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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Land Rights Prior Subdivision Approval Does NOT Guarantee Free Patent Application Approval
Redundancy Programs Ensuring Fairness IN Employee Selection
The Supreme Court rules that a redundancy program must use fair criteria in selecting employees to dismiss, not just general business logic.
Psychological Incapacity: Mere Disagreement Is Not Grounds for Marriage Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies that irreconcilable differences and personality clashes do not amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Jurisdiction in Drug Cases: The Limits of Anti-Graft Authority and Protecting Individual Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over drug cases involving public officials, emphasizing procedural rules and the hierarchy of courts.
Judicial Accountability vs Mercy: Balancing Misconduct Penalties with Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court shows how mitigating circumstances can temper penalties for court employees guilty of grave misconduct, gross neglect, and dishonesty.
Prescription and COA Authority Over Disbursed Public Funds: Ramiscal v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies that the State's right to recover illegally disbursed public funds does not prescribe, but limits COA's power over tax collection.
State's Right to Recover Public Funds: Prescription Does Not Run Against the Government
Supreme Court rules the government's right to recover illegally disbursed public funds does not prescribe, but limits COA's power over tax collection.
Syndicated Estafa Liability and Investor Protection Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms syndicated estafa conviction under PD 1689, clarifying liability of corporate officers and investor protection.
Chain of Custody Breaches Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: People v. Lim Ching
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165, safeguarding the accused's right to proof beyond reasonable doubt.
When Judges Fall Short: Accountability, Mediation Rules, and Court Personnel Duties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability, proper mediation referral, and the limits of delegating court personnel duties.
Expropriation and Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in Road Widening Projects
Learn how Philippine law protects property owners in expropriation cases, ensuring just compensation for land taken for road widening projects.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under RA 9165, stressing evidence integrity.
Accidental Shooting or Intentional Harm: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal shooting is homicide, not murder, and why the information must allege treachery as a fact.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony and Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court acquits an accused when eyewitness identification is unreliable, citing the frailty of human memory and suggestive procedures.
Expiration vs Non-Payment: Demand Letter Requirements in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a demand letter is required before filing an unlawful detainer case, distinguishing lease expiration from non-payment.
When Verbal Termination of Lease Ends the Need for a Demand Letter in Unlawful Detainer
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand letter is unnecessary in unlawful detainer cases, particularly involving month-to-month verbal leases.
When a Motion for Reconsideration Is Not a Second Bite at the Apple
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a motion for reconsideration of a decision that substantially reverses an earlier ruling is not prohibited.
Maintaining Labor Peace: The Duty to Preserve Status Quo During Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal and clarifies the duty to maintain the status quo during labor disputes.
Breach of Express Warranty When Road Widening Impacts Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that express warranties in deeds of sale differ from implied warranty against eviction, entitling buyer to refund.
Property Rights vs Public Use: Resolving Road Access Disputes
When can a government hospital close a road on its titled property? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of preliminary injunctions in access disputes.
Supreme Court Ruling on Government Procurement and Public Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's procurement violations constitute gross neglect of duty rather than grave misconduct.
When a Lawyer Exceeds Authority: Suspension for Unauthorized Sale of Client’s Property
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for selling a client's property without authority, violating Canons 5, 15, and 17 of the CPR.
When a Lawyer Takes Client Funds for Taxes: Lessons from Ojales v. Villahermosa
A lawyer who received P21,280 for capital gains tax and title processing but did nothing was suspended. Learn the ethical rules.
Beyond Mismanagement When Corporate Decisions Dont Amount TO Criminal Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between illegal recruitment and estafa, and when corporate decisions cross into criminal fraud.