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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Treachery and Positive Identification in Violent Crimes: People v. Alabado
How the Supreme Court upheld murder and frustrated murder convictions based on positive identification and treachery in People v. Alabado.
Writ of Possession Protecting Heirs' Rights in Undivided Estates
Learn how the Supreme Court protects compulsory heirs when a foreclosed property is subject to a writ of possession in an undivided estate.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in labor disputes, using a restroom concessionaire case.
Writ of Possession Ministerial After Foreclosure, But Not Against Non-Parties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that writ of possession is ministerial after foreclosure consolidation, but cannot oust compulsory heirs who were not parties to the foreclosure.
Ejectment and Sublease Violations: Service of Notices and Counsel of Record Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on ejectment, sublease prohibitions, and why notices must be served on counsel of record in Philippine cases.
Distinguishing Employees From Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains the control test for distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor law disputes.
Subleasing Prohibitions: Joint Venture vs Lease Agreement Distinctions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sublease violates a lease contract's prohibition, and why labeling an agreement a "joint venture" may not save it.
Judicial Accountability: The Consequences of Delay in Resolving Court Matters
The Supreme Court fined a judge P10,000 for undue delay in resolving a motion, underscoring that justice delayed is justice denied.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Non-Compliance with RA 9165 Is Not Fatal
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in Section 21 custody rules won't invalidate drug evidence, and why objections must be raised at trial.
Withdrawal of Appeal in Reclusion Perpetua Cases: Discretion and Executive Clemency
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua cases are not subject to mandatory review, allowing appellants to withdraw their appeals.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Redemption and the Privilege to Practice Law
The Supreme Court grants a disbarred lawyer's plea for reinstatement after 15 years, explaining the standards for return to the bar.
Proof Beyond Suspicion: Upholding Due Process in Administrative Dishonesty Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative charges like dishonesty require substantial evidence, not mere speculation. Learn the standard of proof.
Upholding the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: People v. Pringas
The Supreme Court clarifies that non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is not fatal if the integrity of seized drugs is preserved.
Shared Intent Shared Liability Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how conspiracy works in Philippine criminal law, when co-accused share liability, and what the Supreme Court says about proving a common design.
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Finality of DAR Decisions: Balancing Due Process and Timeliness in Agrarian Reform
When do DAR decisions become final? The Supreme Court clarifies the balance between due process and the 15-day appeal period in agrarian cases.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Reorganizing Government Agencies in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the President's power to reorganize executive agencies, clarifying the limits of executive authority under the Constitution.
Unraveling Favored Contracts: The Imperative of Specificity in Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that bare allegations and conclusions of law cannot substitute for specific facts in ill-gotten wealth cases.
Gambling in the Workplace: Defining Ethical Conduct for Public Servants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when gambling during office hours becomes a dismissible offense for public employees and sets ethical standards.
Candor and Fairness: A Lawyer's Duty to the Court and Fellow Counsel
A lawyer's entry of appearance must be candid and accurate. Learn the ethics rules from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Demand Not Required for Liability Under Article 218: Manlangit v. Sandiganbayan
Public officers must render accounts on time—no demand needed. The Supreme Court clarifies Article 218 liability in Manlangit v. Sandiganbayan.
How Philippine Courts Compute the Two-Year Tax Refund Period
The Supreme Court clarifies how to compute the two-year prescriptive period for tax refund claims under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery in murder cases, affirming that attacking a defenseless victim who is grappling with another constitutes treachery.
Estafa by Misappropriation of Goods Held in Trust: The Ceniza-Manantan Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains when failing to return jewelry or goods received on commission becomes estafa, and why a lawyer's mistakes rarely win a new trial.