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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Compromise Agreements Upholding Obligations AND Equitable Relief IN Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sale-leaseback arrangements, equitable mortgages, and deed of assignment effects on debtor obligations.
Judicial Efficiency: Sanctions for Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions
A judge's failure to decide cases within 90 days is undue delay, a less serious offense under Rule 140.
PCGG Authority Over Military Officers and the Limits of Revolutionary Power
Supreme Court ruling on PCGG jurisdiction over military officers, forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth, and the limits of revolutionary power.
Court of Appeals Erred in Dismissing Appeal Over Photocopied Annexes
Supreme Court rules photocopied annexes in Rule 43 appeals need not be certified true copies, only the assailed decision itself.
Strike Legality Balancing Workers Rights AND Procedural Compliance IN Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strike legality, workers' rights, and procedural compliance in labor disputes.
Due Process, Right to Counsel, and Judicial Duty in Philippine Civil Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies due process, counsel of record rules, and forum shopping in PCIB v. Court of Appeals.
Navigating COMELEC's Authority: Division vs. En Banc in Pre-Proclamation Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on COMELEC's division vs. en banc authority in pre-proclamation cases, citing Milla v. Balmores-Laxa.
Forum Shopping and Due Process in Mortgage Foreclosure: Avoiding Multiple Suits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forum shopping, due process, and the risks of filing multiple injunction suits in mortgage foreclosure cases.
When a Rape Conviction Is Set Aside: The Right to Counsel and Clear Judicial Decisions
The Supreme Court nullified a rape conviction because the trial court's decision lacked factual and legal basis, and the accused was deprived of effective counsel.
Surety Bond Execution Timeliness and Due Notice Requirements in Philippine Law
Learn when a claim against an injunction bond must be filed and the notice rules for surety liability under Philippine law.
Judicial Accountability and Timely Resolution: Lessons from People v. Servano
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Servano clarifies incest rape rules while underscoring the judiciary's duty to resolve cases without delay.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy Replaces Force in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, where a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation in securing conviction.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Positive Identification Conflicts With Inconsistent Testimony
A murder conviction reversed because the prosecution's sole eyewitness gave inconsistent testimony, undermining the claim of positive identification.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Minor Inconsistencies THE Importance OF Child Witness Testimony
Rape Conviction Upheld on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Intact Hymen
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies that intact hymen does not negate rape.
Timely Execution: A Sheriff's Duty to Report and the Consequences of Delay
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling reminds sheriffs that writs of execution must be returned and reported on time, and that delay carries administrative liability.
Marcos Ill-Gotten Wealth: The Power of Presumptions in Forfeiture Cases
How the Supreme Court ruled that presumptions and admissions can justify summary judgment in recovering Marcos ill-gotten wealth under RA 1379.
Percentage Tax on Pawnshops: Defining Lending Investors Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether pawnshops are lending investors subject to 5% percentage tax under the NIRC.
Reinstatement After Election Protest: Oath of Office Not Always Required
Supreme Court clarifies when a reinstated local official need not retake the oath to validly reassume office after an election protest.
Partnership Dissolution Determining THE Return OF Equity Upon Withdrawal
Tax Exemptions for Government Corporations: The Philippine Ports Authority Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations like the PPA must pay local taxes, and when they cannot change legal theories on appeal.
Airline Breach of Contract When a Confirmed Flight Turns Into a Legal Dispute
When an airline confirms a booking then cancels it, a contract of carriage arises. Learn the legal rules on damages from China Airlines v. CA.
Adoption Rights CAN AN Adoption Decree BE Rescinded After THE Child Adoption LAW OF 1998
Timely Justice Reckoning Deadlines In Default Order Motions
Learn how the 90-day period for resolving motions is counted, based on a Supreme Court ruling on default orders.