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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Trademark Infringement and Contempt: When Corporate Names and Court Orders Collide
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith compliance with an injunction order cannot be punished as indirect contempt, even if a corporate name contains a challenged mark.
When Doubt Benefits the Accused: Integrity of Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on reasonable doubt, witness credibility, and the prosecution's burden in election-period weapon possession cases.
Breach of Public Trust: Defining Misconduct and Dishonesty in Government Service
The Supreme Court affirms penalties against a former PCGG chairman for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Corporate Rehabilitation Tax Waiver: CTA Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Customs Duty Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax and customs duty disputes during corporate rehabilitation belong exclusively to the Court of Tax Appeals, not regular courts.
Corporate Rehabilitation Tax Waivers and CTA Jurisdiction: Key Insights from Steel Corporation of the Philippi
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified CTA jurisdiction over tax waiver disputes arising from corporate rehabilitation under R.A. 10142.
Unexcused Absence: Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal for Employees Absent Without Leave
The Supreme Court drops a court employee from the rolls for AWOL, explaining the rules on absences without approved leave in government service.
Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery in murder cases, and why evident premeditation requires more proof.
Grave Misconduct in Government Service: When Dismissal Is the Only Penalty
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of immigration officer for extortion and grave misconduct, ruling first offense cannot mitigate penalty.
Breach of Trust in the Workplace: When an Employer's Dismissal of a Chief Accountant is Unjustified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employer's dismissal of a chief accountant for breach of trust is unjustified.
Unexcused Absence When Is Dropping From the Rolls Justified
When does an employee's absence become AWOL? The Supreme Court explains the rule on dropping from the rolls.
Supreme Court on Land Registration Decree Re-Issuance: No Prescription for Old Titles
The Supreme Court clarifies that land registration decrees do not prescribe, allowing re-issuance of old decrees and issuance of OCTs even decades later.
Preliminary Injunction Requires Clear Right, Not Just a Contract Claim
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue, emphasizing clear legal rights and irreparable injury requirements.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody: Protecting Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to prove an unbroken chain of custody, reinforcing constitutional protections.
Corporate Officer Status and Jurisdiction in Illegal Dismissal Cases: North Star v. Balagtas
When is a dismissed executive a corporate officer whose case belongs to regular courts, not the Labor Arbiter? The Supreme Court clarifies.
When Land Registration Decrees Never Become Stale: Republic v. Claro Yap
The Supreme Court clarifies that prescription and laches do not bar the re-issuance of a land registration decree, affirming decades-old doctrines.
Dismissal for Defiance: Upholding the Court's Authority in Administrative Duties
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a branch clerk of court for notarizing documents without the required certification, underscoring strict compliance with court rules.
Martial Law Extension: Balancing Public Safety and Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the one-year martial law extension in Mindanao, affirming that public safety and constitutional safeguards can coexist.
Notarial Duty and Administrative Liability: Upholding Integrity in Court Services
A branch clerk of court was suspended for notarizing documents without following the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice. Learn the rules and risks.
Bail vs Demurrer: Why Different Evidence Standards Apply in Provisional Liberty and Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies why bail hearings use a lower evidence standard than demurrers to evidence, which can lead to acquittal.
Corporate Quorum Conundrums: How Disputed Shares Impact Philippine Stockholder Meetings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that disputed shares still count toward quorum in stockholder meetings, and unrecorded transfers are not recognized.
Upholding Regulatory Authority: LTFRB Power to Suspend Certificates of Public Convenience for Public Safety Vi
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling affirming the LTFRB's authority to suspend certificates of public convenience for public safety violations.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody over seized marijuana, explaining the strict rules under RA 9165.
Corporate Quorum Quandary: Disputed Shares and the Validity of Stockholder Meetings
The Supreme Court rules that disputed shares still count toward quorum in stockholder meetings, and unrecorded transfers don't affect voting rights.