public land wrongly titled.
Premature Entry of Judgment and Due Process in Bail Proceedings
The Supreme Court explains when premature entry of judgment violates due process and why certiorari cannot correct bail rulings.
Rape Conviction Upheld THE Importance OF Credible Witness Testimony AND Prompt Reporting IN Sexual Assault Cases
Credible Testimony Alone CAN Convict In Rape Cases Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible testimony alone is sufficient to convict, reinforcing protections for survivors seeking justice.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Victim's Testimony and the Judge's Role
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that a credible victim's testimony alone suffices and that a judge who did not hear all witnesses can still validly decide.
Conspiracy and Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy and evident premeditation in murder, explaining how joint purpose and intent establish liability.
Del Mar v. PAGCOR: The Scope of PAGCOR's Franchise and Jai-Alai Operations
The Supreme Court ruled PAGCOR's franchise under P.D. 1869 does not include operating jai-alai, a gambling activity requiring express legislative grant.
Rape Conviction Upheld Intoxication AND THE Issue OF Consent
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
Understand how treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a 1993 shooting.
Demolition Orders Require Due Hearing Protecting Property Rights in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules judges must hold a hearing before issuing demolition orders in ejectment cases, protecting property rights.
Upholding Lawyer Accountability Consequences OF Negligence IN Philippine Legal Practice
Unregistered Land Donation and Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
A Supreme Court ruling on why an unregistered land donation cannot defeat tenant rights under agrarian reform and Operation Land Transfer.
Lawyer Disbarred for Disrespecting Court: Lessons from A.C. No. 11508
The Supreme Court fined a disbarred lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, reaffirming lawyers' duty of courtesy.
Right of First Refusal Validity and Enforceability in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of first refusal is valid and enforceable in property and contract disputes.
Accountability for All: Conspiracy in Carnapping with Homicide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in carnapping with homicide, explaining how circumstantial evidence can prove joint criminal liability.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Agency Prerogative and Orderly Legal Process
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld SEC disclosure rules for listed banks, clarifying the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies.