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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Illiteracy and Contracts: When Does a Sale Become Invalid
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a sale's validity depends on the parties' true intent, not just the lot number written in the deed.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Reclaiming Payment for Completed Projects
The Supreme Court allows payment for completed government projects even without a written contract, applying quantum meruit to prevent unjust enrichment.
Disbarment for Disrespect: Upholding Judicial Authority and Ethical Conduct in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for repeated abuse of court processes, dilatory tactics, and disrespect toward a Court of Appeals justice.
Navigating Firearms Regulation in the Philippines: The Supreme Court's Ruling on RA 10591
The Supreme Court upheld most of RA 10591 but struck down the PNP's warrantless home inspection consent requirement for firearm license applicants.
Electoral Protests and the Limits of Challenging Election Results in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's ruling in Marcos v. Robredo clarifies the rules, burdens, and limits of contesting presidential and vice presidential election results.
Local Fiscal Autonomy vs National Film Development: The Operative Fact Doctrine in Tax Cases
The Supreme Court balances local fiscal autonomy and national film development in the FDCP amusement tax case, applying the operative fact doctrine.
Accountability for Loss of Court Records: Simple Neglect of Duty Explained
When court records go missing, who is accountable? The Supreme Court explains simple neglect of duty for record custodians.
Upholding Arbitral Awards: The Limits of Court Review in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may modify CIAC arbitral awards, emphasizing finality of factual findings in construction disputes.
Falsifying MCLE Compliance Numbers: A Supreme Court Lesson in Professional Integrity
Learn how a lawyer's use of a fictitious MCLE number led to disbarment, and what it means for every Philippine practitioner.
Firearm Regulation in the Philippines: The Right to Privacy vs. Public Safety
The Supreme Court ruled that firearm ownership is a privilege, not a right, but struck down warrantless home inspections as unconstitutional.
Presidential Immunity Shielding THE Chief Executive From Suit During Tenure
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling that a sitting President enjoys immunity from suit, including habeas data petitions, during tenure.
Reviving Judgments When Delays Extend the Execution Period Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can still be executed by motion beyond five years if the losing party caused the delay.
Protecting Rights Illegal Drug Possession AND THE Chain OF Custody Rule
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused because police failed to comply with Section 21's witness requirements, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Ensuring Swift Justice: The Importance of Timely Case Disposition in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's undue delay in disposing a criminal case underscores why timely case disposition is vital to Philippine justice.
Reviving Judgments: The Supreme Court on Delayed Execution and Equity
A sheriff's hasty eviction without the required notice is grave abuse of authority, even when enforcing a final judgment.
Sheriff's Duty in Eviction: Three-Day Notice Cannot Be Skipped
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must give three-day notice before enforcing eviction writs, even in immediately executory cases.
Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Witnesses Must Be Present at Seizure
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure the required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Reasonable Doubt in Administrative Cases: Daquioag v. Ombudsman
In Daquioag v. Ombudsman, the Supreme Court reversed a grave misconduct finding, underscoring that substantial evidence—not mere suspicion—is required in administrative cases.
Upholding State Ownership When Public Land Claims Collide With the Regalian Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies that public lands belong to the State unless proven alienable, applying the Regalian doctrine in a school site dispute.
State Immunity and Construction Disputes: PTRI v. E.A. Ramirez Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when state agencies can be sued and why construction disputes must go to the CIAC.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Handling
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after finding the warrantless search invalid, reaffirming that a police officer's mere hunch cannot justify a stop and frisk.
Understanding Conspiracy and Homicide When Threats Turn Deadly
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how circumstantial evidence can prove rape with homicide and why alibi often fails.
Unreasonable Suspicion Safeguarding Privacy Rights In Stop And Frisk Searches
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that a police officer's mere hunch cannot justify a stop and frisk search.
Injunctive Relief Limits in Administrative Cases: The Ombudsman's Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may enjoin Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases, emphasizing limits on injunctive relief.