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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NPC's Real Property Tax Exemption Claim Fails: Ownership and Actual Use Matter
Supreme Court rules NPC cannot claim real property tax exemption for BOT power plant facilities it neither owns nor actually uses.
Chain of Custody: Why Drug Evidence Integrity Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody under Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules.
Simple Rape Conviction: Credibility of Victim’s Testimony and Burden of Proof
A look at how Philippine courts weigh a rape victim’s testimony, credibility, and the prosecution’s burden of proof in simple rape cases.
Chain of Custody Breakdown: Drug Evidence Integrity and the Reasonable Doubt Standard
When police break the chain of custody in drug cases, the Supreme Court may acquit—even if the accused was caught in a buy-bust.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Elevate Homicide to Murder
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, using a 2019 stabbing case to illustrate sudden, unexpected attacks.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance With Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, emphasizing the need for insulating witnesses.
Protecting Children: Lascivious Conduct and the Boundaries of Child Abuse Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between simple rape and sexual abuse under RA 7610, and the rules on proving a victim's minority.
Premium Tax vs Cost of Service: Defining Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Supreme Court clarifies which taxes count as "cost of services" in computing MCIT for insurance companies, and when DST applies to policy increases.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Premeditated Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, clarifying the elements of treachery and its role in ensuring justice for victims of sudden, premeditated attacks.
Valid Service and Due Process: The Duty to Notify SSS of an Address Change
When a party fails to notify the SSS of a change of address, service of notices at the old address remains valid and binding.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.
Mitigating Penalties in Administrative Cases: Balancing Public Accountability and Social Justice
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal for grave misconduct may be reduced, balancing public accountability with social justice.
Revoking Donations: The Imperative of Fulfilled Conditions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when donations may be revoked for non-fulfillment of conditions, and the legal consequences.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Illegal Exaction and Abuse of Discretion in Garbage Collection Fees
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's dismissal of an illegal exaction case against a barangay captain constituted grave abuse of discretion.
Dietary Negligence AND Seafarers Rights Colon Cancer AS A Compensable Illness
Martial Law Extension in Mindanao: Supreme Court Upholds Third Extension, Clarifies Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court upheld the third extension of martial law in Mindanao, ruling rebellion persists and public safety requires it, while clarifying the scope of judicial review.
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Illegal Arrests and Inadmissible Evidence in Firearms Cases
A buy-bust arrest later found illegal taints all seized evidence, including firearms. The Supreme Court explains the exclusionary rule.
Timely Objections in Philippine Courts: The Magsino Evidence Ruling
Learn when to object to expert testimony and documentary evidence in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's Magsino ruling.
Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer: Mere Inaction Is Not Enough
Landlord or owner silence after a waiver does not prove tolerance in unlawful detainer. The Supreme Court explains what must be shown.
DUE Process IN Administrative Cases THE Right TO AN Impartial Reviewing Officer
Upholding Employer Rights Teleperformances Justification FOR Dismissal Based ON Performance Standards
Explore how consistent failure to meet reasonable performance metrics can justify dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Chain of Custody Breakdown When Drug Evidence Fails the Test
When police skip required witnesses in drug busts, the evidence fails—and the accused walks free. A look at People v. Balderrama.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police noncompliance with Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of regularity cannot replace strict compliance.
Land Title Registration: Proving Government Approval and Continuous Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable, plus continuous possession for registration.