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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Judicial Accountability Good Faith VS Gross Error IN Philippine Courts
Filial Privilege When CAN A Child Testify Against A Parent IN Philippine Courts
Philippine law on when a child may testify against a parent in court, explained in plain language for lay readers.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delayed Justice in Philippine Courts
A retired judge fined for failing to decide cases within the 90-day constitutional period shows why judicial delay carries real consequences.
When a Judge Goes Too Far: Territorial Limits on Philippine Court Proceedings
A judge held liable for conducting court proceedings in the US without authority, explaining the territorial limits of Philippine courts.
Judicial Overreach: Defining the Boundaries of Supervisory Authority in Philippine Courts
A court clerk's unauthorized receipt of money leads to suspension, clarifying the limits of authority and accountability in the judiciary.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Protecting Labor Rights When Corporate Identities Blur
When two corporations share management, payroll, and offices, courts may pierce the corporate veil to protect workers' rights and claims.
Union Office Access Reconciling Labor Disputes AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when union office disputes belong to labor tribunals or regular courts, balancing labor law and property rights.
Reckless Imprudence in Vehicle Collisions: How Courts Determine Fault
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine fault in reckless imprudence cases involving vehicle collisions under Article 365.
Upholding the Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Defer to Probable Cause Findings in the Philippines
Philippine courts generally defer to the Ombudsman's finding of probable cause, absent grave abuse of discretion. Learn what this means for respondents in administrative cases.
Unmasking Equitable Mortgages in the Philippines: A Guide for Property Buyers and Sellers
When is a deed of sale actually a loan? Learn how Philippine courts unmask equitable mortgages and protect property buyers and sellers.
When Can a Philippine Court Reopen a Case? Limits on Trial Court Discretion
The Supreme Court nullified the Sandiganbayan's reopening of a criminal case, ruling that trial courts abuse discretion when they flip-flop without cogent reasons.
Judicial Accountability: The Imperative of Timely Decisions in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts must decide cases promptly. This article explains the constitutional duty, its legal basis, and consequences of delay.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts: When Settlements End Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court explains when compromise agreements are valid and binding, ending protracted litigation between parties.
Prior Possession Prevails Resolving Forcible Entry Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve forcible entry cases by protecting prior physical possession, with insights from a Supreme Court ruling.
Duty to Inform Courts of Address Changes: Lessons from Garrucho v. Court of Appeals
When a party and counsel fail to notify courts of address changes, service is deemed complete—and appeals may be lost. Learn the rules.
Writ of Possession Is Ministerial Duty Despite Pending Mortgage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why courts must issue writs of possession in foreclosure sales even when the mortgage validity is being challenged.
Minors and Criminal Liability: The Importance of Discernment in Philippine Law
Philippine law on minors and criminal liability hinges on discernment. Learn how the courts assess a child's capacity to distinguish right from wrong.
Contractual Intent Prevails Interpreting Interest Rates in Loan Agreements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how courts interpret interest rates in loan agreements, emphasizing that clear contractual terms prevail over alleged intent.
Final Judgments and Immutability: Protecting Property Rights from Alteration
Why a final and executory judgment cannot be altered, and how courts protect property rights from void amendments.
Lis Pendens in Property Cases: When Courts May Cancel the Notice
A look at when courts may cancel a notice of lis pendens, using the Tongohan case to explain the limits of this protective remedy.
Infrastructure Projects vs Property Rights: When Can the Government Proceed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts cannot issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects, even amid property rights claims.
Who Represents the Republic: The Solicitor General's Exclusive Role Before the High Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the Solicitor General may represent government agencies before appellate courts, not their own legal offices.
Implied Admission: The Decisive Impact of Uncontested Requests in Philippine Courts
How a sheriff's failure to file a comment led to a finding of dishonesty and dismissal from service.
Substantial Compliance Prevails Protecting Overseas Workers Rights Beyond Technicalities
The Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules serve justice, not defeat it, in overseas workers' claims.