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.
Probationary Employment Standards and Contractual Obligations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies probationary employment rules, contract of adhesion principles, and the need for employee signatures in Philippine labor law.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with RA 9165 evidence rules.
Due Process in Attorney Discipline: Fair Hearings for Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court reminds us that even in lawyer discipline cases, due process and substantial evidence are required before any sanction.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: When Cancellation Is Valid Without Maceda Law
Supreme Court clarifies contract to sell rules, default judgments, and when Maceda Law does not apply to commercial property buyers.
Voluntary Sale vs. Eminent Domain: When Interest on Just Compensation Is Not Due
Supreme Court clarifies that in negotiated sales, landowners cannot claim legal interest absent a stipulation, unlike in expropriation.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: The Strict Rule After Republic v. Bautista
The Supreme Court clarifies that CENRO certifications alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable for original registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Splitting Causes of Action: When a Landowner Can File Separate Suits for Unpaid Rent and Ejectment
The Supreme Court clarifies that a landowner may file a separate collection suit for unpaid rent that accrued before the tenant’s possession became unlawful, without violating the rule against splitti
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Individual Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules, protecting the accused's rights.
Tax Injunctions and Declaratory Relief: Limits on Court Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot enjoin tax collection and that declaratory relief is not a proper remedy to contest tax assessments.
Good Faith and Torrens Titles: Overcoming the Innocent Purchaser Presumption
The Supreme Court explains when a Torrens title holder loses the innocent purchaser presumption and what buyers must prove to keep their property.
Contractor's Solidary Liability and Full Payment Defense in Subcontracting Agreements
When can a contractor be held liable for a subcontractor's unpaid debts? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and the full payment defense.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspect Over Missing Witnesses in Buy-Bust Operation
SC acquits drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during buy-bust inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
Drug Case Dismissed: Chain of Custody Rule Protects Against Evidence Tampering
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, protecting against evidence planting and tampering.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases: People v. Bricero
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in chain of custody, reinforcing rights under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Self-Defense and the Degree of Criminal Liability: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why self-defense must be proven by clear and convincing evidence.
Excise Tax and Denatured Alcohol: Clarifying Exemptions for In-Transit Losses
Supreme Court rules that denatured alcohol lost to evaporation during transit remains exempt from excise tax under the NIRC.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police lapses in Section 21 chain of custody, reinforcing the presumption of innocence.
Good Faith Under Scrutiny: Proving Innocent Purchase in Land Title Disputes
The presumption of good faith in land purchases is disputable. Learn what the Supreme Court requires to prove innocent purchaser status.
PHAPi v. Medialdea: Standing and Justiciability in the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law Challenge
The Supreme Court dismissed PHAPi's constitutional challenge to R.A. 10932 for lack of legal standing and absence of an actual case or controversy.
Breach of Trust: Upholding Ethical Conduct and Accountability in the Judiciary
Court personnel who abuse their positions face severe penalties, as shown in this administrative case involving dishonesty and misconduct.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Overturn a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Case for Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits two men convicted of rape with homicide, ruling that weak circumstantial evidence and doubtful identification cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Title Disputes: Upholding Title Regularity Over Unsubstantiated Fraud Claims in Land Reconveyance
Philippine Supreme Court rules bare allegations of fraud cannot defeat a certificate of title's presumption of regularity in reconveyance actions.
Ponzi Schemes and Syndicated Estafa: Protecting the Public From Investment Fraud
The Supreme Court explains how Ponzi schemes constitute syndicated estafa under Philippine law, and what this means for investors.