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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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.
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.
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.
When Club Dues Are Not Income: BIR Circular Partly Invalidated
The Supreme Court ruled that membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are not income or VAT receipts, partly invalidating BIR RMC No. 35-2012.
Nepotism in Government: Designation of Relatives Is a Prohibited Appointment
The Supreme Court ruled that designating a relative to government duties—even unpaid or off-plantilla—violates the ban on nepotism.
Dismissal for Neglect: Court Stenographers Must Submit Transcripts on Time
A stenographer who repeatedly fails to submit transcripts on time may be dismissed for gross neglect of duty, the Supreme Court ruled.
Retroactive GCTA: Supreme Court Upholds Inmates' Right to Good Conduct Time Allowance
The Supreme Court struck down the IRR's prospective application of R.A. 10592, affirming inmates' right to retroactive good conduct time allowance credits.
Employer Liability and Proving Negligence in Employee Conduct: The Ondevilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability rules, constructive dismissal, and retirement age in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Rights In Drug Cases Through Strict Chain OF Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break the chain of custody, underscoring why strict evidence handling protects the innocent.
When SEC Authority Prevails: Jurisdiction and Real Party in Interest in Corporate Debt Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction and real party in interest rules in corporate debt disputes under SEC authority.
Upholding Company No-Gift Policies: Employee Dismissal and Management Prerogative
Supreme Court upholds dismissal of employee who accepted gifts in violation of company's no-gift policy, affirming management prerogative.
Notice Requirements for SPV Asset Transfers: Protecting Borrowers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements for SPV asset transfers under RA 9182, balancing borrower protection with valid assignments.
Finality of Judgment and Why Attempts to Circumvent Liquidation Proceedings Fail
The Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments cannot be attacked through procedural technicalities, ensuring that liquidation proceedings move forward.
Just Compensation: Fair Market Value, Not Zonal Valuation, in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is based on fair market value, not BIR zonal valuation alone.
Treachery Unproven: Conviction Reduced from Murder to Homicide for Lack of Clear Evidence
Supreme Court reduces murder conviction to homicide when treachery is not proven by clear and convincing evidence, explaining the required standard.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Ensuring Due Diligence in Small Claims Cases
A Supreme Court ruling holds court personnel and judges accountable for lapses in serving notices of hearing in small claims cases.
Abuse of Rights in Contractual Dealings: Upholding Freedom to Contract and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate rehabilitation, contractual penalties, and the limits of judicial interference in contracts.
Chain of Custody Imperative Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to secure required witnesses during inventory, underscoring the chain of custody rule.
Just Compensation Beyond Zonal Value: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies that BIR zonal valuation is not the sole basis for just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting property owners' rights.
Speedy Disposition Right Is Not a Shield for Delaying Justice: People v. Diaz
The Supreme Court clarifies that the right to speedy disposition is not violated by mere delay, especially when the prosecution explains the reasons.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Reporting Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing the mandatory three-day reporting requirement under the POEA-SEC.
UP Tax Exemption: Balancing Public Benefit and Local Revenue
Supreme Court rules UP exempt from real property tax on land leased to Ayala Land under RA 9500, balancing public benefit and local revenue.
Qualified Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Child Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's clear testimony outweighs a father's denial and alibi.
Seafarers' Rights: When Late Disability Assessments Mean Total Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a company doctor's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment entitles seafarers to total disability benefits.