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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Just Compensation in CARP Cases: When Courts Must Follow the DAR Formula
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Special Agrarian Courts may deviate from the DAR valuation formula in determining just compensation under CARP.
Navigating Property Disputes Understanding Jurisdictional Limits IN Real Estate Litigation
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in property disputes, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Spouses Liu v. Cruz.
Qualified Rape and Psychological Violence: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies qualified rape and psychological violence under RA 9262, emphasizing victim testimony over alibi.
Dishonored Checks in Property Sales: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that dishonored checks can prove an unpaid property obligation, even when a separate rescission case is pending.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Lessons from Land Bank v. Hilado
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform just compensation cases.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct AND Accountability IN Philippine Courts A Deep Dive Into Recent Supreme Court Rulings
Navigating Employee Benefits and Disallowance: Understanding the Scope and Limits of Government Health Program
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of government health benefits for GOCC employees, explaining when disallowances apply and who bears liability.
Moral Ascendancy and Statutory Rape: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how moral ascendancy and recantation are treated under Philippine law.
Government Procurement and Audit Disallowances: Lessons from a Landmark COA Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when government officials and contractors may be held liable for audit disallowances in public procurement projects.
Understanding Seafarers' Rights to Compensation for Work-Related Illnesses
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is work-related and what benefits are due under the POEA-SEC.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Rulings
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies murder, distinguishing sudden attacks from forewarned confrontations in People v. Archivido.
Storage Fee Disputes: Key Lessons From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when storage fees are collectible and how interest applies, offering key lessons for businesses and clients.
Less Serious Physical Injuries: When Intent to Kill Is Absent
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mauling results in less serious physical injuries rather than attempted homicide, and how a brawl differs from a tumultuous affray.
Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes: Lessons from Mariano v. G.V. Florida Transport
A Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal for serious misconduct but liability for procedural due process lapses, unpaid wages, and 13th month pay.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: Key Property Dispute Lessons
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes unlawful detainer from accion publiciana, and why forum shopping can void administrative rulings.
Understanding Tax Assessment and Collection Prescription: The BPI Case
The Supreme Court's BPI ruling explains when the BIR loses the right to assess and collect deficiency taxes—key lessons for taxpayers.
Employee Dismissal: Just Cause and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee dismissal, just cause, due process, and corporate identity in illegal dismissal cases.
Ensuring Notarial Integrity: The Critical Role of Identity Verification in Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds notaries that failing to verify identity and personal appearance in property deeds carries severe penalties.
Understanding Treachery in Homicide Cases When Sudden Attacks Don't Qualify as Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden attack constitutes treachery, distinguishing murder from homicide in People v. Ukay.
Understanding the Consequences of Notarial Misconduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains the penalties for notarizing documents without a valid commission and other notarial violations.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Witnesses Under RA 9165
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, and what this means for future cases.
Consent in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: The Bangayan Ruling Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court's Bangayan ruling clarifies when consent matters for victims aged 12 to 17 under RA 7610.
Lawyer-Client Duties and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A lawyer who abandons a client's cause, hides legal heirs, and uses confidential documents faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Plea Bargaining and Government Representation: Lessons from the Garcia Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the OSG's limits in plea bargaining cases and the Ombudsman's authority over Sandiganbayan prosecutions.