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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When Cross Collateral Clauses Clash With Verbal Agreements: Understanding Mortgage Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies that bank branch managers cannot verbally alter mortgage contracts containing cross-collateral or dragnet clauses.
Due Process in Dismissals: What Romualdez v. Sandiganbayan Teaches on Notice
A Sandiganbayan forfeiture ruling shows why due process requires notice and a real chance to be heard, not the respondent's actual presence at every step.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165's evidence safeguards.
Parental Privilege vs. Right to Testify: Scope in Philippine Law
When can a parent refuse to testify? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of parental and filial privilege in Philippine law.
Falsification Ruling Clarifies Document Alteration and Judicial Discretion in Criminal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when document alterations constitute falsification and how courts should exercise discretion in criminal proceedings.
Statutory Rape Absence OF Consent Irrelevant When Victim IS Under 12
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Alibi Defense: Garbida Case
The Supreme Court upheld Roberto Garbida's conviction for seven counts of statutory rape, ruling that a child's consent is immaterial under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Is a Corporation Liable for Ill-Gotten Wealth?
A look at when corporations can be held liable for ill-gotten wealth, and why the Supreme Court dismissed cases against corporate fronts in Republic v. Sandiganbayan.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden to Prove Valid Termination and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer's burden in illegal dismissal cases: valid cause and due process are both required for lawful termination.
Illegal Dismissal, Retrenchment, and Redundancy: Key Rules from Lambert Pawnbrokers v. Binamira
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on retrenchment, redundancy, and corporate liability in illegal dismissal cases, and when damages apply.
Maritime Claims: Strict Interpretation of COGSA Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the one-year COGSA prescriptive period for maritime cargo claims, emphasizing strict timing rules.
Contract of Legal Services: When a Mayor's Authority Binds a Municipality
Supreme Court ruling on when a municipal mayor's contract binds the LGU, limits of Sangguniang Bayan authorization, and judgment on the pleadings.
COGSA One-Year Prescription and Amended Complaints: Lessons from Wallem v. S.R. Farms
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that COGSA's one-year prescriptive period bars claims against newly impleaded defendants in amended complaints.
Possession Isn't Always Guilt: Theft and the Limits of Presumption in Lozano v. People
A Supreme Court ruling shows why finding stolen goods in someone's hands does not automatically prove theft of everything else reported missing.
Immediate Execution of Damages: Protecting Corporate Dissenting Stockholders' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that awards for exemplary damages and attorney's fees in intra-corporate disputes are not immediately executory pending appeal.
Attorneys Fees Determining Reasonable Compensation Based ON Actual Contribution TO Recovery
Standing to Sue: Why Associations Can't Always Fight for Members' Rights in Court
The Supreme Court explains when an association lacks legal standing to challenge a government rule, using a real estate group's failed suit against energy regulations.
Upholding Government Authority When Public Interest Overrides Private Land Claims In Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on expropriation, public interest, and limits of private land claims against government authority.
CARP Coverage and Due Process: A.Z. Arnaiz Realty Ruling on Land Exclusion
The Supreme Court clarifies due process in agrarian reform and the standards for excluding cattle ranches from CARP coverage.
Revisiting RES Judicata Clarifying Standby Equipment Cost Computation IN Construction Disputes
Treachery in Group Attacks: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld murder convictions based on positive identification and treachery in a group attack, explaining key evidentiary rules.
VAT Refund Apportionment When Exempt Sales Affect Tax Credit Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when VAT refunds on capital goods must be apportioned if a taxpayer also has exempt sales.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Qualify as Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how a sudden, unexpected attack constitutes treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
Forged Wills and Fraud: Protecting Estates from Deceit
A forged will led to criminal liability for estafa through falsification of public document. Learn the legal rules and practical lessons from Obando v. People.