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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Breach of Banking Duty: Bank Liable for Mortgage Fraud Due to Negligence in Identifying Impostors
Philippine Supreme Court holds bank liable for mortgage fraud when it failed to verify impostors' identity, applying the last clear chance doctrine.
DUE Process AND Union Security Balancing Rights IN Labor Disputes
Vehicular Homicide Establishing Intent IN Motor Vehicle Murder Cases
Premature Injunctions Protecting Government Authority IN Foreshore Lease Disputes
Upholding Justice When Procedural Technicalities Give Way to Substantial Rights
A party who participates in irregular trial proceedings without objection cannot later question them to escape an adverse ruling.
Child Rape in the Philippines: What People v. Lomerio Teaches About Credible Testimony
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on convicting a child rapist on the victim's testimony, the meaning of carnal knowledge, and how aggravating circumstances are weighed.
When Courts May Suspend Ejectment Proceedings: Balancing Possession and Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court explains the narrow exception when an ejectment case may be suspended pending an ownership action, and why equity matters.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Due Process and Jurisdictional Validity
When is service of summons on a corporation valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on proper service, substantial compliance, and jurisdiction.
Due Process in Labor Appeals: When the NLRC Must Rule on a Motion to Reduce the Appeal Bond
In Coral Point v. NLRC, the Supreme Court ruled that a motion to reduce the supersedeas bond must be resolved before an employer's appeal is dismissed.
Confirmation of Imperfect Title: Prior Possession of Forest Land Not Counted in 30-Year Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court rules that possession of forest land before its classification as alienable cannot be counted toward the 30-year requirement for confirmation of imperfect title.
Defining Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets and PCGG Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies the Sandiganbayan’s exclusive jurisdiction over incidents related to sequestered assets, reinforcing PCGG’s authority to protect ill-gotten wealth.
Bail After Conviction: When Provisional Liberty Ends and Surrender Becomes Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bail after conviction, when provisional liberty ends, and why surrender to authorities is mandatory before bail can be granted.
Invalid Substituted Service Protecting Due Process AND Jurisdictional Rights
A void summons means no jurisdiction—what Spouses Miranda v. Court of Appeals teaches about substituted service and due process.
When Fraud Taints a Land Title: Reversion, Simulated Sales, and Buyer's Good Faith
Explore when the State can cancel a fraudulently issued land title and why buyers must investigate possession before purchasing property.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony: The Requisite Standard for Conviction
In rape cases, the victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction. The Supreme Court explains the standard.
Reversion of Fraudulent Land Titles: The State's Right to Reclaim Public Property
The Supreme Court affirms the State's power to revert fraudulently acquired public land, even after the one-year indefeasibility period.
Qualified Theft vs Robbery with Homicide: Force and Intent Distinguished
Supreme Court clarifies when unlawful taking without proven force is qualified theft, not robbery with homicide.
State Immunity vs Personal Liability: Defining the Limits of Official Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials can be sued personally despite state immunity, using the Lansang v. Court of Appeals case.
Appeals From Ombudsman Decisions: Understanding Jurisdictional Boundaries
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies jurisdictional boundaries in appeals from Ombudsman decisions and related ill-gotten wealth cases.
The Perils of Superior Strength: How Conspiracy Elevates Homicide to Murder
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy and abuse of superior strength can raise a killing from homicide to murder.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, emphasizing that sudden attacks from a heated argument may only constitute homicide.
Meralco v. Quisumbing: CBA Retroactivity and Balancing Labor Rights with Management Prerogatives
The Supreme Court clarifies when arbitral CBA awards retroact and how wage increases balance labor rights with management prerogatives.
Tenancy Rights: Landowner Consent Is Paramount in Agricultural Leases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy requires landowner consent; possession and cultivation alone do not create agricultural leasehold rights.
State Witness Discharge and Justice in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on discharging an accused as state witness in robbery with homicide, and the limits of that discharge.