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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Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: The Three-Witness Rule and Chain of Custody
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing witnesses—explaining Section 21, RA 9165 requirements.
Master's Degree Requirement for College Faculty: Educational Standards Prevail Over CBA Tenure Provisions
Supreme Court rules CHED faculty qualification requirements prevail over CBA tenure-by-default provisions, upholding dismissal of professors without master's degrees.
Void Donations: Formal Requirements and the Right to Reclaim Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void donations, formal requirements under Article 749, and the right to recover property.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Proof of Force: Victim Testimony and Rights in Child Abuse Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction clarifies victim testimony standards, force requirements, and damages in child abuse cases.
CBA vs Bank Policy: Protecting Workers' Rights Against Unilateral Loan Changes
Supreme Court rules banks cannot impose credit-check requirements on CBA salary loans without negotiating with the union first.
Preliminary Injunction Requires Clear Right, Not Just a Contract Claim
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue, emphasizing clear legal rights and irreparable injury requirements.
Counterclaims in Libel Cases: Compulsory vs Permissive Claims Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when counterclaims in libel suits are compulsory or permissive, and the procedural requirements that follow.
Compromised Chain of Custody: Illegal Drug Conviction Overturned Due to Procedural Lapses
The Supreme Court acquitted an illegal drug suspect after police failed to follow the chain of custody requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165, compromising evidence integrity.
Expiration vs Non-Payment: Demand Letter Requirements in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a demand letter is required before filing an unlawful detainer case, distinguishing lease expiration from non-payment.
Faulty Notarization Foils Contract Cancellation: Buyer Entitled to Refund Under Maceda Law
When a developer's notice of cancellation fails notarial requirements, the contract remains valid and the buyer may claim refunds under the Maceda Law.
Dismissal Due to Technicality: Navigating Procedural Requirements in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that strict compliance with procedural rules, like attaching certified true copies and stating material dates, is essential in certiorari petitions.
Barangay Conciliation Residency Requirements FOR Filing Court Cases IN THE Philippines
Understand the residency requirements for barangay conciliation before filing court cases in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Dismissal Based on Uncorroborated Report Violates Due Process in Seafarer Cases
Supreme Court rules a seafarer's dismissal based on an uncorroborated captain's report violates due process and just cause requirements.
Judicial Clemency and Attorney Reinstatement: The Torres Case and the High Bar for True Reform
The Supreme Court denied Atty. Torres's petition for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reinstatement to the Philippine Bar.
Mortgage Foreclosure Upholding Contractual Notice AND Loan Coverage Requirements
Supreme Court ruling on forged SPA in mortgage foreclosure, requiring lenders to verify authority and giving borrowers protection.
Agrarian Reform Retention Rights and Tenant Protection Under CARP
The Supreme Court explains landowner retention limits, tenant options, and procedural requirements under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law.
Redundancy and Fair Compensation: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights in Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when redundancy dismissals are valid and when separation pay falls short of the Labor Code's requirements.
Government Contracts Enforceability AND THE Necessity OF Legal Requirements
A look at when government contracts are binding and why strict legal requirements matter for enforceability in the Philippines.
Valid Consignation Demands Strict Compliance With Legal Requirements
Learn when depositing rent in a bank account is not valid consignation, and what the law requires for debt payment.
Balancing Autonomy and Oversight: Defining Eligibility in the Public Attorney's Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the jurisdiction of the CSC and CESB over third-level positions, ruling on PAO eligibility requirements.
VAT Refund Timeliness: The 120-Day Rule, BIR Ruling DA-489-03, and Strict Proof Requirements
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the San Roque doctrine to a prematurely filed VAT refund claim and the strict rules on zero-rated sales and invoicing.
Execution Pending Appeal: Balancing Justice and Judicial Discretion in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of execution pending appeal and the requirements for claiming injunction bonds in Abenion v. Pilipinas Shell.
Liberal Interpretation of Procedural Rules in Intellectual Property Appeals
Supreme Court rules that administrative tribunals like the IPO may liberally apply procedural rules, allowing substantial compliance with certification requirements.
Reconstitution of Titles: Strict Compliance With Legal Requirements Is Mandatory
A Supreme Court ruling on title reconstitution underscores that strict compliance with RA 26's jurisdictional requirements is mandatory, or proceedings are void.