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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Navigating Right of Way Disputes in the Philippines: When Convenience Doesn't Equal Necessity
Philippine law on easements of right of way requires real necessity, not mere convenience. Learn from the Dichoso v. Marcos case.
Certiorari and Evidence: Court of Appeals Can Receive New Proof in Special Civil Actions
When may the Court of Appeals admit new evidence in a certiorari case? The Supreme Court clarifies in this foreclosure dispute.
Conjugal Property and a Spouse's Debts: What the Dewara Case Teaches
Learn when conjugal property can be used to pay one spouse's debts, fines, or indemnities under Philippine law.
Death Benefits AND Contractual Limits Seafarers Rights Under Philippine LAW
Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Corporate Disputes: Safeguarding Rights Pending Litigation
Learn how the Supreme Court applies preliminary injunction rules in corporate disputes, protecting shareholder rights while cases remain pending.
Ensuring Chain of Custody Key to Drug Case Convictions in the Philippines
Learn how the chain of custody rule affects drug case convictions in the Philippines, explained in plain language for everyday readers.
Broken Chains, Broken Cases: Why Chain of Custody Is King in Philippine Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over a broken chain of custody, underscoring the prosecution's burden to prove the drug's identity beyond doubt.
Prior Physical Possession Is Key in Forcible Entry Cases: Abad v. Farrales
Learn why prior physical possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases under Philippine law, based on Abad v. Farrales.
Partnership vs. Loan in the Philippines: Profit-Sharing Terms Still Bind
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine if a deal is a partnership or loan—but agreed profit-sharing terms remain enforceable either way.
Managerial Employees and Overtime Pay in the Philippines: The Clientlogic Case
Who counts as a managerial employee exempt from overtime pay? The Supreme Court's Clientlogic ruling clarifies the test.
Void Government Contracts THE Necessity OF Fund Certification
The Supreme Court rules on void government contracts and the indispensable requirement of fund certification for their validity.
Fatal Flaws in Forum Shopping Certification: NHA v. Roxas and Rule 46 Compliance
A procedural misstep in certiorari petitions—missing certified true copies—can be fatal. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in NHA v. Roxas.
When Dust Settles Lawsuits Rise Understanding Neighbor Disputes and Damages from Construction in the Philippin
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction dust and debris entitle a neighbor to damages, distinguishing moral from nominal damages.
Attorneys Neglect Duty TO Client Despite Personal Sentiments
Personal feelings do not excuse lawyer negligence. The Court fined a counsel for failing to reconstitute and return client records.
Safeguarding Marital Rights Understanding DUE Process IN Marriage Registration Cancellation IN THE Philippines
Gaps in Chain of Custody Acquit Accused in Shabu Possession Case
SC reverses a drug conviction where police gaps in marking, inventory, and custody of seized shabu cast doubt on the corpus delicti.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drug Possession: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
A Supreme Court ruling shows why broken chain of custody can lead to acquittal in illegal drug possession cases under RA 9165.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspect Over Broken Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, protecting the accused's rights.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Gaps Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession defendant over broken chain of custody, explaining the strict integrity rules under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Possession Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Expropriation Requires an Ordinance, Not Just a Resolution: Yusay v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies that local governments must pass an ordinance, not a mere resolution, before exercising eminent domain under the Local Government Code.
Court Clerk’s 6-Year Appeal Delay: Gross Negligence of Duty
Branch clerk fined P20,000 for gross negligence in failing to transmit appeal records to the Court of Appeals within the 30-day rule.
Can Tenants Challenge Landlord's Title After Foreclosure? The Ros v. PNB Case
When a bank forecloses on a property, can the borrower's spouse later challenge the mortgage as forged? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Premature Legal Challenges Questioning Expropriation Before an Ordinance Is Enacted
When can landowners challenge expropriation? The Supreme Court explains why certiorari and prohibition are premature remedies.