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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Broken Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict evidence integrity rules under RA 9165.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Upholds Strict Notarial Rules
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years and permanently bars him from notarial practice for notarizing documents without a valid commission.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Procedural Integrity AND Avoiding Abuse OF Authority
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on chain of custody in drug cases and why procedural integrity matters for sheriffs and law enforcement.
Presumption of Regularity in Drug Possession Cases and the Effect of an Accused's Death on Appeal
The Supreme Court explains how the presumption of regularity supports drug convictions, and why an accused's death pending appeal can moot a case.
Grave Misconduct Requires Proof of Wrongful Intent, Not Just a Flawed Revaluation
When is a bad property valuation grave misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to hold public officers liable.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Moral Ascendancy, and Damages in Sibling Abuse Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of brother who assaulted his 14-year-old sister, clarifying force requirements and increasing damages to P300,000.
Seafarer Death Benefits After Contract Termination: What Employers Must Know
Supreme Court clarifies when death benefits apply under POEA contract—death must occur during employment term, not after pre-termination.
Equitable Estoppel and Tax Refund Claims: Understanding the San Roque Exception
The Supreme Court clarifies when taxpayers may file judicial VAT refund claims without waiting 120 days, citing equitable estoppel.
SC Upholds Rape Conviction of Man Who Sexually Assaulted 10-Year-Old Boy
The Supreme Court affirms a man's conviction for raping a 10-year-old boy through anal insertion, clarifying that men can be rape victims and explaining the applicable penalties.
The Weight of Witness Testimony in Philippine Murder Convictions
How positive eyewitness identification outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine robbery with homicide cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Upholds Disciplinary Action Against Lawyers
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years and permanently bars him from notarial commission for notarizing documents without authority.
Solidary Liability When Negligence in Construction Leads to Shared Responsibility
When two parties' separate negligent acts combine to cause one injury, Philippine law treats them as joint tortfeasors solidarily liable for all damages.
Rape Through Sexual Assault: Protecting Children Beyond Gender
The Supreme Court affirms that men can be rape victims, ruling on sexual assault against a 10-year-old boy and the applicable penalty.
Right of Way: Balancing Dominant Estate Needs and Servient Estate Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to determine the extent and indemnity for a legal easement of right of way under the Civil Code.
Defamation and Privileged Communication: Protecting Reputation in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel, privileged communication, and damages in Almendras v. Almendras, balancing free speech with reputation protection.
Default Demand and Interest: Understanding Promissory Note Obligations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a debtor is in default, how interest is computed, and what makes stipulated rates unconscionable.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Company Doctor Assessments
Learn how the 240-day rule and company-designated physician assessments determine seafarer disability claims in Philippine maritime law.
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.
Breach of Contract and Trust: Obligations in Film Licensing Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a licensee may reject films and whether licensors owe fees to third-party owners in licensing deals.
Rescission of Contracts in Philippine Law: The Wellex v. U-Land Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle rescission of contracts through the Wellex v. U-Land case, including fraud, breach, and restitution obligations.
Mining Rights vs Land Ownership: Reconstitution Rights Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mining patent holders cannot seek reconstitution of land titles they do not own.
Seafarers Disability Claims Mandatory Procedures AND THE Weight OF Medical Assessments
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.
Seafarer Disability Claims: POEA-SEC Procedures and Assessment Timelines
Learn how the 240-day rule and POEA-SEC procedures govern seafarer disability claims, and why following the assessment process matters.