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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Defective Summons: How Improper Service Can Void an Ejectment Case in the Philippines
Learn how defective summons and improper substituted service can void an ejectment case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Probable Cause vs Ownership Claims in Theft Cases: People v. Yecyec
When can courts dismiss theft charges for lack of probable cause? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review in People v. Yecyec.
Upholding Conviction in Drug Cases: The Importance of Timely Objections to Chain of Custody
Learn why raising chain of custody objections late in drug cases fails, and how timely objections protect accused persons under RA 9165.
Protecting Property Rights: Good Faith Purchasers vs Unregistered Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith purchasers, unregistered claims, and property rights under Article 1544 of the Civil Code.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Misconduct Justifies Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a cashier's mishandling of funds amounts to breach of trust justifying dismissal from employment.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended For Conflicting Representation
A lawyer who represents a client against an existing retainer client of his law firm violates Rule 15.03, even without using confidential information.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Objections Are Waived
The Supreme Court affirmed a drug conviction despite police lapses in handling evidence, ruling that chain-of-custody objections cannot be raised for the first time on appeal.
Rape and the Incapacity to Consent: Protecting the Intellectually Disabled in Philippine Law
Philippine law treats rape as a violation of autonomy, especially when the victim cannot consent due to intellectual disability. This article explains the key ruling.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Moral Reformation and Rehabilitation
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's plea for reinstatement, clarifying the high burden of proving moral reformation.
Excise Tax on Tobacco: Clarifying the Scope of Tax Exemptions for Stemmed Leaf Transfers
The Supreme Court clarifies when stemmed leaf tobacco transfers between manufacturers are exempt from excise tax under Philippine law.
Government Reorganization: Security of Tenure vs Legislative Authority
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on ATO abolition, hold-over status, and security of tenure in government reorganizations.
Rescission OF Contract Upholding Landowner Rights Against BAD Faith Purchasers
Limits of Warrantless Arrests: Probable Cause and Immediacy in Hot Pursuit
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of warrantless arrests under Rule 113, Section 5(b), focusing on probable cause and immediacy in hot pursuit cases.
Solicitation by Court Personnel: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
Supreme Court rules on grave misconduct by court personnel who solicits money from litigants, reinforcing integrity standards in the judiciary.
Unconscionable Interest Rates When Courts Intervene To Protect Borrowers
The Supreme Court reduced 60% annual charges in a lease dispute to 12% interest plus 6% penalty, citing Article 1229.
Compromise Agreements Prevail Resolving Tax Disputes Through Mutual Concessions
When parties settle tax disputes by compromise, courts may set aside prior rulings. The Supreme Court explains the binding effect of such agreements.
Finality of Judgment and Contempt: Lessons from the Bihag v. Era Disbarment Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a disbarred lawyer may be cited for indirect contempt and how final judgments are enforced.
Reconstitution of Lost Title Allowed: Supreme Court Clarifies R.A. 26 Requirements
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
When Judges Face Administrative Complaints: The Limits of Judicial Audits
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline.
Final Judgments in Lawyer Discipline: Why They Cannot Be Reopened
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties: Demaala v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using ICT raises the penalty.
Corporate Membership Dues: Who Pays When Nominees Change
Supreme Court rules on whether golf clubs can charge new membership fees when corporate members replace their nominees.
Corporate Elections: Regular Courts, Not SEC, Decide Proxy Validity Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that disputes over proxy validation in corporate elections belong to regular courts, not the SEC.
Public Officials' Liability for Negligence in Handling Public Funds: The Luspo Doctrine
Supreme Court ruling on public officials' liability for negligence in disbursing public funds, explaining accountable officer duties and bad faith requirements.