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 Probable Cause: When the Secretary of Justice Abuses Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override the Secretary of Justice's dismissal of trademark infringement complaints for grave abuse of discretion.
Forced Resignation: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Really Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is forced and amounts to illegal dismissal, protecting employees from undue influence.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Due Process in Anti-Drug Operations
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, reinforcing Section 21 RA 9165 safeguards.
Agrarian Reform and Jurisdictional Boundaries: Understanding DARAB's Role in CLOA Cancellation
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB can cancel CLOAs and when the DAR Secretary holds jurisdiction, in Union Bank v. DAR officers.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Understanding the Boundaries in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery is determined in Philippine criminal cases.
Agrarian Reform Adjudication: When DARAB Has No Jurisdiction Over CLOA Cancellation
The Supreme Court clarifies that DARAB has no jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases when no tenancy relationship exists between the parties.
Forced Resignation: The Employer's Burden to Prove Voluntariness
When is a resignation forced? The Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove voluntariness by clear and convincing evidence.
Procuring Cause: When Real Estate Brokers Earn Their Commission
Learn when a real estate broker earns a commission under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ticong v. Malim.
Estafa Conviction: Why Factual Allegations Matter More Than the Technical Charge
The Supreme Court clarifies that in estafa cases, the facts alleged in the Information—not the legal provision cited—determine the crime charged.
Non-Payment of Premium and Insurance Coverage Validity: The Gaisano Case
When is an insurance policy valid? The Supreme Court clarifies that non-payment of premium before loss means no coverage.
Concealment of Vehicle Documents as Estafa: Protecting Creditor Rights in Chattel Mortgages
The Supreme Court rules that concealing a vehicle's OR-CR can constitute estafa, protecting creditors' rights in chattel mortgages.
Estafa by Concealing Documents: What the Capulong Case Teaches About Fraud and Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when concealing documents like a vehicle's OR-CR amounts to estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
Submarine Cables as Taxable Real Property: Supreme Court Clarifies Local Government Authority
The Supreme Court rules submarine cables are taxable real property, affirming local governments' power to impose real property tax on these assets.
Due Diligence Defined: Banks' Responsibility in Mortgage Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies that banks must exercise higher due diligence than ordinary lenders before accepting property as mortgage collateral.
When a Sudden Stabbing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Lessons from People v. Macaspac
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack lacks treachery and evident premeditation, reducing murder to homicide.
Conspiracy by Presence: When Being in a Robbery Band Establishes Guilt
The Supreme Court explains how mere presence in a robbery band, with a weapon, can establish conspiracy and guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Tax Assessment Falsity of Returns and the Ten-Year Prescriptive Period
When do false returns trigger the 10-year tax assessment period? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on prescription and notice.
PAL Franchise Tax Exemption Survives Later Tax Laws: Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms PAL's excise tax exemption under PD 1590 despite RA 9334 and RA 9337 amendments.
Appointment Authority Under the National Museum Act: Clarifying the Board's Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the National Museum Board of Trustees may appoint directors under R.A. 8492, not the Chairman alone.
Neglect of Duty: Reliance on Subordinates Does Not Excuse Lack of Due Diligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on managerial employees, loss of trust and confidence, and dismissal for breach of security protocols.
Homicide vs Murder: When Treachery and Evident Premeditation Fail in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, because treachery and evident premeditation were not proven.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Following POEA-SEC Procedures for a Valid Assessment
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim fails: premature filing and skipping the mandatory third-doctor referral under the POEA-SEC.
Executive Prerogative vs JBC Independence: Defining the Scope of Judicial Appointments in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that the JBC's clustering of nominees for simultaneous vacancies is unconstitutional, as it impairs the President's appointing power.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Grave Misconduct in Fee-Fixing Scandal
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for grave misconduct—soliciting fees from litigants and unauthorized withdrawal of publication fees.