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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Valid Dation in Payment: When a Debtor's Creditor Still Has Authority to Settle
Supreme Court explains when a dation in payment is valid even if the creditor assigned its receivables to another party.
Safeguarding Constitutional Rights: The High Cost of Defective Search Warrants in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullifies search warrants issued without a searching examination, reaffirming that evidence seized under void warrants is inadmissible.
Unfair Competition and Trade Name Confusion: The Paperone Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate name can amount to unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, even without trademark infringement.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
When a Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Treachery Must Exist at the Attack's Inception
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why treachery must exist from the very start of the attack.
Tax Exemption for Coal Operators: Interpreting Special Laws and VAT Obligations
The Supreme Court affirms Semirara Mining's VAT exemption under PD 972, clarifying how special laws interact with the NIRC.
Treachery and Intent: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery requires deliberate method, not mere suddenness, distinguishing homicide from murder for bail purposes.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to missing witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
Speedy Disposition vs Double Jeopardy: Balancing Rights in Preliminary Investigations
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in preliminary investigation violates speedy disposition rights and triggers double jeopardy protection.
Voluntary Retirement vs Illegal Dismissal: When Floating Status Becomes Constructive Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the six-month floating status rule and when it ripens into constructive dismissal under Article 301 of the Labor Code.
Just Compensation and Judicial Notice Limits in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may take judicial notice of other cases in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Protects Individual Rights
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for unjustified failure to secure a media witness during inventory, reaffirming strict chain of custody rules.
Quitclaims and Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Employee Rights and Waivers in the Philippines
When is a quitclaim valid? The Supreme Court explains the rules on waivers and illegal dismissal in Vergara v. CDM Security Agency.
Election Offenses and Double Jeopardy: The Limits of Prosecutorial Power in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal in an election offense case is final, and why the prosecution cannot appeal it without violating double jeopardy.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Excuses Procedural Lapses: B.E. San Diego v. Bernardo
A Supreme Court ruling on when gross negligence of counsel can excuse procedural errors and prevent deprivation of property rights.
When Police Lapses in Drug Seizures Lead to Acquittal: The Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules. Learn the requirements.
Chain of Custody Rule: Why Missing Media Witness Led to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted drug suspects due to unjustified non-compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Management Prerogative vs Diminution of Benefits: The Coca-Cola Saturday Work Dispute
When can a company stop Saturday work without violating the non-diminution rule? The Supreme Court clarifies in this Coca-Cola case.
Upholding Arbitration Philippine Courts Enforce Foreign Awards Despite Domestic LAW Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms enforcement of a Singapore arbitral award, clarifying narrow grounds for refusal under the New York Convention.
VAT Exemption for Agricultural Cooperatives: Protecting Farmers' Collective Interests
The Supreme Court affirms VAT exemption for agricultural cooperatives, protecting farmers' collective interests in sugar production and sales.
Compromised Evidence Acquittal in Drug Case Due to Chain of Custody Lapses
Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects after prosecution fails to justify missing media witness in chain of custody.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How One Missing Witness Led to Acquittal
In People v. Dela Cruz, the Supreme Court acquitted two drug accused because the prosecution failed to justify the absence of a media witness during inventory.
Treasury Warrants, Election Ban, and Double Jeopardy: Key Lessons from People v. Ting
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing treasury warrants violates the election ban and why acquittals stand under double jeopardy.
Treachery's Shadow: Redefining Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder instead of homicide? The Supreme Court clarifies the role of treachery in bail hearings and criminal liability.