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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Unreasonable Search Evidence Inadmissible When Legal Occupant Prevented From Witnessing Search
Search warrant execution requires lawful occupant presence; preventing them from witnessing search renders evidence inadmissible.
Ensuring Access: The Indispensable Right to a Legal Easement of Right of Way
When a property becomes landlocked through no fault of its owner, Philippine law grants a legal easement of right of way. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Supervening Events and Boracay Land Claims: Heirs of Maravilla v. Tupas
A Supreme Court ruling on how the Boracay ownership decision stopped execution of a final judgment, explained for property owners.
Substantial Completion and Contract Termination in Construction Disputes: PSHS v. Pirra Construction
When is a project substantially completed, and when can a government agency terminate a construction contract? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Substantiation of Tax Deductions: Proper Documentation Under Philippine Tax Law
Philippine law requires proper documentation for tax deductions, including PWD discounts. Learn the rules and substantiation requirements.
When Testimony Fails the Test: Acquittal in Forcible Abduction with Rape
The Supreme Court acquits a man of forcible abduction with rape, showing how inconsistent victim testimony and the equipoise rule shape criminal convictions.
Tenant Rights Under Urban Land Reform: Proving Legitimate Tenancy for Protection Against Eviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that only legitimate tenants with proof of tenancy, not mere occupants, receive protection under P.D. No. 1517.
Discounts FOR THE Disabled Upholding Equal Access TO Medicines Under Police Power
The Supreme Court upholds the 20% PWD medicine discount as a valid exercise of police power, not eminent domain.
Boracay Land Dispute: When a Supervening Event Stops Execution of a Final Judgment
The Supreme Court explains when a supervening event can stop execution of a final judgment, using the Boracay land dispute as a case study.
Cargo Loss Liability: When Bad Weather Is Not a "Peril of the Sea"
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when bad weather excuses a common carrier from cargo loss, defining "storm" and "peril of the sea."
Eminent Domain Easements Just Compensation For Perpetual Restrictions ON Property USE
When a right-of-way easement for transmission lines permanently restricts property use, full just compensation, not a mere easement fee, is due.
Upholding Due Process in Dismissals: The Four-Fold Test and Employer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the four-fold test for employer-employee relationships and the need for due process in dismissals.
Fixed-Term Contracts: What the 30-Day Notice Rule Means for Renewal
Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, the 30-day notice requirement, and automatic renewal implications for employers and employees.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Upholding Termination for Misconduct
The Supreme Court explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing an employee, even without a criminal conviction.
Breach of Legal Ethics When Attorneys Neglect Client Matters and Misappropriate Funds
A lawyer who fails to file a client's case and refuses to return legal fees faces suspension for violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Joinder of Transferee in Pending Foreclosure Case: Cameron Granville v. Chua
When a bank sells a foreclosed debt, can the buyer join the pending case? The Supreme Court clarifies joinder and substitution rules.
Surname Use for Illegitimate Children: What the Supreme Court Said in Gan v. Republic
The Supreme Court explains when an illegitimate child may use the father's surname, and why changing one's name is a privilege, not a right.
Mining Rights vs. Indigenous Peoples: Exhaustion of Remedies and Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court in Alecha v. Atienza underscores the exhaustion doctrine and limits of grave abuse of discretion in mining disputes.
Residency Requirements vs. Constitutional Rights: The Dano Case on Domicile and Elections
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that temporary absence does not break residency for election purposes, protecting candidates' constitutional rights.
Candor in the Courtroom: Suspension for Lack of Transparency in Legal Proceedings
A lawyer's failure to disclose a pending motion before another forum led to suspension. Learn the ethical duty of candor.
When Can a Governor Contract Without Board Approval? Key COA Ruling
A governor must secure sanggunian approval for contracts unless a specific appropriation covers the project. Learn the rules from a 2016 COA case.
Premature Environmental Challenges Clarifying EIS Requirements in Public-Private Partnerships
Supreme Court clarifies when EIS and ECC duties arise in PPP projects, ruling that pre-bidding environmental challenges are premature.
Supreme Court Holds Judges to Exact Ethical Standards in Off-Duty Misconduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for damaging neighbors' vehicles, reaffirming that judges must avoid impropriety even outside court.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Lapses Do Not Mean Acquittal
Explore when lapses in Section 21 chain of custody rules do not lead to acquittal in Philippine drug cases, as ruled in People v. Dela Cruz.