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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Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.
THE Immutable Nature OF Final Judgments Comelecs Attempt TO Revive A Voided Contract
Compromise Agreements in Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases: PCGG Authority and Finality
The Supreme Court affirms PCGG's power to settle ill-gotten wealth cases through compromise agreements, which become final once court-approved.
When Employee Dishonesty Justifies Termination: The Cruz v. Coca-Cola Case
Learn when employee dishonesty justifies termination under Philippine labor law, and what happens when procedural due process is lacking.
DNA Evidence Establishing Paternity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms DNA paternity testing as admissible evidence, setting standards for probative value and the right against self-incrimination.
The Counter Bond Conundrum: Ensuring Fair Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts should compute counter-bonds to discharge preliminary attachment, preventing excessive demands on debtors.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: When Underpayment Doesn’t Automatically Dismiss a Case
Learn when underpaid docket fees affect jurisdiction and when courts must allow correction instead of dismissing a case outright.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, clarifying the hierarchy of evidence under RA 26.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Affirms Conviction and Raises Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, raising the penalty because the offense was committed through Facebook.
Technicalities vs Justice: Strict Adherence to Procedural Rules in Appeals
A disgruntled litigant's contempt case shows why procedural rules bind even sympathetic appeals, and why courts decide by law, not by personal views.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Right to Present Evidence in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court reminds trial courts that a demurrer to evidence must be a knowing waiver of the accused's right to present evidence.
The Finality of Judgments: When Court Decisions Cannot Be Altered
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of immutability of judgments and why final orders cannot be modified.
Unlawful Detainer THE Significance OF Initial Unlawful Entry IN Property Disputes
Dishonesty and Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Upholding Public Trust Through Accountability
Court personnel who collect funds without authority and abandon their posts betray public trust. The Supreme Court rules on the consequences.
Upholding Workers Rights THE Limits OF Quitclaims IN Philippine Labor LAW
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when quitclaims and waivers signed by employees are invalid and cannot bar recovery of labor standard claims.
Coslaps Limited Jurisdiction Resolving Land Disputes AND Forum Shopping
When can a government agency act on a land dispute without violating due process? The Supreme Court explains in Primetown v. Juntilla.
Administrative Complaints Against Judges: When Errors Are Not Enough for Sanctions
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's errors warrant administrative sanctions, and when they do not.
Breach of Trust and Employee Dismissal: When Is It Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee dismissal for breach of trust is justified, and why procedural rules yield to substantial justice in labor cases.
Neglect of Duty by Court Security Guards: Accountability in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court holds two security guards liable for simple neglect of duty after a reporter entered the Baguio compound unauthorized.
Dismissal With Prejudice When Court Personnel Abuse Office for Personal Favors
Court clerk dismissed for issuing fake invitations under court letterhead to threaten citizens. Learn the rules on grave misconduct.
Reconstitution Denied: Insufficient Evidence Fails to Restore Lost Land Title
Philippine Supreme Court denies reconstitution of lost land title due to insufficient evidence, clarifying strict requirements under RA 26.
Bail in Drug Cases: Judges Must Follow Due Process and Know the Law
Supreme Court disciplines a judge for granting bail without hearing in drug cases, stressing judicial competence and mandatory bail hearings.
Employer Responsibility in Outsourcing: When a Client Is Not the Employer
The Supreme Court explains when a company that hires security guards through an agency is not their employer, and the four tests that determine employer-employee relationships.
Homeowner Rights vs Developer Authority Clarifying Subdivision Regulations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a homeowner's Torrens title can be subdivided, and a bank's liability for releasing a mortgaged owner's duplicate certificate.