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.
Proving a Lost Property Title: Evidence Lessons from a 2021 Supreme Court Ruling
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict evidence needed to replace a lost property title in the Philippines.
Suffrage Safeguards: Upholding Election Integrity Through Specificity and Evidence in Electoral Protests
The PET dismissed Marcos Jr.'s 2016 VP election protest, affirming Robredo's victory and underscoring the strict rules on specificity and evidence in election contests.
The Maceda Law and Installment Sales: Lessons from Integrated Credit v. Cabreza
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the Maceda Law governs installment sales of real property and why strict compliance with its rescission rules matters.
Supreme Court: Direct Petitions to SC Violate Hierarchy of Courts Rule
SC dismisses Palafox petition for bypassing Court of Appeals, reaffirming strict rule on hierarchy of courts in Philippine litigation.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police failure to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Bank Liquidation: Filing Claims Against Closed Banks in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle claims against closed banks, including the liquidation court's exclusive jurisdiction under RA 7653.
Bank Liability and Jurisdiction in Mortgage Fraud Cases: The Hermosa Savings Bank Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies which court handles claims against a bank under liquidation, and what this means for creditors.
Understanding the Limits of Quasi-Judicial Powers: The DARAB's Jurisdictional Boundaries
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DARAB, as a quasi-judicial body, cannot exercise certiorari powers—a key ruling on jurisdictional limits.
Ensuring Chain of Custody Integrity: The Key to Successful Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, highlighting the strict requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Timely Intervention and Jurisdictional Limits in Philippine Estate Proceedings
Learn how the Constantino case clarifies intervention rules and probate court limits in Philippine estate proceedings.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Key to Philippine Land Registration
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. PNP.
Navigating Docket Fee Challenges: Ensuring Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases and prevents inordinate delay in preliminary investigations.
Understanding Finality of Audit Decisions: A Guide to Timely Appeals in Philippine Government Audits
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld COA's dismissal of PhilHealth's belated appeal, and why strict deadlines matter in government audit cases.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: The Helen Lapena Case and Its Impact on Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for qualified trafficking in persons, clarifying how floor managers who maintain minors for prostitution are held liable under RA 9208.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying the PDS and CSC Jurisdiction Over Exam Anomalies
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal for dishonesty when a police applicant cheats on exams and lies in the Personal Data Sheet.
Understanding the Limits of COA Jurisdiction Over Final Court Judgments in Money Claims Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the COA can deny money claims against the government, and when contractors can recover under quantum meruit.
Marriage Nullity and Estate Settlement: Jurisdiction and Standing Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle marriage nullity and estate settlement, including who has legal standing to challenge a marriage's validity.
Client Money and Bouncing Checks: A Lawyer’s Fiduciary Duty After Bernasconi v. Demaisip
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer suspension clarifies the strict fiduciary duty to account for client funds and the consequences of issuing bouncing checks.
Tax Exemption Challenges and the CTA's Exclusive Jurisdiction Over BIR Issuances
Learn why the Court of Tax Appeals, not regional trial courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over tax exemption cases and BIR revenue issuances.
Final Judgments and Penalty Correction: Aguinaldo IV v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final criminal conviction can still be modified, applying RA 10951 to reduce an estafa penalty.
Direct Contracting and Overpricing in Government Purchases: Lessons from Lee v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a governor for direct contracting and overpricing fertilizers, clarifying the limits of this procurement mode.
Understanding Treachery and Eyewitness Identification in Philippine Murder Cases
A murder conviction hinged on eyewitness testimony and treachery. The Supreme Court explains when identification is reliable and how qualifying circumstances must be pleaded.
Understanding the Limits of Garnishment in Tax Collection: Insights From the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that impeachment only removes an official from office, not forfeits retirement benefits without judicial conviction.
Understanding Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lascivious conduct and other child abuse under RA 7610, modifying a conviction and imposing a heavier penalty.