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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Preliminary Injunction Requires Clear Legal Right, Not Just Claim of Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when preliminary injunction may issue—clear legal right must exist, not merely disputed claims.
The Importance of Evidence: How a Case Falters Without Proper Presentation
A case on land possession shows why evidence must be properly presented—bare allegations and uncertified documents can derail even a strong claim.
Lump Sum Sales Boundaries Prevail Over Area In Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump sum real estate sales, boundaries control over stated area under Article 1542.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Strict Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police lapses in chain of custody, reaffirming strict compliance with the rules on seized drugs.
Beyond Disappointment: Psychological Incapacity as Grounds for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that marital disappointment is not psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Equitable Mortgage VS Sale Protecting Property Rights IN Loan Agreements
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules. Learn the requirements.
Integrity of Evidence and Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to follow Section 21 of RA 9165, protecting the accused's rights and evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases and the Right to Bail: Key Lessons from People v. Tanes
The Supreme Court explains how lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can weaken evidence of guilt and support an accused's right to bail.
Eminent Domain vs Ejectment: Protecting Public Service Continuity
When a public utility occupies private land, ejectment may not prosper. The landowner's remedy is just compensation, not possession.
Condominium Owners' Duty to Pay Dues: When Utility Disconnection Is Valid
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that condominium associations may disconnect utilities for unpaid dues under the Condominium Act's declaration of restrictions.
Bail in Drug Cases: When Broken Chain of Custody Weakens Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when a broken chain of custody in drug cases weakens evidence of guilt, affecting a defendant's right to bail.
When Land Boundaries Prevail Over Stated Area in Lump-Sum Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in lump-sum land sales, boundaries control over stated area, preventing relitigation of ownership disputes.
Condominium Dues and Utility Disconnection: What Unit Owners Must Know
The Supreme Court upheld a condominium association's right to disconnect utilities for unpaid dues, clarifying owner obligations under the Condominium Act.
Executing a Labor Judgment Does Not Bar Certiorari: Due Process in Labor Disputes
Forced compliance with a writ of execution does not waive an employer's right to challenge a labor ruling via certiorari, the Supreme Court held.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: Upholding Diligence and Accountability in the Judiciary
Court stenographer suspended two years for simple neglect of duty—a reminder that every judicial employee must perform tasks with diligence.
Upholding Integrity: Disciplinary Action for Unauthorized Notarization and Aiding Unlawful Practice of Law
A lawyer who notarizes without a commission and lets a non-lawyer sign court pleadings faces a five-year suspension and permanent notarial bar.
Safeguarding the Chain of Custody: Drug Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 is essential to preserve drug evidence integrity and secure convictions.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects because police broke the chain of custody, underscoring that procedure protects the innocent.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Primacy of the Company-Designated Physician's Assessment
A seafarer who abandons prescribed treatment and files a disability claim prematurely loses the right to total permanent disability benefits.
Chain OF Custody Ensuring Integrity IN Drug Cases 3
Subsidiary Liability of Employers: Execution Against Employers for Employees' Civil Delicts
Supreme Court clarifies when employers may be held subsidiarily liable for employees' civil liability arising from criminal acts.
Overlapping Land Claims Resolving Boundary Disputes IN Property Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies remedies for unpaid sellers in land sales, distinguishing dacion en pago from absolute sale.
Falsified Documents and Fraud: How Courts Determine Liability in Complex Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine liability when falsified documents and fraud are alleged, using a forged deed of sale case.