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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Ethical Boundaries in Attorney Communications: Lessons from Buenviaje v. Magdamo
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for calling an opposing party a "swindler" and "fugitive" in a letter to a bank, reminding attorneys that zealous advocacy has limits.
Granting Extensions in Appeals: Balancing Justice and Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
When can Philippine courts grant extensions to file appeals? The Supreme Court clarifies Rule 42 rules and the importance of substantial justice.
Alien Land Ownership Philippine Constitution Prohibits Direct Land Acquisition BY Foreign Nationals
Philippine Constitution bars foreigners from owning private land directly. Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits in a Quezon City property dispute.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Individual Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing the presumption of innocence and the State's burden of proof.
Reasonable Doubt AND Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Cases
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody Rule Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police failed to strictly comply with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Lawyer Suspended for Calling Opposing Party a Swindler: Ethics Lessons from Buenviaje v. Magdamo
A lawyer's three-month suspension for malicious name-calling in a notice to a bank underscores the ethical limits of client zeal.
Conflicting Court Decisions on Reinstatement and the Limits of Execution in Labor Disputes
When two appellate rulings clash on illegal dismissal, execution of judgment may be suspended. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Lawyer Suspended Two Years for Abandoning Client and Refusing to Return Fees
Supreme Court suspends Atty. Glenn Samson for two years for neglecting a client's case, refusing to return overpaid fees and documents, and ignoring IBP proceedings.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Resolving Conflicting Claims in Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and how courts resolve conflicting claims over real property.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Drug Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution fails to prove every link in the chain of custody, stressing strict Section 21 compliance.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why a Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove every link in the chain of custody, reaffirming strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Partnership vs Estafa: When a Partner's Misappropriation Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partner's failure to account for funds crosses from civil liability to criminal estafa under Philippine law.
Can a Trustee Mortgage Property Without the Owner's Consent? Supreme Court Says No
Learn from a 2017 Supreme Court ruling why a trustee cannot mortgage trust property without the owner's consent, and the consequences for banks that fail to verify ownership.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty, Damage, and the Limits of Reliance
When does altering a date on a purchase order become falsification? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good-faith reliance for public officers.
Supreme Court Fines Disbarred Lawyer for Neglect of Client Duties
The Supreme Court fined a disbarred lawyer P40,000 for neglecting clients after accepting P350,000 in fees, ruling no double disbarment applies.
Supreme Court Upholds Judicial Power Over Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court strikes down Section 23 of RA 9165 as unconstitutional, affirming exclusive judicial authority over plea bargaining rules.
Company-Designated Physician's Fitness Declaration Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims
Supreme Court rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment binds seafarer unless properly disputed under POEA-SEC procedure.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: A Ministerial Duty, Not a Discretionary Act
The Supreme Court affirms that issuing a writ of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure is ministerial once the buyer consolidates ownership, regardless of collateral challenges.
Writ of Possession Is Ministerial Duty Even If Mortgage Validity Is Challenged
Supreme Court rules writ of possession is a ministerial duty after foreclosure consolidation, regardless of challenges to mortgage validity or lender authority.
Ombudsman's Discretion Upheld in Dismissing Graft Charges Absent Concrete Evidence
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's dismissal of graft charges against Nueva Ecija officials, citing lack of probable cause and procedural finality.
Qualified Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Step-Parent Abuse
Step-parent moral ascendancy can substitute for force in qualified rape, as shown in People v. De Guzman.