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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Expropriation Without Payment: When the Government Sleeps on Its Rights
Supreme Court rules that failure to pay just compensation for over 30 years bars the government from claiming expropriated property.
Electricity Pilferage, Consumer Rights, and Meralco: The Miano Ruling
Spouses Miano questioned a P422,185.20 billing differential after Meralco found jumpers on their meters. The Supreme Court upheld the charge.
Upholding Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses: Chain of Custody Preserves Drug Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses, ruling that an unbroken chain of custody preserves the integrity of seized evidence.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Government Delay Forfeits Expropriation Rights
The Supreme Court rules that the government's failure to pay just compensation for over 30 years bars its claim to expropriated property.
When Courts Err on Indigent Status: The Pangcatan Ruling on Filing Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court's mistake on indigent litigant status affects jurisdiction over a case.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: People v. Prudencio
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Rule 45 Petitions: When the Supreme Court Will Not Review Factual Findings
The Supreme Court explains why factual findings of lower courts bind it, limiting Rule 45 review to questions of law.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Frustrated Homicide From Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill separates frustrated homicide from physical injuries, and why a gunshot wound proves it.
Perfecting Appeals in Election Protests: Timely Payment of Appeal Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on appeal fees in election protests, emphasizing timely payment and the limits on damages.
Perfecting Appeals in Election Protests: Payment Deadlines and Damage Awards
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC appeal fee deadlines under Resolution 8486 and limits damages in election protests to actual or compensatory damages.
Unilateral Lease Termination and Ejectment: Mutuality of Contracts in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor may unilaterally terminate a lease and file ejectment, and the limits of summary proceedings.
Land Registration Denied for Lack of Proof of Alienable and Disposable Status
Supreme Court denies land registration because DENR certifications alone cannot prove a property is alienable and disposable public land.
When Police Slip-Ups Void Drug Convictions: The Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, and what this means for police procedure.
Perfecting Land Titles: Strict Proof Required for Government Approval and Continuous Possession
The Supreme Court denies land registration for failure to prove alienable status and continuous possession under PD 1529.
Striking a Balance When Justice Outweighs Procedural Technicalities in Criminal Appeals
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police breaches of Section 21, RA 9165 compromise the integrity of seized evidence.
Breach of Contract: Temperate Damages Awarded for Failure to Deliver Property Titles
Supreme Court awards temperate damages to buyer when developer failed to deliver deeds and titles, explaining when such damages apply.
Real Property Tax Disputes: Why Payment Under Protest Is a Mandatory First Step
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that payment under protest is mandatory before appealing real property tax assessments, even when claiming tax exemption.
When Police Lapses in Drug Cases Lead to Acquittal: The Gamboa Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21, RA 9165. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
Abandonment Alone Insufficient Psychological Incapacity IN Philippine marriage LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment alone does not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Illegal Drug Cases: Why Chain of Custody Failures Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break chain of custody rules. Learn the requirements and practical lessons.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charges in Interconnection Agreements
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the NTC has primary jurisdiction over access charges in interconnection agreements, and why courts must defer.
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.
Appeal Bonds and Due Process in Labor Dismissal Cases: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective appeal bonds may be excused and how courts may rule on unassigned errors in illegal dismissal cases.
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.