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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Bigamy Conviction Affirmed: Judicial Declaration of Nullity Required Before Remarriage
Supreme Court affirms bigamy conviction, ruling a spouse cannot remarry without a final judicial declaration of nullity of the prior marriage.
COA Must Follow Its Own Rules to Ensure Due Process in Reopening Audits
Court ruling on COA's obligation to observe its own rules when reopening audits, ensuring due process for audited agencies.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Duty to Client in Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for negligence—missing pre-trial, defective motions, and concealing case status from client.
Clean Water Mandate: Water Concessionaires Held Liable for Manila Bay Pollution
Supreme Court affirms fines against MWSS, Maynilad, and Manila Water for failing to connect sewage lines within five years under the Clean Water Act.
Supreme Court Affirms Strict Clean Water Act Compliance for Manila Water Concessionaires
The Supreme Court upheld fines against Maynilad, Manila Water, and MWSS for violating the Clean Water Act's five-year sewage connection mandate.
Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Reorganizations
When a company reorganizes, employees still have rights. The Supreme Court explains illegal dismissal and reinstatement in NPC v. Cabanag.
Lawyer Suspended Two Years for Negligence and Concealment: Cas v. Librada
A Supreme Court ruling reminds lawyers that negligence and hiding case status from clients violate the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Timely Action Required Prematurely Filed Disability Claims CAN BE Dismissed
Seafarers must wait for the company doctor's assessment or the 240-day period before filing disability claims. Learn from Guadalquiver vs. Sea Power.
Indispensable Parties: The Key to Valid Land Title Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies why indispensable parties must be impleaded in land title disputes, using the Heirs of Dinglasan v. Ayala case.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Led to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police failed to secure required third-party witnesses during evidence inventory, stressing strict chain of custody compliance.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Prior Tolerance to Win an Ejectment Case
Learn the four requisites of unlawful detainer and why proving prior tolerance is key to winning an ejectment case in the Philippines.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal Despite Presence at Crime Scene
A buy-bust conviction reversed because broken chain of custody created reasonable doubt on the seized drug's identity.
Upholding Ethical Duties: Disciplining Lawyers for Misrepresentation and Deceitful Conduct
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for filing a complaint on behalf of a deceased client, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold honesty and integrity.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining Section 21 RA 9165 requirements for preserving drug evidence integrity.
Breach of Public Trust: Tampering Court Records Leads to Dismissal
Supreme Court dismisses cash clerk for tampering official receipts and misappropriating fiduciary funds, reaffirming strict accountability for court personnel.
Conditional Settlements and Seafarer Rights: Protecting Vulnerable Workers in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court protects seafarers from unfair conditional settlements, treating them as full satisfaction of disability awards.
Conspiracy and Overt Acts in Group Offenses: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not establish conspiracy; an overt act is required for criminal liability.
Torrens Title vs. Possession: When a Registered Owner Prevails in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title prevails over possession claims in accion publiciana cases, reaffirming the indefeasibility of registered land titles.
Regular vs Project Employment: Employer Must Prove Employee Status at Hiring
Supreme Court clarifies that employers bear the burden of proving project employment status, requiring clear notice at the time of hiring.
Holding Company vs Financial Intermediary: Local Business Tax on Dividends
Supreme Court clarifies that holding companies receiving dividends are not non-bank financial intermediaries subject to local business tax under the Local Government Code.
Compromise Agreements and Foreclosure: Reasserting a Bank's Right to Possess
When borrowers default on a compromise agreement after foreclosure, a bank can secure a writ of possession as a matter of right.
Public Bidding and Travel Permits: When Mayors Fall Under Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of two mayors for violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law over irregular medicine purchases and unauthorized travel reimbursements.
Reformation of Instruments: When Can a Contract Be Changed
Learn when Philippine courts allow contract reformation due to mutual mistake, and why summary judgment fails when facts are disputed.
Summary Judgment Denied When Contract Reformation Facts Are Disputed
Supreme Court clarifies when summary judgment is improper in contract reformation cases involving disputed facts and mutual mistake allegations.