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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Untimely VAT Refund Claims Strict Adherence To Prescriptive Periods
The Supreme Court clarifies strict prescriptive periods for VAT refund claims, denying Northern Mindanao Power Corporation's petition for late and premature filings.
Upholding Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses In Drug Cases Integrity Of Evidence Prevails
SC affirms drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses; integrity of evidence, chain of custody intact. Learn the rules.
Omnibus Motion Rule Applies to Search Warrant Quashal: Shell v. Romars
Supreme Court rules the omnibus motion rule bars late objections to search warrants, clarifying venue is not jurisdictional.
Enforceability of Incentive Bonuses When Promises Become Obligations
When do employer promises become enforceable obligations? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over training reimbursement claims and unpaid salary disputes.
Indigency and Access to Courts: Balancing Constitutional Rights with Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when counsel's negligence binds clients and why procedural rules on appeals remain jurisdictional.
Unbroken Chain: Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when procedural lapses in drug evidence custody do not defeat a conviction under RA 9165.
Parental Authority vs Child's Rights: Defining Intimidation in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court clarifies intimidation in incestuous qualified rape, affirming father's conviction for three counts against minor daughter.
Public Dominion Property Cannot Be Levied on Execution: Water District Wins
Supreme Court rules water works systems are public dominion property, exempt from execution and auction sale in labor cases.
Strict Rules on Foreclosure Notice Publication: What Philippine Mortgagors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with foreclosure notice publication requirements and consequences of defective notices.
Foreclosure Sales Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales invalidates the sale and makes the notary public liable for damages.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Overcomes Delay and Apparent Inconsistencies
Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed report and acceptance of money do not destroy her credibility.
Reasonable Doubt Safeguarding Individual Liberty IN Drug Cases Through Strict Chain OF Custody 2
Challenging Drug Convictions: Scrutinizing Police Conduct and Evidence in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, explaining how courts weigh police testimony, buy-bust operations, and the presumption of regularity.
Procedural Rigidity vs Substantial Justice: Navigating the Rules of Court in COA Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on Fortune Life Insurance clarifies why strict compliance with Rule 64 deadlines and proof of service requirements is mandatory in COA appeals.
Upholding Property Rights When Caretaking Doesnt Equal Tenancy
The Supreme Court clarifies when a caretaker is not a tenant, and why the regular courts, not the DARAB, have jurisdiction over ejectment.
When Tenancy Claims Fail: Ejectment Jurisdiction After Corporate Revocation
The Supreme Court clarifies when an ejectment case stays with regular courts despite tenancy defenses, and how corporate dissolution affects legal standing.
Circumstantial Evidence in Theft Cases: When It Is Not Enough to Convict
The Supreme Court acquits a theft convict, explaining when circumstantial evidence fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Upholds Strict Notarial Rules
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years and permanently bars him from notarial practice for notarizing documents without a valid commission.
Presumption of Regularity in Drug Possession Cases and the Effect of an Accused's Death on Appeal
The Supreme Court explains how the presumption of regularity supports drug convictions, and why an accused's death pending appeal can moot a case.
Broken Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict evidence integrity rules under RA 9165.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Moral Ascendancy, and Damages in Sibling Abuse Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of brother who assaulted his 14-year-old sister, clarifying force requirements and increasing damages to P300,000.
Rape Through Sexual Assault: Protecting Children Beyond Gender
The Supreme Court affirms that men can be rape victims, ruling on sexual assault against a 10-year-old boy and the applicable penalty.
SC Upholds Rape Conviction of Man Who Sexually Assaulted 10-Year-Old Boy
The Supreme Court affirms a man's conviction for raping a 10-year-old boy through anal insertion, clarifying that men can be rape victims and explaining the applicable penalties.
The Weight of Witness Testimony in Philippine Murder Convictions
How positive eyewitness identification outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine robbery with homicide cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.