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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
When an Implied Lease Renewal Does Not Revive a Right of First Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court explains why an implied lease renewal does not automatically revive a lessee's right of first refusal.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Injunction Cases: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Practitioners
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a tax dispute between two LGUs, and what it means for property owners facing competing tax claims.
Real Property Tax Disputes: Location, Titles, and Escrow When LGUs Compete
When two LGUs claim the same property for real estate tax, who gets paid? The Supreme Court's answer in Municipality of Cainta v. Spouses Braña.
Government Infrastructure Projects and Injunction Bans: What Landowners Should Know
Supreme Court clarifies when RTCs can hear injunction cases against government infrastructure projects despite RA 8975 prohibitions.
Unclear Medical Assessments Protecting Seafarers Rights TO Disability Benefits
A company doctor's vague medical report cannot defeat a seafarer's claim for total permanent disability benefits, the Supreme Court ruled.
Upholding Discretion When Appellate Procedure Meets Substantial Justice in Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies RTC jurisdiction over injunction suits against government infrastructure projects despite procedural missteps.
Implied Lease Renewals and Right of First Refusal: What Tenants Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that implied lease renewals do not revive a tenant's right of first refusal unless expressly agreed.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Crucial Role of Witnesses and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, stressing that third-party witnesses must be present during arrest and seizure, not just inventory.
CSC Contempt Fines and Compliance with Orders: The Eusebio Case
The Supreme Court reinstated a P416,000 contempt fine against a mayor who defied CSC reinstatement orders, affirming the CSC's power to impose daily fines.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody—what Section 21 requires and why witness presence matters.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Procedures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police broke the chain of custody—a reminder that evidence integrity is paramount.
When Family Ties and Fair Proceedings Collide: Lessons from Soliva v. Tanggol
The Supreme Court clarifies when family relations disqualify judges and how administrative due process works in Soliva v. Tanggol.
Understanding Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Insights from a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies self-defense, defense of a relative, and treachery in murder cases under Philippine law.
Administrative Dishonesty: Penalties and Due Process in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court defines gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in administrative cases.
Brokers Entitlement Establishing Procuring Cause IN Real Estate Joint Ventures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission in a joint venture deal, explained in plain language.
Real Estate Broker's Commission: Procuring Cause Prevails Even After Authority Expires
Philippine Supreme Court rules brokers earn commission as procuring cause even if authority expired before deal closed. Learn the rule.
Judicial Fiscal Autonomy Reaffirmed in Supreme Court Ruling on Travel Expenses
The Supreme Court affirms its fiscal autonomy by approving PHILJA's payment of training expenses, reinforcing judicial independence.
Grave Misconduct and Judicial Integrity: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A sheriff's dismissal for grave misconduct and a stenographer's suspension show how the Supreme Court polices judicial integrity.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding Standards of Conduct and Competence in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court approves payment for judges' Hague training, affirming accountability and proper procedure in judicial education.
When Compassion Clashes With Conduct: Separation Pay for Wrongfully Dismissed Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies when validly dismissed employees may—or may not—receive separation pay as an act of social justice.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Supreme Court Ruling on Illegal Sale and Possession
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the chain of custody rule in drug cases, affirming convictions for illegal sale and possession of shabu.
Unlocking the Right to Minimum Salary Upon Regularization: A Landmark Decision for Philippine Workers
The Supreme Court rules that company policies on minimum salary rates become binding once an employee is regularized, protecting workers from underpayment.
Probable Cause in Corruption Cases: Insights from Arroyo v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court explains when courts may review the Ombudsman's finding of probable cause in graft cases, using the Arroyo helicopter case as an example.
Timely Filing of Motions: Why Service on Counsel Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that notice to counsel, not the party, determines the timeliness of motions in Philippine litigation.