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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Proof of Encroachment: The Importance of Survey Plans in Property Disputes
Survey plans must clearly show encroachment to prove property disputes. The Supreme Court explains what suffices as evidence.
The Perils of Belated Filings: When Courts Relax Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court balances strict procedural rules against substantial justice in Latogan v. People, a case on belated appeals and defective motions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Safeguarding Evidence Matters
The Supreme Court explains why strict compliance with the chain of custody rule is essential to preserve the integrity of seized drugs in every prosecution under RA 9165.
Tenant Rights and Land Ownership: When Invalid Tenancy Agreements Fail in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when tenancy agreements with non-owners fail, and why security of tenure requires a valid landowner-tenant relationship.
Chain of Custody Upholding Drug Convictions Through Procedural Compliance
How strict adherence to Section 21, RA 9165's chain of custody rule preserved the drug evidence and secured a conviction for illegal sale of shabu.
When Quitclaims Don't Count: Protecting OFWs From Forced Resignations
Supreme Court rules quitclaims signed under duress don't bar OFW claims, affirming constructive dismissal in Al-Masiya case.
Understanding Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies who pays commissioners' fees in agrarian expropriation cases, a key part of just compensation proceedings.
Understanding Good Faith IN Property Purchases Lessons From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Substantial Compliance in Verification: When Procedural Lapses Still Cost the Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with verification rules cannot excuse a belatedly filed motion for reconsideration in civil cases.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Homicide Cases: What People v. Pitulan Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies that credible eyewitness identification can prove homicide even without the murder weapon or forensic testing.
Notarial Duties and the High Cost of Sloppy Document Authentication
A lawyer who notarized documents without checking identities or proper forms faces suspension and revocation of his notarial commission.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: The Latogan Doctrine
The Supreme Court in Latogan v. People relaxed procedural rules to prevent a grave injustice, protecting a defendant's right to appeal a murder conviction.
Breach of Contract: Enforceability of Employment Contracts Absent Actual Deployment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a perfected employment contract binds parties even without actual deployment, and which court has jurisdiction over breach claims.
Eyewitness Testimony and Homicide Conviction: Proving Identity Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a homicide conviction based on positive eyewitness identification, ruling that denial cannot prevail over credible testimony.
Breach of Contract: When a Perfected Employment Contract Binds the Employer Even Without Deployment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a perfected employment contract creates employer-employee relations even if deployment never happens, and labor arbiters have jurisdiction over resulting claims.
Eyewitness Identification Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt In Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a homicide conviction based on positive eyewitness identification by the victim's daughters, prevailing over the accused's denial.
Prior Physical Possession in Forcible Entry: The Madayag Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior physical possession in forcible entry cases can be established through juridical acts, not just actual occupation.
Court Employee Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of Duty
A Clerk III was dismissed from service for tampering with court records and failing to transmit case records to the Court of Appeals.
Grave Misconduct and Gross Neglect of Duty in Philippine Courts: Lessons from a Clerk's Dismissal
The Supreme Court explains grave misconduct and gross neglect of duty through a court clerk's dismissal for tampering with case records.
Agricultural Tenancy and the Right of Redemption: A Landmark Philippine Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that agricultural tenancy can be implied from parties' conduct, granting tenants the right of redemption under RA 3844.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Disciplining Court Employees FOR Actions Reflecting ON THE Judiciarys Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a vice-mayor for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service.
Liability for Dishonored Bank Drafts: Holder in Due Course vs Drawer's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies a bank drawer's liability on dishonored bank drafts, even after a stop payment order, when held by a holder in due course.
Understanding Jurisdictional Limits in Lease Disputes: A Guide to Security Deposits and Court Competence
The Supreme Court clarifies when lease disputes over security deposits fall under municipal trial courts versus regional trial courts.
Understanding Tax Exemptions for Condominium Dues and Fees: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when condominium association dues are taxable, resolving the validity of BIR RMC No. 65-2012.