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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Behest Loans and Prescription: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for behest loan cases begins, ruling it starts upon discovery, not execution.
Work-Related Death and the Presumption of Compensability: Leviste v. SSS
The Supreme Court clarifies when sudden cardiac death is presumed work-related and compensable under PD 626, easing the burden on claimants.
Proving Illegal Sale of Shabu: The Role of Informants and Buy-Bust Operations
A Supreme Court ruling explains what prosecutors must prove in illegal drug sales cases and when an informant's testimony is dispensable.
Mootness in Administrative Complaints: When Expiration Renders a Case Irrelevant
When a contested position's term expires, the case becomes moot. The Supreme Court explains why.
Perfected Sale vs Contract to Sell: Distinguishing Ownership Transfer in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Strict Rules on Perfecting Appeals
Learn why missing the appeal bond deadline in labor cases is fatal, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Housing Rights: Actual Occupants Prevail Over Absentee Awardees in Government Projects
Supreme Court rules that absentee awardees cannot keep government housing lots meant for actual occupants, protecting bona fide residents' rights.
Reversion of Expropriated Land: Who Can Sue and When the Right Arises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for reversion of expropriated land and when the right to challenge an award arises.
Verbal Leases and Ejectment: When Can a Tenant Be Evicted in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a verbal month-to-month lease can be terminated, and why ejectment courts may rule on lease and ownership issues.
Upholding Judicial Accountability: A Judge's Disregard for Court Directives Leads to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a judge for six months for repeatedly ignoring directives to furnish a copy of her comment, ruling that defiance of Court orders constitutes gross misconduct.
The Boundaries of Buy-Bust Operations: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, evidence, and penalties in illegal drug sale cases under Philippine law.
Falsifying Attendance Records in the Judiciary: A Lesson in Integrity
A sheriff falsified his attendance logbook. The Supreme Court reprimanded him, stressing that dishonesty has no place in the judiciary.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how public social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when using ICT raises the penalty.
Unjust Enrichment in Foreclosure: A Mortgagee's Duty to Return Excess Proceeds
The Supreme Court ruled that a bank must return surplus proceeds from an extrajudicial foreclosure sale and cannot unilaterally apply them to unsecured debts.
Warrantless Arrest and Seizure: When Police Overstep Constitutional Bounds
Explore Valdez v. People, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused due to unlawful warrantless arrest and broken chain of custody.
Banks' Duty to Depositors: No Unilateral Freezing Without Court Order
Supreme Court rules banks cannot unilaterally freeze depositor accounts based on mere suspicion, reaffirming fiduciary duty to treat accounts with meticulous care.
Behest Loans and the Statute of Limitations: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for behest loan offenses begins, and what evidence is needed to prove them.
When Cooperative Members Are Employees: SSS Coverage and the Four-Fold Test
Can a cooperative's owner-members also be its employees for SSS coverage? The Supreme Court says yes, applying the four-fold test.
Unlawful Arrest Nullifies Drug Evidence Safeguarding Constitutional Rights
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after warrantless arrest and search yield inadmissible evidence, reinforcing constitutional protections.
Insurer's Subrogation Claim Fails: The Actionable Document Rule Explained
A Supreme Court ruling on why an insurer must present its insurance policy to recover as subrogee, and the actionable document rule.
Falsified Documents and Probable Cause: When Groundless Charges Must Be Stopped
The Supreme Court ruled that bare allegations of forgery cannot support probable cause, and ordered the dismissal of criminal charges against bank officers.
Cooperative Membership vs Employment: Defining SSS Coverage Obligations
Supreme Court rules cooperatives can be employers of their owner-members for SSS coverage purposes, clarifying when membership does not negate employment.
Union Fund Mismanagement: Substantiation Required for Special Assessments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union officers' liability for unsubstantiated special assessments and litigation expenses.
Land Registration: Proving Public Lands Are Alienable and Disposable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why applicants must prove public lands are alienable and disposable before registration.