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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Ensuring Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Rights and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule in drug cases, emphasizing substantial compliance and integrity of evidence.
Marriage Nullity for Absence of Marriage License: What the Supreme Court Says
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on declaring marriage void for lack of marriage license, evidence rules, and practical implications.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment: Promising Overseas Jobs Without Authority Is a Crime
The Supreme Court explains when promising overseas jobs without lawful authority constitutes large scale illegal recruitment under Philippine law.
Final Judgment Immutability and Double Interest Under the Insurance Code
A final judgment cannot be altered during execution. The Supreme Court also clarifies the double interest rate under the Insurance Code.
SEC Retains Oversight Power to Investigate Corporate Irregularities and Protect Stakeholders
The Supreme Court affirms the SEC's regulatory power to investigate corporate irregularities and create a management committee to protect stakeholders.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Substantial Evidence and the 3-Day Medical Exam Rule Matter
A Supreme Court ruling explains why seafarers must comply with the mandatory post-employment medical exam and prove work-related illness with substantial evidence.
Challenging Land Ownership Claims Establishing Lessor Lessee Relationships IN Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer cases, lessor-lessee relationships, and the res inter alios acta principle in property disputes.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense in Robbery with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when eyewitness identification prevails over alibi and denial in robbery with homicide prosecutions.
Corporate President’s Authority to Sign Forum-Shopping Certifications
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporate president can sign verifications and forum-shopping certifications without a board resolution.
Salary Standardization vs Local Autonomy: Resolving Compensation Disputes in Water Districts
The Supreme Court clarifies that water districts must follow the Salary Standardization Law when fixing general manager pay, but good faith may excuse refunds.
Advisory Bodies in Philippine Automated Elections: Chong v. Senate
The Supreme Court upheld the Advisory Council and Technical Evaluation Committee in automated elections, ruling they support rather than diminish the COMELEC's powers.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When It Justifies Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissing a managerial employee, and when it cannot.
Corporate Powers and Member Discipline: When Can Associations Suspend Member Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may discipline members and suspend privileges without committing an ultra vires act.
Supreme Court Cancels Free Patent Over Timberland, Orders Reversion to State
SC rules DENR's presumption of regularity prevails; titles over inalienable timberland are void and must revert to the State.
Homestead Rights Prevail: Reclassification of Land Does Not Extinguish Right to Repurchase
Learn how the Supreme Court protects homestead rights in expropriation, ruling on right-of-way measurement and just compensation.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for Social Media Offenses
Supreme Court rules that using social media to commit psychological abuse under RA 9262 warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When "Other Documents" Suffice Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies when "other documents" may support reconstitution of lost land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Accountability in the Judiciary: When Delayed Justice Leads to Administrative Fines
The Supreme Court fined a judge equivalent to three months' salary for undue delay in deciding cases and insubordination, underscoring judicial accountability.
When Can a Sheriff Accept a Voluntary Surrender? Scope of Authority Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs cannot accept an accused's voluntary surrender without a court order, ruling it simple misconduct.
Untimely Appeal: When Delays in Filing Cost Levi's Its Trademark Protection
The Supreme Court rules that failing to perfect a timely appeal to the Court of Appeals is jurisdictional, costing Levi Strauss its TAB DEVICE trademark.
Annulment of Sheriff's Sale Based on Alleged Loan Payment: Key Lessons from Domingo v. Molina
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sale of conjugal property by a surviving spouse is valid, and the proper remedy for co-owners.
Estafa Through Falsification: When Deceit and Forged Documents Overlap
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa through falsification of public documents, explaining deceit, forged signatures, and criminal liability.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: Extinguishment of Penalties and Civil Obligations in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court rule that death extinguishes criminal liability and penalties, and its effect on civil liability in Philippine criminal cases.
Sale vs Donation: How Courts Determine the True Intent Behind Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court explains how to distinguish a simulated donation from a real sale, and why building a house on another's land does not create co-ownership.