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.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: MIAA Must Refund Overpaid Rentals Despite Prescription Claims
Supreme Court rules MIAA must refund full overpaid rentals to lessee, rejecting prescription defense based on contract, not quasi-contract.
Quieting of Title in the Philippines: Direct vs. Collateral Attacks Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when challenging a land title's validity is a direct attack, not a collateral one, in quieting of title cases.
Lawyer Disbarred for Neglect and Client Abandonment: Lessons on Legal Ethics
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years and orders return of fees for neglecting a client's annulment case.
When Buy-Bust Operations Fail: Why Inconsistent Police Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, underscoring the prosecution's burden of proof.
Lawyer's Duty to Encourage Settlement: A Lesson from Sevilla v. Millo
When a lawyer blocked his clients' negotiated settlement, the Supreme Court imposed a one-month suspension, reaffirming that lawyers must encourage fair settlements.
Indirect Contempt Requires Willful Disobedience: Lessons from Land Bank v. MERALCO
When is failure to comply with a court order contempt? The Supreme Court clarifies in Land Bank v. MERALCO that good faith and impossibility matter.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Key Witnesses Contradict Each Other in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, undermining proof beyond reasonable doubt.
CBA vs Company Policy: Protecting Employee Rights in SSS Loan Availment
Supreme Court rules company policy capping employee loans at 50% of pay violates CBA and Labor Code.
Caveat Emptor and Land Titles: The Duty of Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Buyers of land with administratively reconstituted titles must exercise extra diligence. The Supreme Court explains why in Jurado v. Spouses Chai.
Good Faith and Land Titles: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith protects parties from contempt in property disputes, balancing court orders with rights of innocent buyers.
Hidden Car Defects and Loan Obligations: What Buyers Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when car buyers can rescind a sale for hidden defects and why loan obligations remain separate.
Distinguishing Child Abuse From Physical Injuries: Intent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every injury to a minor is child abuse; specific intent to debase or demean must be proven.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When a Supervisor's Single Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling on when a nurse supervisor's unauthorized taking of hospital supplies justifies dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Diminished Capacity and Consent in Rape and Child Abuse Cases: Key Lessons from People v. Vañas
The Supreme Court clarifies when mental incapacity negates consent in rape and why defective Informations can void child abuse charges.
IPRA Does Not Shield Indigenous Peoples From Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act cannot be used to evade criminal liability or strip courts of jurisdiction over criminal cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Police Lapses Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over police lapses in Section 21 chain of custody, reaffirming presumption of innocence.
Packaging Errors and Liability: Who Pays When Contract Manufacturing Goes Wrong
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears liability for defective packaging in contract manufacturing agreements, explained in plain language.
Double Jeopardy in Administrative Cases: Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Affirmed
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaint against Atty. Salva, ruling that prior administrative penalty bars re-litigation of the same charges.
Deed of Assignment Validity and Loan vs. Sale: Key Contract Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Deed of Assignment establishes ownership, and how courts distinguish a loan from a sale.
Stop and Frisk During Election Periods: When Police Searches Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless stop and frisk search is valid, using an election gun ban case as an example.
CNA Incentive Disallowance Upholds the Primacy of MOOE in Government Spending
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of CNA Incentive paid from EAO savings, clarifying that only MOOE may fund such incentives.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disbarment for Attorney's Deceptive Settlement Tactics
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for deceiving an opposing party into paying P2 million under a false compromise agreement, reaffirming high ethical standards.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Dismissal and Accountability for Misappropriated Court Funds
A Supreme Court ruling on dismissal for serious dishonesty and the accountability of court officials for misappropriated funds.
Attorney Disbarred for Deceptive Settlement Tactics in Labor Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who deceived opposing party into paying P2 million under false settlement pretense, violating ethical rules.