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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Expropriation and Urban Development: When Can a City Take Private Land for Socialized Housing?
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-stage process of expropriation and when compliance with RA 7279's acquisition priorities must be shown.
Public Officials and Due Diligence in Government Land Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling shows why possession of public land does not equal ownership, and why only the State can sue to recover public land wrongly titled.
Verbal Lease with Definite Period: When Courts Cannot Extend the Term
The Supreme Court clarifies that Article 1687 of the Civil Code does not allow courts to extend a verbal month-to-month lease, which has a definite period.
Court Stenographer Dismissed for Habitual Absenteeism and AWOL: A Lesson in Public Accountability
Explore the Supreme Court's dismissal of a court stenographer for habitual absenteeism and AWOL, and the standards of conduct expected of court personnel.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription in Breach of Warranty Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the six-month prescriptive period for breach of warranty claims and when courts may dismiss time-barred actions.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delayed Justice in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that personal hardships cannot excuse a five-year delay in deciding a case.
Dismissal for AWOL: Upholding Accountability in Public Service
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court stenographer for habitual absenteeism and AWOL, reinforcing strict standards of public accountability.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Supreme Court's Stance on Rape of a Child with Epilepsy
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for four counts of statutory rape against a 10-year-old girl with epilepsy, clarifying rules on delay in reporting, alibi, and damages.
Premature Entry of Judgment and Due Process in Bail Proceedings
The Supreme Court explains when premature entry of judgment violates due process and why certiorari cannot correct bail rulings.
Rape Conviction Upheld Intoxication AND THE Issue OF Consent
Financing Companies and Assignment of Credit: Deficiency Claims After Foreclosure
Explaining Project Builders v. IFC: how financing company assignments of credit work, and why foreclosure doesn't bar deficiency claims.
Credible Testimony Alone CAN Convict In Rape Cases Protecting Victims AND Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible testimony alone is sufficient to convict, reinforcing protections for survivors seeking justice.
Demolition Orders Require Due Hearing Protecting Property Rights in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules judges must hold a hearing before issuing demolition orders in ejectment cases, protecting property rights.
Del Mar v. PAGCOR: The Scope of PAGCOR's Franchise and Jai-Alai Operations
The Supreme Court ruled PAGCOR's franchise under P.D. 1869 does not include operating jai-alai, a gambling activity requiring express legislative grant.
Conspiracy and Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Criminal Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy and evident premeditation in murder, explaining how joint purpose and intent establish liability.
Witness Testimony and Alibi Defense in Philippine Murder Cases: A Legal Analysis
Explore how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and alibi defenses in murder cases, with insights from People v. Asuncion.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
Understand how treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a 1993 shooting.
Rape Conviction Upheld THE Importance OF Credible Witness Testimony AND Prompt Reporting IN Sexual Assault Cases
Lack of Treachery Evidence Reduces Murder Charge to Homicide: People v. Crisanto
When prosecution fails to prove treachery, a murder conviction may be reduced to homicide. Learn the rules from People v. Crisanto.
Res Judicata and Reconstitution: The Limits of Prior Judgments in Philippine Land Law
A dismissed reconstitution case cannot bar a quieting of title action. Learn the limits of res judicata in Philippine land disputes.
Custody Battles Weighing Parental Rights VS A Childs Best Interests IN Guardianship Disputes
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Victim's Testimony and the Judge's Role
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that a credible victim's testimony alone suffices and that a judge who did not hear all witnesses can still validly decide.
Unregistered Land Donation and Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
A Supreme Court ruling on why an unregistered land donation cannot defeat tenant rights under agrarian reform and Operation Land Transfer.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Security of Tenure in Philippine Law
Understand the difference between project and regular employment in the Philippines, and what security of tenure means for workers.