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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Deportation and Due Process: Ensuring Fair Proceedings for Resident Aliens
The Supreme Court clarifies deportation procedures, appeal remedies, and due process rights for resident aliens facing removal from the Philippines.
Breach of Contract in Letter of Credit Transactions: Proving Liability in Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what a bank must prove to establish liability in letter of credit transactions, and why pleadings matter.
Security of Tenure: Regular Employment and Illegal Dismissal in Fixed-Term Contracts
When does a fixed-term employee become regular? The Supreme Court clarifies security of tenure, illegal dismissal, and employer burden of proof.
Forcible Entry and Prior Physical Possession: When a Torrens Title Proves Possession
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title and tax declarations can establish prior physical possession in forcible entry cases.
Grave Misconduct in Public Office: Upholding Ethical Standards in Government Service
Supreme Court clarifies grave misconduct standards, reinstating Ombudsman's dismissal of GSIS executive for irregular surety bond issuance.
Title Registration as Proof of Prior Possession in Forcible Entry Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title can prove prior physical possession in forcible entry cases, protecting landowners from intruders.
Upholding Corporate Governance: The Limits of Status Quo Orders in Intra-Corporate Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules for status quo orders in intra-corporate disputes, emphasizing due process, bonds, and the limits of provisional relief.
Negligence in Notarial Duty: Lawyers Responsible for Staff Acts
A notary public cannot blame a secretary for unauthorized notarizations. The Supreme Court explains why lawyers bear full responsibility for their office staff's acts.
Forcible Entry and Prior Possession: When a Torrens Title Proves Possession
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title and tax declarations can establish prior physical possession in forcible entry cases.
Breaking the Chain: Upholding Drug Convictions Despite Minor Procedural Lapses
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor gaps in marking evidence do not break the chain of custody in drug cases, affirming a life sentence.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in Agrarian Cases: When Negligence Costs the Right to Appeal
The Supreme Court rules on missed appeal deadlines in agrarian disputes, explaining when a motion for reconsideration suspends the period and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Substitution in Elections: Comelec's Discretion and Due Process Rights
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on candidate substitution, the Comelec's ministerial duty, and the due process requirements in election cases.
Defining the Duty of a Company-Designated Physician in Seafarer Disability Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how promptly a company-designated physician must assess a seafarer's fitness to work, and what happens when that duty is delayed.
Sheriff's Failure to Implement Writ of Execution Results in Administrative Penalty
Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for simple neglect of duty after failing to implement a writ of execution for over four years, imposing a two-month salary fine.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Integrity of Evidence Despite Procedural Lapses in Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirmed a drug conviction despite lapses in the Section 21 inventory and photography requirements, because the chain of custody of the seized shabu remained unbroken.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an accused who dies pending appeal has both criminal and civil liabilities extinguished.
Retaliatory Dismissal: Protecting Employees Who Assert Their Rights
The Supreme Court affirms that firing workers for filing labor complaints violates security of tenure and constitutes illegal dismissal.
When Paying a Bounced Check Before Charges Are Filed Can Mean Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court explains when full payment of a dishonored check before the filing of an Information can lead to acquittal from BP 22 charges.
Mistake vs Malice: When Honest Error Defeats Theft Charges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when honest mistake negates criminal intent in theft cases, acquitting a man who cut trees on the wrong property.
B.P. 22 Defense: Payment Before Information Filing Can Defeat Dishonored Check Charges
The Supreme Court explains when paying a dishonored check before charges are filed can defeat a B.P. 22 prosecution.
State Sovereignty in Land Registration: Proving Alienability and Disposability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that land registration requires proof of alienability and disposability, not just possession.
Balancing Public Safety and Private Property Access Rights on Limited Access Highways
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property owners' rights to access limited access highways like NLEX, balancing police power and private interests.
Cashier's Liability in Estafa: Reassessing Juridical Possession in Misappropriation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer's possession of entrusted funds constitutes juridical possession for estafa liability.
Breach of Trust Estafa and the Misappropriation of Funds Entrusted for Tax Remittance
When does a cashier's mishandling of funds amount to estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the key distinction between material and juridical possession.