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.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.
Writ of Possession for Subsequent Purchasers After Foreclosure: Key Rules
Learn when a subsequent buyer of foreclosed property can obtain a writ of possession and the procedural requirements under Philippine law.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Owner's Duplicate and ROD Certifications
Supreme Court clarifies when a lost owner's duplicate title and ROD certifications suffice for judicial reconstitution of a transfer certificate of title.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Security Guard's Prolonged Floating Status Becomes Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard's floating status beyond six months amounts to constructive dismissal, entitling the guard to separation pay and back wages.
Intoxication and Consent: Examining the Boundaries of Rape in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when intoxication negates consent in rape cases, explaining the elements of rape and the burden of proof.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Employee Misappropriation Is Not Estafa (Benabaye Doctrine)
The Supreme Court in Benabaye v. People clarifies when an employee's misappropriation of funds is theft, not estafa, based on possession.
Ensuring Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing the need for strict compliance with RA 9165.
Breach of Trust Establishing Guilt in Qualified Theft Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how a cashier's breach of confidence proves qualified theft, affirming reclusion perpetua for P640,353.86 misappropriation.
Entrapment vs. Instigation: Legal Boundaries in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Res Judicata When Prior Judgments Prevent Relitigation of Land Ownership Disputes
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of land ownership disputes, using a 2015 Philippine Supreme Court ruling as a guide.
Hazing and School Liability When Failure to Act Results in Criminal Complicity
When can school authorities be liable as accomplices to hazing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Redemption Rights Clarifying Repurchase Price After Foreclosure Of Public Land
Supreme Court clarifies the repurchase price for foreclosed free patent land under Section 119 of the Public Land Act.
Seafarers Disability Benefits: Employer Must Pay Full Benefits Despite Initial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers entitled to full disability benefits when treatment exceeds 240 days, even with a lower disability rating.
Enforceability of Incentive Bonuses When Promises Become Obligations
When do employer promises become enforceable obligations? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over training reimbursement claims and unpaid salary disputes.
Upholding Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses In Drug Cases Integrity Of Evidence Prevails
SC affirms drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses; integrity of evidence, chain of custody intact. Learn the rules.
Speedy Trial Dismissal Is an Acquittal: Double Jeopardy and Finality in Criminal Cases
A dismissal for violation of the right to speedy trial is an acquittal that bars re-prosecution. Learn the rules and practical lessons from this case.
Proving Conspiracy in Estafa: When Mere Presence Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court acquits a co-accused in estafa, clarifying that conspiracy must be proven beyond reasonable doubt and cannot exist after the crime is consummated.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Landowner Rights and Property Isolation
The Supreme Court explains when a compulsory easement of right of way may be granted, and why mere inconvenience does not justify imposing a burden on a neighbor's property.
Unbroken Chain: Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when procedural lapses in drug evidence custody do not defeat a conviction under RA 9165.
Indigency and Access to Courts: Balancing Constitutional Rights with Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when counsel's negligence binds clients and why procedural rules on appeals remain jurisdictional.
Notarizing Without Personal Appearance: The Cost of a Breach of Notarial Duty
A notary public who notarizes a deed without the parties appearing before him faces suspension and perpetual disqualification. Learn why.
Self-Defense vs. Criminal Intent: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery qualifies killing as murder, not homicide.
Protection Orders and Marital Discord: Balancing Rights and Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how permanent protection orders under RA 9262 operate amid marital disputes, custody battles, and claims of compromise.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Overcomes Delay and Apparent Inconsistencies
Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed report and acceptance of money do not destroy her credibility.