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 Upholding Impartiality AND Integrity IN THE Philippine Judiciary
Self Defense AND Conspiracy IN Homicide Analyzing Criminal Liability
Indefeasibility of Title vs Claims of Prior Ownership: Understanding Land Registration Disputes
When a Torrens title becomes indefeasible, prior claims—even earlier sales—can no longer defeat it. Learn the rules from a 2001 case.
Land Redistribution Upholding THE Rights OF Farmer Beneficiaries TO Homelots
The Supreme Court affirms that farmer-beneficiaries under PD 27 are entitled to homelots, even if these lie outside their awarded farmlots.
Invalidation of BOI Manual of Operations Incentives for Registered Enterprises
Supreme Court voids BOI's unpublished manual that reduced tax credit incentives for registered export producers.
Possession VS Ownership WHO Holds THE Title During A Property Dispute
When a Judge's Settlement Agreement Compromises Judicial Integrity
A judge who settles an administrative complaint for money compromises judicial integrity. The Supreme Court explains why in Punzalan v. Plata.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Sets Rules on Social Media Evidence
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove authorship of abusive Facebook posts and raises penalties when ICT is used in VAWC cases.
Good Faith and Emergency Purchases: When Public Officials Escape Graft Liability
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a public official from graft charges, citing good faith and emergency procurement during a blood shortage crisis.
Whose Money Is It Anyway? Voting Rights and the Public Trust in Coconut Levy Funds
The Supreme Court ruled that coconut levy funds are prima facie public, so the PCGG may vote sequestered UCPB shares while ownership is still being litigated.
Credit Card Liability Negligence IN Issuing Extension Cards AND Cardholder Responsibility
Due Process in Disbarment: Why Hearings Are Indispensable in Attorney Discipline Cases
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that formal hearings are mandatory in disbarment cases, safeguarding due process for respondent lawyers.
Personal Liability in Corporate Obligations When Signing Blurs the Line
When do corporate officers become personally liable for company debts? A Supreme Court ruling on trust receipts and letters of credit provides clear guidance.
Spousal Liability in Estafa: Why Marriage Alone Does Not Prove Guilt
Supreme Court ruling: a husband's mere presence when his wife issued a bouncing check does not prove conspiracy in estafa.
Improvident Guilty Plea Ensuring Fairness IN Criminal Proceedings
Reviving Judgments: Enforceability After Five Years in Ownership Disputes
Learn when a final judgment can be revived after five years, and why ownership issues cannot be re-litigated in a revival action.
Foreclosure Sales: Bank's Right to Possession After Redemption Period Ends
Supreme Court ruling on a bank's right to possession of foreclosed property after the redemption period expires without redemption.
Real Party in Interest: Establishing Legal Standing in Debt Recovery Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may file an action to revive a judgment and what must be proven.
Right OF First Refusal When Tenant Rights Under P D 1517 Dont Apply
Circumstantial Evidence and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Justice in Criminal Cases
How Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence, witness credibility, and reasonable doubt in criminal convictions.
Redemption Rights: Upholding Mortgagor's Five-Year Redemption Agreement
Supreme Court affirms five-year redemption period for mortgagor, voiding subsequent sales that cut short the agreed term.
Sheriffs Negligence Duty TO Cancel Redemption Certificate AND Liability FOR Damages
Relaxing Procedural Rules in Labor Disputes: Substantial Justice Prevails
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that procedural rules yield to substantial justice in labor cases, as shown in this disability claim dispute.
Docket Fees and Real Actions: How Property Disputes Determine Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that complaints for specific performance involving real property are real actions, and docket fees must be based on property value.