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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Sheriff's Misconduct in Writ Execution: A Lesson in Judicial Integrity
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for settling cases and pocketing funds during writ execution, reaffirming strict standards for court officers.
Landlord Rights Prevail Recovering Possession Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when tenants cannot appeal denial of new trial and how counsel's errors bind clients.
Judge Not Liable for Denying Motion to Dissolve Writ: Administrative Case Dismissed
Supreme Court clarifies when judges may face administrative liability for erroneous orders, dismissing complaint against Baguio RTC judge.
Burden OF Proof Establishing Identity AND Intent IN Robbery With Homicide Cases
Unknowing Possession: When Lack of Knowledge Voids Drug Possession Charges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere physical possession of drugs is not enough for conviction—the prosecution must prove the accused knowingly and consciously possessed them.
Contractual Obligations Priority OF Payment AND THE Limits OF Assignment
Party List Representation: Qualified Parties and Proportional Seat Allocation
Explains the Supreme Court's ruling on party-list qualification, the 2% threshold, and proportional allocation of seats under RA 7941.
Bill of Lading Value Limits Carrier Liability for Lost Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how bill of lading value declarations cap a common carrier's liability for lost goods, even when insurance paid more.
Positive Identification and the Defense of Alibi: Evaluating Witness Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused, stressing that knowledge and animus possidendi must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Notarial Diligence: The Duty to Verify Identity in Property Transactions
A notary public must verify the identity of parties to property documents. Learn the lesson from a lawyer suspended for failing this duty.
Protecting Property Rights When CAN Owners SUE After Wrongful Seizure
Circumstantial Evidence and the Web of Guilt: Establishing Criminal Liability Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court clarifies how circumstantial evidence can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases, using a rape conviction as an example.
Execution Pending Appeal Protecting THE Rights OF THE Elderly
Circumstantial Evidence Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Murder Cases 2
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining how guilt beyond reasonable doubt can be established without direct eyewitness testimony.
Dismissal for Gross Incompetence and Lingering Inefficiency Despite Warnings Justifies Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a court employee for gross incompetence and inefficiency despite repeated warnings and prior sanctions.
Eminent Domain: Full Land Value vs Easement Fees in Transmission Line Projects
Supreme Court clarifies when NPC must pay full land value versus easement fees in transmission line expropriation cases.
Divorce Abroad and Child Custody: Reconciling Foreign Decrees With Philippine Law
Philippine courts can recognize a foreign divorce but still decide child custody and support, as Roehr v. Rodriguez explains.
Last Clear Chance Doctrine Explained: Engada v. Court of Appeals on Traffic Collisions
When a driver invokes the last clear chance doctrine after a collision, courts weigh negligence and emergency. Learn the rule from Engada v. CA.
Compulsory vs Permissive Counterclaims: When Court Fees Are Not Required in Loan Disputes
Learn when a counterclaim in a loan dispute is compulsory and exempt from docket fees, based on a 2003 Supreme Court ruling.
Co-Ownership Rights and Undivided Interests in Property Sales: A Philippine Legal Guide
Learn how Philippine courts protect co-owners' undivided interests in property sales, with key rules on ejectment and jurisdiction.
Ejectment vs Ownership: When Courts Decide Possession in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that claims of ownership do not strip municipal trial courts of jurisdiction over ejectment cases.
Service of Court Decisions: When Notice to a Party Trumps Notice to Counsel
Philippine Commercial International Bank v. Court of Appeals clarifies when service of a CIAC decision on a party, not counsel, starts the appeal period.
Age Limits and Security of Tenure: Navigating Employment Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how age limits in service contracts interact with security of tenure and constructive dismissal claims.
Judicial Accountability: Signing Marriage Contracts Without Licenses Is Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges liable for signing marriage contracts without licenses, ruling it constitutes gross negligence in judicial duties.