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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Civil Law Leases and Tenant Rights: Clarifying Landowner Control in Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on when civil law lessees may install tenants, and the limits of landowner control under agrarian reform laws.
Treachery Defined When A Coordinated Attack Removes The Chance Of Self Defense
The Supreme Court explains how holding a victim's wrists while another stabs constitutes treachery, qualifying killing to murder.
THE Regularity Rule Challenging Presumptions IN BUY Bust Operations
Trust Receipts Law Liability: When Agents Face Estafa Charges
Learn when corporate agents can face criminal liability for estafa under the Trust Receipts Law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Ong v. Court of Appeals.
Circumstantial Evidence and Parricide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How circumstantial evidence can prove parricide beyond reasonable doubt, and when aggravating circumstances cannot raise the penalty to death.
Striking A Balance Employee Rights VS Employer Prerogatives IN Dismissal Cases
Judicial Accountability When Misinterpreting Circulars Leads to Liability
Supreme Court clarifies that Circular No. 3-89 covers only administrative cases, not criminal cases against judges; a judge's misinterpretation can result in administrative liability.
Right to Counsel and Due Process: The High Cost of Delay in Drug Offenses
A Supreme Court ruling shows how procedural lapses and missing evidence can unravel drug convictions, underscoring the need for airtight cases.
Jurisdiction and Summons Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Courts
Understanding how Philippine courts acquire jurisdiction over persons and property through proper summons, ensuring due process in civil and criminal cases.
When Advertising Costs Become Capital Expenditures: Lessons from CIR v. General Foods
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when large advertising expenses are deductible business costs or capital outlays for goodwill.
Judicial Integrity Prevails Dismissal OF Charges Against Judge Casanova
When Advertising Costs Become Capital Expenditures: Lessons from Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. General F
Supreme Court ruling on when media advertising expenses are deductible business expenses or capital outlays for goodwill.
Reasonable Doubt Safeguarding Individual Liberty IN Drug Cases
When Consent Doesnt Protect Kidnapping for Ransom and the Limits of Voluntary Association
The Supreme Court affirms death sentences for kidnappers, rejecting claims that voluntary surrender as rebels shields them from common crime liability.
Judge Held Liable for Delay and Ignorance of the Indeterminate Sentence Law
A judge's delay in promulgating a decision and erroneous application of the Indeterminate Sentence Law led to administrative liability, though the case closed upon his death.
Advertising Expenses and Tax Deductions: Ordinary vs. Capital Outlay in the Philippines
Philippine tax law on advertising deductions: when a colossal ad spend becomes a capital outlay, not an ordinary expense.
Dead Man's Statute: Protecting Estates and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the Dead Man's Statute's scope, balancing estate protection against fair trial rights in claims against deceased persons.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: A Judge's Duty to Resolve Motions Promptly
Supreme Court holds judges must resolve motions within prescribed periods; lack of personnel is no excuse for delay.
Illegitimacy, Inheritance Rights, and Marital Presumptions in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on paraphernal property, contract of adhesion, and unconscionable interest rates shows how Philippine law protects borrowers and spouses.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forged deeds are void and why buyers must verify titles and possession before purchasing property.
Instigation Is Not a Defense Against Valid Employee Dismissal for Drug Use
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether instigation by an employer can shield an employee from dismissal for using prohibited drugs at work.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Overcoming Delay with Fear and Intimidation
How Philippine courts treat delayed reporting in rape cases when threats of violence and death explain the victim's silence.
Option to Buy: Exercising Rights Without Immediate Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an option to buy can be exercised without immediate payment, but only under specific conditions.
Challenging Filiation: When Can Heirship Be Contested in Property Disputes
Philippine law sets strict rules on when filiation can be challenged in inheritance cases. Learn the key principles and deadlines.