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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Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Anti-Drug Operations
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke chain of custody rules, reaffirming that procedural lapses can compromise evidence integrity.
Hacienda Luisita Determining Legitimate Corporate Expenses AND FWB Compensation
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on legitimate corporate expenses and FWB compensation in the Hacienda Luisita case.
Informing Seafarers: The Cornerstone of Due Process in Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing due process and the necessity of informing seafarers of their rights and options.
Foreclosure Writ of Possession: Appeal Does Not Stay Implementation
Supreme Court clarifies that an appeal of a writ of possession order in extrajudicial foreclosure does not suspend its implementation.
When Court Complaints Cross the Line: Lessons from the Tallado v. Racoma Administrative Case
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against two RTC judges, warning against using judicial audits to harass the bench.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may order reconstitution of a lost or destroyed land title under Republic Act No. 26.
Chain of Custody in Firearm Cases: When Delayed Marking Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a firearm possession accused over unjustified delayed marking, clarifying chain of custody rules under RA 10591.
Deposit Insurance Claims Upholding Pdic Authority AND Defining Course OF Business
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation's regulatory authority over bank operations and the definition of "course of business" in deposit insurance claim
When a Mortgage on Trust Property Is Void: UCPB v. Spouses Chua
The Supreme Court rules that a bank cannot foreclose on properties held in trust when the trustee had no authority to mortgage them.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Third-Party Property: UCPB's Duty to Protect Borrower Interests
When a bank forecloses property mortgaged by a third party without the owner's consent, the Supreme Court protects the true owner's rights.
Valid Dation in Payment: When a Debtor's Creditor Still Has Authority to Settle
Supreme Court explains when a dation in payment is valid even if the creditor assigned its receivables to another party.
Safeguarding Constitutional Rights: The High Cost of Defective Search Warrants in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullifies search warrants issued without a searching examination, reaffirming that evidence seized under void warrants is inadmissible.
Unfair Competition and Trade Name Confusion: The Paperone Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate name can amount to unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, even without trademark infringement.
Unfair Competition in Trade Names: PAPER ONE vs. Paperone, Inc.
Supreme Court clarifies unfair competition rules when a corporate name closely mimics an established trademark, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
When a Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Treachery Must Exist at the Attack's Inception
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why treachery must exist from the very start of the attack.
Tax Exemption for Coal Operators: Interpreting Special Laws and VAT Obligations
The Supreme Court affirms Semirara Mining's VAT exemption under PD 972, clarifying how special laws interact with the NIRC.
Unlawful Restraint Establishing Intent in Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention
The Supreme Court explains how acts of clubbing, sacking, and carrying a victim establish the intent to deprive liberty under Article 267.
Upholding Arbitration Philippine Courts Enforce Foreign Awards Despite Domestic LAW Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms enforcement of a Singapore arbitral award, clarifying narrow grounds for refusal under the New York Convention.
Election Offenses and Double Jeopardy: The Limits of Prosecutorial Power in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal in an election offense case is final, and why the prosecution cannot appeal it without violating double jeopardy.
Compromised Evidence Acquittal in Drug Case Due to Chain of Custody Lapses
Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects after prosecution fails to justify missing media witness in chain of custody.
When Police Lapses in Drug Seizures Lead to Acquittal: The Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules. Learn the requirements.
Management Prerogative vs Diminution of Benefits: The Coca-Cola Saturday Work Dispute
When can a company stop Saturday work without violating the non-diminution rule? The Supreme Court clarifies in this Coca-Cola case.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Excuses Procedural Lapses: B.E. San Diego v. Bernardo
A Supreme Court ruling on when gross negligence of counsel can excuse procedural errors and prevent deprivation of property rights.