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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Earnest Money in a Contract to Sell: When Buyers Lose Their Deposit
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money in a contract to sell may be forfeited and when lessees may suspend rent under Article 1658.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify deviations from Section 21, RA 9165, highlighting the importance of the chain of custody rule.
The State's Obligation to Pay Interest on Delayed Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
When the government delays paying just compensation for agrarian reform lands, landowners are entitled to legal interest as damages.
Mining Rights Due Process Prevails Over Automatic Abandonment in Philippine Mining Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mining claims cannot be automatically abandoned for failure to file work obligation reports; due process must first be observed.
Bank's Failure to Release Loan Funds Nullifies Foreclosure of Mortgage
Philippine Supreme Court rules a bank's breach of a credit agreement bars foreclosure, explaining borrower's reciprocal obligation to pay only arises after full release of loan proceeds.
When Trespassers Meet Prior Court Rulings Understanding Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle property disputes involving trespassers and prior rulings, and what it means for landowners.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody Rule: People v. Villahermoso
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite lapses in the chain of custody, explaining when substantial compliance suffices.
Defective Title vs Original Title: When Good Faith Acquisition Fails
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a defective title cannot defeat an original title, and why donees are not innocent purchasers for value.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Protecting Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between legitimate independent contractors and labor-only contracting in Mago v. Sun Power Manufacturing Limited.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty Breach
When a lawyer fails to return client money upon demand, the Supreme Court presumes misappropriation—a breach of fiduciary duty warranting suspension.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule
When a seafarer's doctor and the company physician disagree on disability, the POEA-SEC's third-doctor rule is mandatory. Hernandez v. Magsaysay explains why.
Wage Increases and Management Prerogative: Balancing CBA Terms and Business Discretion
When can an employer set hiring rates above CBA wage increases without causing wage distortion? The Supreme Court explains.
Finality of Labor Decisions: When a Seafarer's Dismissal Case Cannot Be Reopened
A seafarer's illegal dismissal case was reinstated because the employer failed to timely appeal. Learn why final judgments stick.
Fairness in Farmlands: How Courts Determine Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts compute just compensation for agrarian reform lands and when legal interest applies.
Court Employee Suspended for Misconduct and Solicitation: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court suspended a clerk of court for soliciting bail money and mishandling property, reaffirming strict ethical standards for court personnel.
Upholding Buy-Bust Operations When Minor Deviations Don't Nullify Drug Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that minor deviations in buy-bust operations, like delayed marking, do not automatically invalidate drug convictions.
Defiance and Dismissal: Loss of Retirement Benefits for Striking Employees
When a pilot defied a return-to-work order, he lost his employment status and, ultimately, his retirement benefits. Here's why.
Late Evidence and the Judicial Affidavit Rule: Lara's Gift v. PNB General Insurers
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may admit late evidence and supplemental judicial affidavits under the Judicial Affidavit Rule.
Sales Commissions Are Wages: Supreme Court Ruling on Unpaid Commissions and Unauthorized Deductions
Sales commissions are wages under Philippine law. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled on unpaid commissions and unauthorized car plan deductions.
License Plate Standardization: Budget Validity and Public Safety Upheld
Supreme Court affirms the constitutionality of funding the LTO's Motor Vehicle License Plate Standardization Program under the 2014 GAA.
Sheriff’s Duty to Follow Execution Procedures and the Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff’s failure to follow execution rules—from expense estimates to auction notices—can mean dismissal. The Supreme Court explains why.
When Police Skip Drug Evidence Rules: Acquittal in People v. Gajo
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects because police failed to mark seized shabu immediately, breaking the chain of custody.
Compromised Evidence: The Vital Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody rule under RA 9165. Learn the required procedure.
Court Employee Suspended for Disseminating Confidential Office Documents
Court personnel must maintain decorum and confidentiality. Learn from a case where a legal researcher was suspended for circulating internal documents.