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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Lawyer's Duty to Encourage Settlement: A Lesson from Sevilla v. Millo
When a lawyer blocked his clients' negotiated settlement, the Supreme Court imposed a one-month suspension, reaffirming that lawyers must encourage fair settlements.
Lawyer vs Lawyer Baseless Complaints and the Duty of Candor in the Legal Profession
A lawyer's obstinate refusal to settle a client's dispute leads to suspension, highlighting the ethical duty to encourage fair settlements.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Key Witnesses Contradict Each Other in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, undermining proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Good Faith and Land Titles: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith protects parties from contempt in property disputes, balancing court orders with rights of innocent buyers.
Tax Assessments and Due Process: When Can a Taxpayer Appeal to the CTA?
Taxpayers must exhaust administrative remedies before appealing to the CTA. Learn the rules on protesting assessments.
Lawyer's Refusal to Settle Client Dispute Leads to One-Month Suspension
A lawyer's obstinate refusal to settle a publication fee dispute, even forbidding clients from paying a discounted amount, resulted in suspension.
Indirect Contempt Requires Willful Disobedience: Lessons from Land Bank v. MERALCO
When is failure to comply with a court order contempt? The Supreme Court clarifies in Land Bank v. MERALCO that good faith and impossibility matter.
CBA vs Company Policy: Protecting Employee Rights in SSS Loan Availment
Supreme Court rules company policy capping employee loans at 50% of pay violates CBA and Labor Code.
Hidden Car Defects and Loan Obligations: What Buyers Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when car buyers can rescind a sale for hidden defects and why loan obligations remain separate.
Caveat Emptor and Land Titles: The Duty of Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Buyers of land with administratively reconstituted titles must exercise extra diligence. The Supreme Court explains why in Jurado v. Spouses Chai.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Taxpayers' Premature Appeals Dismissed
Taxpayers must exhaust administrative remedies before appealing to the CTA. Learn from this case on premature appeals.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Police Lapses Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over police lapses in Section 21 chain of custody, reaffirming presumption of innocence.
Diminished Capacity and Consent in Rape and Child Abuse Cases: Key Lessons from People v. Vañas
The Supreme Court clarifies when mental incapacity negates consent in rape and why defective Informations can void child abuse charges.
Packaging Errors and Liability: Who Pays When Contract Manufacturing Goes Wrong
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears liability for defective packaging in contract manufacturing agreements, explained in plain language.
Negligence in Notarial Duties Upholding Public Trust in Legal Documents
A notary's failure to properly record notarized documents leads to suspension and revocation of commission, underscoring the public trust in notarization.
Stop and Frisk During Election Periods: When Police Searches Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless stop and frisk search is valid, using an election gun ban case as an example.
Deed of Assignment Validity and Loan vs. Sale: Key Contract Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Deed of Assignment establishes ownership, and how courts distinguish a loan from a sale.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When a Supervisor's Actions Undermine Confidence
A nurse supervisor's dismissal for taking hospital supplies without recording was upheld. Learn the rules on loss of trust and confidence.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When a Supervisor's Single Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling on when a nurse supervisor's unauthorized taking of hospital supplies justifies dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
IPRA Does Not Shield Indigenous Peoples From Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act cannot be used to evade criminal liability or strip courts of jurisdiction over criminal cases.
Double Jeopardy in Administrative Cases: Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Affirmed
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaint against Atty. Salva, ruling that prior administrative penalty bars re-litigation of the same charges.
Distinguishing Child Abuse From Physical Injuries: Intent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every injury to a minor is child abuse; specific intent to debase or demean must be proven.
When Police Searches Go Wrong: Acquittal in a Carnapping Case
A look at how illegal searches and inadmissible confessions led to an acquittal in a carnapping case, and what this means for criminal procedure.
Common Carriers and Stolen Goods: The Extraordinary Diligence Standard in the Philippines
Philippine law holds common carriers liable for stolen goods unless theft involved grave threat or irresistible force. Learn the extraordinary diligence standard.