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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Redemption of Foreclosed Property: Full Payment Required, Good Intent Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that redeeming a foreclosed property requires full payment of the redemption price within the one-year period, not just partial payments or good intentions.
Self-Defense and Double Jeopardy: Key Lessons from People v. De Leon
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Leon clarifies the strict requirements for self-defense and the absolute protection against double jeopardy in Philippine criminal law.
Understanding Documentary Stamp Tax on Trust Agreements: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to trust agreements and the evidence needed for tax refund claims.
Reasonable Doubt in Robbery Cases: Insufficient Proof of Threat Leads to Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits robbery convict where prosecution failed to prove intimidation beyond reasonable doubt. Learn the rules.
When Public Interest Meets Private Contracts: The SM Land v. BCDA Ruling on Development Projects
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies cannot cancel accepted unsolicited proposals by invoking public interest, upholding contractual obligations.
Upholding Stockholder Rights Jurisdiction In Intra Corporate Disputes Involving Sequestered Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies that intra-corporate disputes involving sequestered firms belong to the RTC, not the Sandiganbayan.
Theft or Mistake: Gauging Intent in Employee Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's taking of company property constitutes theft justifying dismissal, and when it is merely a mistake.
How Appeals Affect Preliminary Attachments: Jurisdiction and Ancillary Remedies
When a main case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction over the attachment. Learn the rule from Northern Islands v. Garcia.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Notarial Register Errors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds notary public liable for erroneous notarial register entries, stressing the duty to record every notarial act accurately.
Passion's Lingering Flame: Redefining Mitigating Circumstances in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that passion and obfuscation may build over time, not just in the heat of the moment, reducing murder to homicide.
COA Auditors Barred From Agency Benefits: Nacion v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA's discipline of auditor who received bonuses, housing, and car loans from audited agency MWSS.
Election Law Defining Transfer and Safeguarding Management Prerogatives During Election Periods
The Supreme Court clarifies what counts as a prohibited transfer during election periods, balancing COMELEC rules with management prerogatives.
Judicial Accountability: When Is a Collegiate Court Justice Liable for Undue Delay?
The Supreme Court acquitted three Court of Appeals justices of undue delay, clarifying that liability follows the division that actually decides a case, not the one that inherited it.
Lawyer Suspended for Issuing Bounced Checks: Honesty and Integrity in Legal Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for issuing worthless checks, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold honesty and integrity in both public and private life.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: What People v. Cunanan Means for Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying buy-bust arrests, chain of custody rules, and why minor lapses do not automatically acquit.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from a Drug Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling on a buy-bust operation clarifies the rules on warrantless arrests, chain of custody, and the defenses of denial and frame-up.
Prescription in Illegal Dismissal Cases: The Impact of Complaint Withdrawal
Filing then withdrawing an illegal dismissal complaint does not stop the prescriptive period. Learn the rule from this Supreme Court case.
Beyond the Contract: Can Seafarers Claim Disability Benefits After Employment Ends?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why death and disability benefits under the POEA contract must be claimed correctly and within the proper proceedings.
Upholding Employers Right TO Discipline Dishonesty AS Just Cause FOR Termination
Supreme Court rules that a nurse’s theft of hospital supplies is just cause for dismissal, reaffirming management prerogative to discipline dishonest employees.
Negligence and Maritime Law: Res Ipsa Loquitur in Cargo Handling Disputes
When a hidden metal bar in a ship's cargo hold damages an arrastre operator's unloader, who pays? The Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur.
Practicing Law While Suspended: Consequences and Ethical Considerations
A suspended lawyer who appears as counsel for her husband still practices law. The Supreme Court explains the consequences and ethical duties.
The Doctor's Dilemma: Hospital Liability in Medical Negligence Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on medical negligence, physician-patient duty, and hospital solidary liability under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Integrity of Seized Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court explains why lapses in drug evidence custody are not automatically fatal, as long as the item's integrity is preserved.
Due Process and Administrative Investigations: The Limits of Certiorari
When can a government official question a show cause order through certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of this remedy.