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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Just Compensation and Judicial Notice Limits in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may take judicial notice of other cases in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Speedy Disposition vs Double Jeopardy: Balancing Rights in Preliminary Investigations
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in preliminary investigation violates speedy disposition rights and triggers double jeopardy protection.
Upholding Arbitration Philippine Courts Enforce Foreign Awards Despite Domestic LAW Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms enforcement of a Singapore arbitral award, clarifying narrow grounds for refusal under the New York Convention.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Excuses Procedural Lapses: B.E. San Diego v. Bernardo
A Supreme Court ruling on when gross negligence of counsel can excuse procedural errors and prevent deprivation of property rights.
Treasury Warrants, Election Ban, and Double Jeopardy: Key Lessons from People v. Ting
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing treasury warrants violates the election ban and why acquittals stand under double jeopardy.
Treachery's Shadow: Redefining Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder instead of homicide? The Supreme Court clarifies the role of treachery in bail hearings and criminal liability.
Unlawful Restraint Establishing Intent in Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention
The Supreme Court explains how acts of clubbing, sacking, and carrying a victim establish the intent to deprive liberty under Article 267.
Compromised Evidence Acquittal in Drug Case Due to Chain of Custody Lapses
Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects after prosecution fails to justify missing media witness in chain of custody.
Management Prerogative vs Diminution of Benefits: The Coca-Cola Saturday Work Dispute
When can a company stop Saturday work without violating the non-diminution rule? The Supreme Court clarifies in this Coca-Cola case.
Chain of Custody Rule: Why Missing Media Witness Led to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted drug suspects due to unjustified non-compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Election Offenses and Double Jeopardy: The Limits of Prosecutorial Power in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal in an election offense case is final, and why the prosecution cannot appeal it without violating double jeopardy.
Treachery and Intent: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery requires deliberate method, not mere suddenness, distinguishing homicide from murder for bail purposes.
Quitclaims and Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Employee Rights and Waivers in the Philippines
When is a quitclaim valid? The Supreme Court explains the rules on waivers and illegal dismissal in Vergara v. CDM Security Agency.
When Police Lapses in Drug Seizures Lead to Acquittal: The Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules. Learn the requirements.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How One Missing Witness Led to Acquittal
In People v. Dela Cruz, the Supreme Court acquitted two drug accused because the prosecution failed to justify the absence of a media witness during inventory.
VAT Exemption for Agricultural Cooperatives: Protecting Farmers' Collective Interests
The Supreme Court affirms VAT exemption for agricultural cooperatives, protecting farmers' collective interests in sugar production and sales.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Neglect and Misrepresentation of Client
A lawyer who accepted fees but never filed a client's annulment case, lied about it, and kept the money is suspended for two years.
Lawyers Must Avoid Harassment and Respect Colleagues: A.C. No. 7088
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for harassing opposing counsel and ignoring court orders. Learn the ethical rules.
Drug Use and Due Process: When a Quashed Search Warrant Does Not Erase Administrative Liability
A sheriff dismissed for drug use despite quashed search warrant—why administrative cases stand apart from criminal cases.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Territorial Boundaries vs. Resource Sharing: Defining LGUs' Share of National Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may claim a share of national wealth, using the Palawan-Camago-Malampaya dispute as the benchmark case.
Quantum Meruit Claims Against the Government: Payment for Services Without a Written Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government on quantum meruit even without a written contract.
Deposition Notice Timeliness and Waiver in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on deposition notice requirements, waiver of defects, and the distinction between admissibility and weight of evidence.
Lingnam Restaurant Case: Labor-Only Contracting Makes Principal the Employer
Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, making the client the true employer liable for illegal dismissal.