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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Land Disputes: RTC Jurisdiction Over Reversion Cases Involving Indigenous Titles
The Supreme Court clarifies that reversion and cancellation of titles over ancestral lands fall under RTC jurisdiction, not the NCIP.
Falsification of Public Documents and Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt Through Circumstantial Evidence
Explore how the Supreme Court acquits an inmate for drug possession due to broken chain of custody and missing witnesses under RA 9165.
Seafarers Disability Claim Denied for Concealing Pre-Existing Condition and Abandoning Treatment
Supreme Court denies seafarer's disability claim for fraudulent misrepresentation in PEME and medical abandonment under the 2000 POEA-SEC.
Disbarment for Extortion: Upholding Ethical Standards in Public Service
The Supreme Court disbarred a government lawyer for extortion, reaffirming that public office amplifies a lawyer's ethical duties.
Clearing Title Disputes: How Ownership Rights Prevail in Property Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property disputes, foreign ownership limits, and the proper remedy for dismissed cases.
Torrens Title Indefeasibility Protecting Registered Landowners From Delayed Claims
The Supreme Court affirms that Torrens titles become incontrovertible after one year, barring late claims against registered landowners.
Safeguarding Rights: The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict, underscoring that strict compliance with the chain of custody rule is substantive law, not mere procedure.
Subrogation and Prescription: Insurers' Rights in Quasi-Delict Claims Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription runs for insurers subrogated to insureds' quasi-delict claims, abandoning the Vector doctrine.
Reasonable Doubt and Illegal Drug Possession: When Mere Presence Isn't Enough
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate of drug possession, ruling that failure to comply with the chain of custody witness requirement undermines the prosecution's case.
Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto, but not other civil claims.
Upholding Torrens Title When Tax Declarations Fail to Prove Ownership
The Supreme Court affirms that a Torrens certificate of title prevails over tax declarations, which do not prove ownership. Learn the rules on collateral attacks and prescription.
Protecting Children Upholding Convictions FOR Rape AND Lasciviousness IN THE Home
The Supreme Court affirms rape and lasciviousness convictions, clarifying the applicable law for sexual abuse of minors under RA 7610 and the Revised Penal Code.
Constructive Possession Knowledge AND Control IN Drug Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court acquits in drug cases when police fail to prove possession, knowledge, and control beyond reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate in a drug possession case due to the prosecution's failure to justify non-compliance with the chain of custody rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Legal Redemption: The Critical Importance of Timely Assertion in Property Disputes
Land registration requires proof the property is alienable and disposable. The Supreme Court explains the rules and burden of proof.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Key Rulings from a 2019 Case
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness penalties, damages, and procedural requirements under Philippine law.
Conspiracy and Intent: Establishing Guilt in Multiple Stabbing Incidents
A Supreme Court ruling explains how implied conspiracy and intent to kill establish guilt in a coordinated multiple-stabbing attack.
Judicial Longevity Pay: Crediting Prior Government Service for Justices and Judges
The Supreme Court ruled that prior OSG service may count toward judicial longevity pay, affecting retirement and salary benefits.
Land Disputes and Indigenous Rights: Reasserting RTC Jurisdiction in Reversion Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the RTC, not the NCIP, has jurisdiction over reversion and cancellation of title cases involving ancestral lands.
Oral Agreements vs Written Contracts: When Verbal Lease Changes Hold Up in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when verbal agreements can modify written lease contracts, and when they cannot, in Modomo v. Layug.
Protecting Children: SC Clarifies Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against minors, and the penalties for child sexual abuse.
Judicial Accountability: Forfeiture of Benefits for Gross Ignorance of the Law
Supreme Court rules on judicial accountability, imposing fines on a retired judge for gross misconduct and defiance of Court orders.
Verbal Agreements vs Written Contracts: When a Lease or Workplace Transfer Can Be Modified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when verbal notices and transfer orders are invalid, protecting employee security of tenure.
Disbarment Case: Reprimand for Lawyer's False Statements and Court Disrespect
Supreme Court reprimands lawyer for discourteous language and unfounded accusations against judges and prosecutors in administrative case.