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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The Peril of Uncorroborated Rape Allegations: Protecting the Accused's Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, stressing that uncorroborated testimony and inconsistent conduct create reasonable doubt.
Balancing Freedom of Speech and the Sub Judice Rule: Protecting Fair Trial Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when public comments on pending cases violate the sub judice rule and constitute contempt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Marking Seized Items Immediately and in the Accused's Presence
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to mark seized shabu immediately and in her presence, breaking the chain of custody.
When Rape Claims Fail the Test of Credibility: People v. Patentes
The Supreme Court acquits a rape convict, showing how inconsistent testimony and doubtful conduct can create reasonable doubt.
Political Offense Doctrine and Murder Charges: Key Lessons from Ocampo v. Abando
When can murder charges be dismissed under the political offense doctrine? The Supreme Court clarifies in Ocampo v. Abando.
Agrarian Reform Jurisdiction: DAR, Not Courts, Hears Landowner Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian reform disputes, even with constitutional questions, belong to the DAR, not the RTC.
Drug Buy-Bust Operations: When Non-Compliance With Evidence Rules Is Not Fatal
In People v. Salvador, the Supreme Court ruled that failure to inventory and photograph seized drugs does not automatically void an arrest if evidence integrity is preserved.
Tenancy Rights: Landowner's Consent Required for Valid Leasehold Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy requires landowner consent; a mortgagee or possessor cannot install tenants without authority.
Tenancy Rights and Landowner Consent: Key Lessons from Quintos v. DARAB
The Supreme Court clarifies that no tenancy relationship exists without the landowner's consent, even if an agent or possessor installs tenants.
Court Personnel and the Limits of Leniency: When Dishonesty Warrants Suspension, Not Dismissal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when court employees who misappropriate private money face suspension instead of dismissal, balancing accountability with compassion.
Defining Corporate Officers Jurisdiction IN Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer is a regular employee entitled to security of tenure and the due process requirements in termination.
When Can an Adverse Party Be Called as a Witness? Insights from Guevarra v. People
Learn when an adverse party may be called as a witness in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guevarra v. People.
Inefficiency VS Neglect Charting THE Boundaries OF Just Cause Termination IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between inefficiency and neglect as valid grounds for terminating employment under the Labor Code.
Expiration of Lease Contracts Resolving Possession Disputes
When a lease expires, so does the lessee's right to possession. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Pasig Printing v. Rockland.
Duty to Disclose Accrued Interest in SALNs and the Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials must declare accrued interest on time deposits in their SALNs, but penalties consider good faith.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Establishing the Boundaries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine law, emphasizing that unlawful aggression must be actual and imminent, not merely threatened.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status of Public Land
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable for registration under PD 1529.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Calculated Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, ensuring calculated attacks receive just punishment.
Illegal Dismissal: Security of Tenure vs. Employer Prerogative in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, security of tenure, and the limits of employer prerogative in termination cases.
Resignation vs Secondment: Retirement Benefits and Waiver Validity in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a transfer ends employment, affecting retirement benefits and quitclaim validity in Intel v. NLRC.
Premature Filing of Tax Refund Claims: Strict Compliance with the 120-Day Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies that taxpayers must wait for the 120-day period before filing judicial claims for VAT refunds.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Consequences for Negligence in Document Authentication
The Supreme Court reminds notaries public that notarization is no empty act, and negligence carries serious professional consequences.
Conspiracy and Illegal Drug Transportation: Upholding Accountability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that conspiracy to transport illegal drugs can be proven by surrounding circumstances, not just express agreement.
Regulating Real Estate Professional Standards AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld the Real Estate Service Act's licensing rules for developers, balancing professional standards with property rights.