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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Relocation Surveys in Land Disputes: Why Precise Boundaries Matter
When land titles conflict, courts order relocation surveys to settle boundary disputes. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
Jurisdiction Over Annulment OF Judgments Defining THE Boundaries OF THE Court OF TAX Appeals Authority
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Conviction in Statutory Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms statutory rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices even without medical evidence of injury.
Upholding Judicial Stability THE Limits OF CO Equal Court Jurisdiction IN Property Execution
Upholding Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, explaining buy-bust operations, chain of custody, and why procedural lapses did not free the accused.
Dereliction of Duty and the Duty of Promptness in Resolving Cases Filed by Indigents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's delay in resolving an indigent's complaint amounts to gross neglect of duty.
Navigating Property Disputes: The Crucial Role of Assessed Value in Determining Court Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies res judicata and jurisdiction rules in property disputes, emphasizing the importance of assessed value in determining which court has authority.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Individual Rights IN Drug Sale Convictions
Buy-Bust Operations: Where Entrapment Ends and Constitutional Rights Begin
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between valid entrapment in buy-bust operations and impermissible instigation, affirming a drug conviction under RA 9165.
Employer-Employee Relationship and Due Process in DOLE Labor Standards Cases
Supreme Court ruling on DOLE jurisdiction, employer-employee relationship requirements, and due process in labor standards enforcement.
Treachery in Multiple Shooting: How a Cascade of Violence Proved Guilt
When one sudden attack fells several victims, treachery may qualify each offense—explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Oandasan.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Primacy of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on circumstantial evidence and the credible testimony of a 16-year-old victim who was rendered unconscious during the assault.
Qualified Theft Conviction Upheld: When Circumstantial Evidence Proves Guilt Beyond Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified theft conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when such evidence suffices to prove guilt.
Boundary Disputes Between LGUs: When the RTC Can Take Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may hear LGU boundary disputes even without prior sanggunian settlement.
Illegal Drug Sale Conviction Requires Consummated Transaction, Says SC
SC affirms drug sale and possession conviction, explaining what makes a buy-bust transaction consummated under RA 9165.
Heirs Discord Upholding Partition Rights In Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that no co-heir may be forced to remain in co-ownership, and explains strict rules on appeals.
Betrayal of Trust: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Father-Daughter Rape Case
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for statutory rape of his 9-year-old daughter, clarifying the rules on alibi, denial, and damages.
Salary Standardization vs Local Autonomy: Resolving Compensation Disputes in Water Districts
The Supreme Court clarifies that water districts must follow the Salary Standardization Law when fixing general manager pay, but good faith may excuse refunds.
Replevin vs Employer-Employee Relationship: Clarifying Jurisdiction in Car Financing Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that replevin actions arising from car financing agreements are civil in nature, not labor disputes, regardless of employer-employee ties.
Protecting Innocence: Statutory Rape Law and Child Victim Testimony
Explaining statutory rape under Philippine law, why child testimony is credible, and the rules on proving carnal knowledge.
Upholding Client Loyalty THE Prohibition Against Representing Conflicting Interests IN Legal Practice
Lawyer Suspended for Conflict of Interest: When a Former Client Becomes an Adversary
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for representing siblings against a former client, violating Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Untimely Appeal: When Delays in Filing Cost Levi's Its Trademark Protection
The Supreme Court rules that failing to perfect a timely appeal to the Court of Appeals is jurisdictional, costing Levi Strauss its TAB DEVICE trademark.
Balancing Corporate Development and Residents' Rights: Defining Cause of Action in Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when evicted residents have a cause of action for damages against corporate developers in land disputes.