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 Misconduct: Judge Exceeds Authority in Preliminary Investigation
When a judge oversteps authority by conducting preliminary investigations, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn from Ribaya v. Binamira-Parcia.
When a Land Sale Contract Is Voidable: Illiteracy, Fraud, and Equitable Mortgage in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting illiterate landowners from fraud.
Notarizing a Dead Man's Signature: Disbarment for Lawyer's Misrepresentation
A lawyer who notarized a Special Power of Attorney after the signer had died was disbarred for gross misconduct. Here's why.
Disbarment for Notarizing Documents After Signatory’s Death: A Lesson in Notarial Integrity
A lawyer who notarized an SPA after the signatory had died was disbarred. The Court explains why notarization demands utmost fidelity.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Court Affirms Credibility of Minor Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible minor victim testimony, rejecting defense attacks on minor inconsistencies and delay in reporting.
Beyond Borders Protecting Overseas Workers From Illegal Dismissal
When can a sugar worker be considered a regular employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on security of tenure in Hacienda Bino v. Cuenca.
Credibility of a Minor Rape Victim's Testimony: Lessons from People v. Suarez
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's testimony deserves full faith and credit despite minor inconsistencies.
MMDA Traffic Enforcement Powers vs Police Power: Key Limits Under RA 7924
Supreme Court clarifies MMDA's traffic enforcement powers: it can enforce but not enact traffic rules, and lacks police power.
Partition Ends Co-Ownership: Mortgage on Divided Property Valid
Supreme Court rules that a deed of partial partition ends co-ownership, making a subsequent mortgage on an adjudicated property valid without other heirs' consent.
Balancing the 60-Day Rule With Public Health: PhilHealth Claims and Timely Reimbursements
The Supreme Court ruled that PhilHealth's strict 60-day filing rule must yield to public health goals, allowing late claims from accredited hospitals.
Dismissal Due to Business Losses: Substantiate Claims With Financial Records
Philippine law requires employers to prove business losses with audited financial statements before dismissing workers for retrenchment or closure.
Supplemental Complaints Upholding Justice AND Efficiency IN Legal Proceedings
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial authority in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to jurisdictional boundaries and procedural rules.
Standing to Sue: When Can a Citizen Challenge Government Actions in Court
The Supreme Court explains the legal standing requirement for citizens challenging government actions, using a COA restructuring case as an example.
Custodial Death Conspiracy When Jail Guards Duties Dont Equal Guilt
Probationary Employment: Just Cause and Due Process in Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on terminating probationary employees—just cause and due process requirements explained.
Real Property Tax vs Franchise Exemptions: RCPI Ruling for Telecom Firms
Supreme Court clarifies that "in lieu of all taxes" franchise clauses do not exempt telecom firms from real property tax on buildings and towers.
Usufruct Rights and Survey Authority: Determining Land Boundaries in NHA v. Court of Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court resolved conflicting surveys over a seven-hectare usufruct, and the rules on boundary determination.
Homestead Rights vs Agrarian Reform: What Landowners Must Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that homestead patents do not automatically exempt land from agrarian reform coverage under Philippine law.
Preliminary Investigation After Substantial Amendment: Due Process in Amended Criminal Charges
When can prosecutors amend criminal charges without a new preliminary investigation? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rule.
Upholding Priority Rights: The Lessee's Right of First Refusal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a lessee's right of first refusal, its enforceability against heirs, and remedies for breach.
Morality vs Constitutionality: Manila's Ermita-Malate Ordinance Struck Down
The Supreme Court nullified Manila Ordinance No. 7783 banning motels and similar establishments in Ermita-Malate, ruling it violated due process and property rights.
Dismissal for Dishonesty: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Court of Appeals employee who solicited P1 million for a favorable decision was dismissed. The Supreme Court reaffirms strict standards for court personnel.
When Can a Former Government Lawyer Represent Private Clients? PCGG v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former government lawyers, defining "matter" and "intervention" in disqualification cases.
Due Process Prevails: Substantial Amendment to Information Requires New Preliminary Investigation
Supreme Court rules substantial amendments to criminal informations require new preliminary investigation to protect accused's due process rights.