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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When a Judge's Side Business Crosses the Line: Lessons from Luarca v. Molato
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's involvement in a spouse's business becomes an administrative offense, and what judges must avoid.
Upholding Corporate Rights When a Mortgage Is Made Without Board Authority
A corporation can annul a mortgage executed by officers without board authority. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on derivative suits and amendments.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction After 31 Years of Service
Supreme Court rules repeated rehiring in construction projects can convert project employment into regular employment with security of tenure.
Government Funds and Legal Claims: Understanding COA's Jurisdiction Over UP
Supreme Court clarifies that money claims against UP must first be filed with the Commission on Audit before execution can proceed.
Eminent Domain: Public Use Prevails Over Private Business Interests in Expropriation
Supreme Court nullifies RTC orders denying expropriation of private lots for state university, reaffirming eminent domain for public use with just compensation.
Control Test Decides Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Charlie Jao v. BCC Products Sales Inc. explains the control test and four elements determining employer-employee relationship.
Supreme Court Clarifies Control Test in Proving Employer-Employee Relationship
The Supreme Court affirms that control over an employee's conduct is the decisive test in determining employer-employee relationships in labor disputes.
Protecting Land Rights Clarifying Alienation and Free Patents Under the Public Land Act
Supreme Court clarifies when free patent land can be alienated, distinguishing true transfers from mere corrections of title errors.
Chain of Custody Is Key: How Mishandling Evidence Can Overturn Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody. Learn the rules under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Company-Designated Physicians
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 240-day rule on seafarer disability claims and the binding weight of company-designated physician assessments.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: HLURB Primary Jurisdiction in Land Use Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that land use permit disputes must first be filed with HLURB before courts can intervene.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Attorney Negligence
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, client funds, and the duty to return unearned fees—key lessons for clients.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Negligence and Misuse of Funds
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, client funds, and the duty of diligence in Philippine legal practice.
Treachery in Criminal Law: How Intent and Sudden Attack Shape Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies killing as murder, requiring deliberate, sudden attack leaving victim no defense.
Unlawful Possession and the Vital Role of Evidence in Drug Offenses
How the Supreme Court weighed search warrant evidence, witness credibility, and denial defenses in a drug possession conviction.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that the victim's positive identification outweighs the accused's weak defense of alibi.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Credibility of a Child Witness in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining how such evidence can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
PDIC Insurance: Defining Deposit and Protecting the Depositing Public
Supreme Court rules inter-branch fund transfers are not insurable deposits under the PDIC Charter, clarifying deposit insurance scope.
Burden of Proof in Estafa and Homicide: Why Hearsay Evidence Fails to Establish Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doub
The Supreme Court explains why positive identification by credible witnesses outweighs bare denial and hearsay in criminal cases.
Estafa Liability of Lawyers for Falsified Loan Documents Under Philippine Law
When can a lawyer be held liable for estafa for signing off on falsified loan documents? The Supreme Court explains in Cruz v. Gonzalez.
Double Sales and Fraudulent Misrepresentation in Property Sales: The Roman Catholic Church v. Pante Case
A Supreme Court ruling on when misrepresentation voids a sale and how double sales are resolved under Philippine law.
Guilt by Circumstance: Conviction in Rape-Homicide Through Indirect Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for rape with homicide, and how the composite crime is defined.
Acquisitive Prescription and Double Sales: When Long-Term Possession Confirms Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on how prior possession and good faith determine ownership in double sales of land.
Timeliness is Key: Understanding the 15-Day Rule for Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why landowners must file just compensation cases within 15 days of the DARAB decision, or lose their right.