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 Disputes: Unfair Competition and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when civil trademark cases can suspend criminal prosecutions and how courts review prosecutorial findings on probable cause.
Tax Assessments Invalid Notices and Taxpayer Due Process in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid tax assessment notices and taxpayer due process rights explained in plain language.
Finality of Judgment vs Probable Cause: Balancing Justice in Trademark Infringement Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a final judgment quashing search warrants binds courts, but probable cause for prosecution may still stand.
When Are Corporate Directors Liable for Illegal LPG Trading Under BP 33?
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate directors may be prosecuted for illegal LPG trading and underfilling under BP 33, as amended.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charge Disputes: PT&T v. Smart Communications
When do courts yield to the NTC on telecom access charge disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of primary jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction Over Real Property Disputes: The Importance of Assessed Value
The Supreme Court explains why the assessed value of property in a complaint determines which court has jurisdiction over real actions.
Affidavit of Desistance in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Scrutiny and Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite affidavit of desistance, ruling recanted affidavits are unreliable and victim testimony credible.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody rule may be excused in drug cases, and why objections must be raised at trial.
Guilt by Association: Analyzing Conspiracy in Drug Trafficking Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes a co-principal in drug trafficking through conspiracy, and the limits of questioning evidence on appeal.
Marcos Burial at Libingan ng mga Bayani: When Presidential Discretion Meets Legal Limits
The Supreme Court upheld President Duterte's decision to bury Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, ruling the act was a political question within executive discretion.
Breach of Trust in the Workplace: When Approving Authority Implies Culpability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's purchase of a client's property violates ethical rules, distinguishing business deals from fiduciary breaches.
When a Lawyer Buys a Client's Property: The Business Deal Exception
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's purchase of a client's property is a valid business deal, not a breach of professional ethics.
Insubordination vs Due Process: Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may buy a client's property without violating ethics, and what this means for employee rights.
Project vs Regular Employment: Defining Worker Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not project-based, and the employer's burden of proof.
When Can a Sale Be Rescinded: Abuse of Rights in Business Contracts
Supreme Court ruling on how a manufacturer's unfair competition against its own distributor can give rise to damages under the Civil Code.
The Weight of Testimony: Conviction on Credible Witness Accounts in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, rejecting alibi and denial defenses.
MTC Authority to Issue Search Warrants: People v. Castillo Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs can issue search warrants even for offenses beyond their jurisdiction, under Rule 126.
Search Warrant Validity: MTC Authority and Jurisdictional Boundaries
Supreme Court clarifies that a Municipal Trial Court may issue a search warrant even for offenses outside its trial jurisdiction, within the same judicial region.
Due Process in Club Membership Suspensions: The Ching v. QCSC Ruling
When can a club suspend a member without a hearing? The Supreme Court clarifies due process rules in Ching v. Quezon City Sports Club.
Rape of Persons with Intellectual Disability: Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a person with intellectual disability constitutes rape, as they cannot give valid consent.
Emancipation Patents Under Voluntary Land Transfer: The Marinas Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when emancipation patents are valid under PD 27's Voluntary Land Transfer scheme, including co-owner consent and payment timing.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Upholding Employee Rights Against Unsubstantiated Claims
Employers cannot dismiss on loss of trust without proof. Learn the legal requisites from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring willful breach proven by substantial evidence.
Conflict of Interest: When Prior Judicial Roles Limit Future Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's prior judicial role creates a disqualifying conflict of interest in later practice.