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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Freedom of Expression vs. Election Rules: The Diocese of Bacolod Tarpaulin Case
The Supreme Court ruled that a church tarpaulin on the RH Law was not election propaganda, protecting citizen speech during elections.
Forfeiture Clauses Balancing Employer Protection AND Employee Rights IN Commission Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commission forfeiture clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable.
Direct Testimony vs Expert Opinion in Property Disputes: The Ambray Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how direct testimony outweighs expert opinion in proving forgery in property disputes.
When Direct Testimony Outweighs Forgery Claims in Philippine Land Sales
Supreme Court ruling on how direct testimony of a witness can overcome forgery allegations in a disputed land sale.
Personal Liability of Public Officials for Unauthorized Legal Services: The Oñate Case
When are public officials personally liable for unauthorized legal services? The Supreme Court clarifies in Oñate v. COA.
Conditional Sales vs. Adverse Claims: Protecting Property Interests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court in Logarta v. Mangahis distinguishes conditional sales from adverse claims, and the proper registration rules under PD 1529.
Ejectment After Contract to Sell Rescission: Demand to Pay Not Required
Supreme Court clarifies that ejectment suits after a rescinded contract to sell do not require a prior demand to pay, only a demand to vacate.
Security of Tenure Limited to Rank, Not Position, in the Career Executive Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that security of tenure in the Career Executive Service attaches to rank, not to a specific position, allowing reassignments without violating constitutional guarantees.
Counsel's Negligence in Appeals: When a Client Is Bound by a Lawyer's Lapses
A missed deadline for an appellant's brief can end an appeal. Philippine Supreme Court explains when clients are bound by counsel's negligence.
Intervention in Criminal Cases: Protecting Property Rights of Third Parties
When may a third party intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention and legal interest.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining strict Section 21 requirements.
Ejectment Actions Beyond Lease Agreements: The Contract to Sell Rule in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ejectment cases cover contract to sell violations, not just lease agreements or forcible entry.
Security of Tenure in Career Executive Service: Rank Appointment Is Essential
Supreme Court clarifies that Career Executive Service officers hold security of tenure only in their rank, not in specific positions.
The Right to Intervene: Protecting Ownership in Criminal Proceedings
When can a property owner intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention under Rule 19.
Dismissal Due to Failure to Present Corpus Delicti: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring the need to preserve corpus delicti in drug cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Uneasy Weight of Recanted Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite the victim's affidavit of desistance, explaining why recanted testimony is viewed with suspicion.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Denial in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction of Judge Velasco's killer, ruling that the victim's wife's positive identification prevails over alibi and denial.
Subrogation and Compensation When Payment of Another's Debt Extinguishes Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal subrogation and compensation when a business buyer pays the seller's unpaid bills.
Beyond the Road: Field Personnel Status and Overtime Rights for Bus Employees in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that bus drivers and conductors are not field personnel, entitling them to overtime and service incentive leave pay.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects when police fail to follow Section 21 inventory and photograph rules, underscoring evidence integrity.
Syndicated Estafa and Corporate Liability: When Public Solicitation Pierces the Veil
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation's real estate sales to the public trigger syndicated estafa liability under P.D. 1689.
PhilHealth Premium Hikes Upheld: When Courts Respect Agency Discretion
The Supreme Court upheld PhilHealth's 2014 premium increases, explaining the limits of judicial review over administrative agencies' policy decisions.
Coca-Cola Route Helpers: Regular Employees Despite Agency Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court rules route helpers remain regular Coca-Cola employees despite transfers to labor contractors, applying stare decisis.
Rehabilitation OR Liquidation Evaluating Financial Feasibility IN Corporate Distress
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate rehabilitation should be denied in favor of liquidation, requiring material financial commitments and liquidation analysis.