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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Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Gaps in Evidence Led to an Acquittal
In People v. Año, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale accused because the prosecution failed to justify missing witnesses in the chain of custody.
Tax Sales vs Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and property rights protection for landowners.
Corporate Rehabilitation Stay Orders: What They Mean for Property Claims
The Supreme Court explains how a stay order in corporate rehabilitation suspends all claims, including demands for specific performance of property sales.
Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Rent Suspension and Earnest Money: Balancing Rights in Lease and Sale Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when lessees may suspend rent and when earnest money in a contract to sell may be forfeited.
Sales Commissions Are Wages: Supreme Court Ruling on Unpaid Commissions and Unauthorized Deductions
Sales commissions are wages under Philippine law. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled on unpaid commissions and unauthorized car plan deductions.
Upholding a Drug Sale Conviction: Witness Credibility and Chain of Custody
In People v. Flor, the Supreme Court affirmed a drug sale conviction, showing how courts weigh witness credibility and substantial compliance with chain of custody.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Illegal Sale Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a shabu sale case, stressing that gaps in the chain of custody create reasonable doubt.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Individual Rights IN Drug Sale Convictions 2
Unregistered Donations vs Registered Sales: Priority in Land Ownership Disputes
When a donation isn't registered, a later buyer who relies on the Torrens title may win ownership. Learn the rules.
Essential Witness Rule Drug Sale Convictions Without Informant Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a drug sale conviction despite the informant-poseur buyer not testifying, clarifying when the essential witness rule applies.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Drug Conviction Overturned Due to Flawed Chain of Custody
In People v. Calibod, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale suspect after police failed to follow the chain of custody rules under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Untangling VAT Refund Claims Navigating Deadlines for Zero-Rated Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the mandatory deadlines for VAT refund claims on zero-rated sales, and why missing them is fatal.
Lawyer Suspended for Two Years Over Falsified Deed Involving Deceased Landowner
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for benefiting from a falsified deed of sale involving a property owner who had already died.
Upholding Notarized Deeds: Supreme Court on Authenticity and Forgery in Property Sales
The Supreme Court affirms that notarized deeds enjoy a presumption of authenticity, and forgery claims require clear and convincing evidence to overturn them.
Breach of Express Warranty When Road Widening Impacts Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that express warranties in deeds of sale differ from implied warranty against eviction, entitling buyer to refund.
When a Lawyer Exceeds Authority: Suspension for Unauthorized Sale of Client’s Property
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for selling a client's property without authority, violating Canons 5, 15, and 17 of the CPR.
Upholding Contract Validity Against Claims of Forgery and Incapacity in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forgery, mental incapacity, and undue influence when challenging notarized property sales.
When a Tax Sale Lacks Notice: Due Process and Res Judicata in Property Auctions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a tax delinquency sale without proper notice violates due process and is not barred by res judicata.
Res Judicata and Due Process in Tax Sales: When a Prior Case Does Not Bar a New Suit
The Supreme Court clarifies when res judicata applies in tax delinquency sales and protects property owners' right to due process.
Res Judicata and Due Process in Tax Sales: Ignacio v. City Treasurer of Quezon City
When a tax sale is challenged for lack of notice, res judicata may not bar the case if the earlier judgment did not rule on the sale's validity.
Res Judicata by Conclusiveness of Judgment Bars Relitigation of Equitable Mortgage
Final ruling that deeds of sale were equitable mortgages binds parties in later foreclosure case, explains the Supreme Court.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Resolving Conflicting Claims in Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and how courts resolve conflicting claims over real property.
Lack of Price Certainty: How Indefinite Terms Can Invalidate a Real Estate Sale
Indefinite terms like an uncertain price can void a real estate sale. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.