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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Guarantee vs Suretyship: How Waiving Excussion Changes Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "guarantee" becomes a suretyship, and why a rehabilitation stay order does not protect a surety.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Individual Liberties
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Assessed Value of the Whole Lot Controls
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in property disputes, jurisdiction is determined by the assessed value alleged in the complaint, not the disputed portion's value.
Compromised Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Possession Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused after police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
Breach and Balance: Equitable Relief in Construction Contract Disputes
When both parties breach a construction contract, courts may equitably mitigate damages. The Supreme Court explains how.
Minor's Consent No Defense: Trafficking Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court upheld a qualified trafficking conviction, ruling that a minor's consent is no defense when she is exploited for prostitution.
Upholding Employers Prerogative Valid Suspension FOR Employee Misconduct
Supreme Court affirms that employers may validly suspend employees for misconduct, even when guest complaints are not firsthand testimony.
Protecting Good Faith Purchasers: Due Diligence in Philippine Land Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of registered land may rely on the Torrens title and be protected as innocent purchasers for value.
Chains Unbroken Safeguarding Rights In Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Procedures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain-of-custody rules.
Contract Termination Expiration CAN Trigger Restrictive Covenants
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "terminationin the event of terminationin the event of Termination,terminationterminationearlier terminatedterminationterminationearlier terminated" elsewhere in th
Treachery in Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Does Not Qualify as Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attacks after heated altercations may not constitute treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Compromising the Chain: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict evidence rules under RA 9165.
Why Witness Presence in Drug Case Inventories Can Make or Break a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to secure an elected official during inventory, explaining the mandatory witness rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Gaps Lead to Acquittal Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and why each matters.
Supreme Court: Membership Fees of Non-Profit Clubs Not Subject to Income Tax and VAT
The Supreme Court ruled that membership fees and assessment dues of non-profit recreational clubs are not income or VAT-liable, limiting BIR RMC No. 35-2012.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Child Victim Testimony and Flight as Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices and why the accused's flight indicates guilt.
Ombudsman’s Discretion in Probable Cause Determinations Upheld in Anti-Graft Case
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman’s dismissal of graft charges, emphasizing courts only review probable cause findings for grave abuse of discretion.
Are Membership Fees of Recreational Clubs Taxable Income? SC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are subject to income tax and VAT.
Interpreting Termination Clauses in Franchise Agreements: Makati Water v. Agua Vida
When does a franchise agreement "terminate"? The Supreme Court rules on whether expiration counts as termination under non-compete clauses.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale With Right to Repurchase: Redemption Rights and Prescription
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when redemption periods apply in equitable mortgages versus sales with pacto de retro.
Safeguarding Rights: The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on the chain of custody rule in drug cases shows why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is vital.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug accused over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests: Lessons from People v. Juguilon
The Supreme Court affirms that buy-bust operations and warrantless arrests in drug cases are valid when the accused is caught in flagrante delicto.
Beyond the Hearing Room: Upholding Due Process in Employee Dismissal Cases
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling on due process in employee dismissal cases, clarifying the requirements for valid termination.