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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Clarifying Notice Requirements in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: Minor Errors Don't Void the Sale
When do errors in a foreclosure notice invalidate the sale? The Supreme Court clarifies that immaterial mistakes won't void an extrajudicial foreclosure.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on chain of custody in drug possession cases, explaining why substantial compliance with Section 21 suffices.
Venue Stipulations and Contract Validity: When a Forgery Claim Overrides an Exclusive Venue Clause
The Supreme Court rules that a complaint assailing a contract's validity—like forgery—is not bound by its exclusive venue stipulation.
Cashier Liability for Robbery Losses: Negligence Bars Relief from Accountability
A cashier who negligently keeps government funds outside a vault remains liable for robbery losses, the Supreme Court ruled.
Standardized Salaries vs Additional Compensation: Navigating Government Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may receive allowances beyond standardized salaries under RA 6758, the Salary Standardization Law.
Clarifying Deposit Substitutes: The 20-Lender Rule and Tax Implications in Bond Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when treasury bonds qualify as deposit substitutes subject to 20% final withholding tax, and the limits of BIR ruling retroactivity.
Upholding Integrity Disbarment FOR Attorneys Extortion AND Misrepresentation IN Guaranteeing Favorable Judgmen
Lawyer disbarred for demanding P580,000 from client to guarantee favorable NLRC ruling, violating the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill separates attempted murder from physical injuries, and what evidence proves it.
Ejectment vs Ownership: Defining Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is ejectment or an ownership action, and limits RTC appellate powers.
Ejectment Appeals: No Trial De Novo and the Boundary Dispute Rule
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment appeals, boundary disputes, and why RTCs cannot conduct trial de novo.
Self-Defense Claims in Murder Cases: Proving Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails in murder cases, explaining the burden of proof and the elements required to invoke this justifying circumstance.
Vested Mining Rights Prevail Protecting Claims Under THE Philippine Bill OF 1902
The Supreme Court rules that mining patents issued under the Philippine Bill of 1902 are vested rights that cannot be impaired by later laws or agreements.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: When Falling Out of Love Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between questions of fact and law in Article 36 nullity cases, and what evidence proves psychological incapacity.
Surety Agreements, Demand Requirements, and Interest on Delayed Payments: G.R. No. 280513 Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for deficiency payment is valid, and why a statement of account must be substantiated.
Marital Rape Upholding A Wifes Bodily Autonomy AND Rejecting THE Implied Consent Theory
The Supreme Court affirms that marriage does not imply consent to sexual relations, upholding a wife's bodily autonomy and rejecting the implied consent theory.
Employer Liability for Vehicular Accidents: Proving Due Diligence in Hiring Drivers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for driver negligence, emphasizing documentary proof of due diligence in hiring and supervision.
Ombudsman’s Discretion Limits on Certiorari in Anti-Graft Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the proper remedy for assailing Ombudsman rulings in consolidated anti-graft cases.
Equitable Estoppel in VAT Refund Claims: When Taxpayers Can Bypass the 120-Day Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies when taxpayers may file VAT refund claims with the CTA without waiting for the 120-day period.
Due Process and Prosecutorial Review: Ensuring Fair Hearings in Philippine Justice
Explore how the Supreme Court protects employee rights through due process, prosecutorial review, and fair hearings in Philippine labor disputes.
Breach of Public Trust: Endorsing Irregular Bonds and Undue Advantage
Supreme Court affirms conviction of GSIS VP for endorsing irregular surety bond, giving undue advantage to private company.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Can a Client Reopen a Case
When a lawyer's mistake hurts a client's case, can the case be reopened? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process and counsel negligence.
Upholding Honesty Dismissal FOR Undisclosed Assets IN Philippine Public Service
The Supreme Court reinstates the dismissal of a DPWH official for failing to disclose assets in SALNs, reaffirming the duty of public servants to be transparent.
DILG Circulars on LGU Fund Disclosure Upheld: Local Autonomy Has Limits
Supreme Court upholds DILG circulars requiring LGU transparency in IRA use, clarifying that local autonomy does not mean absolute independence from national supervision.
Levy on Execution Prevails Over Prior Unregistered Sale: Suntay v. Keyser Mercantile
Supreme Court rules a registered levy on execution beats a prior unregistered sale, upholding the Torrens system's reliance on clean titles.