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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Attorney-Client Privilege: When Public Disclosure Crosses the Line in Legal Ethics
In-house counsel suspended for media disclosures. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality duties.
Unjust Enrichment vs. Immutability of Judgment: Balancing Equity and Finality in Power Supply Contracts
The Supreme Court reconciles the immutability of final judgments with unjust enrichment claims in a dispute over fuel supply between NAPOCOR and Delta P.
Upholding Client Confidentiality Limits On Revealing Information After Termination OF Employment
A lawyer's duty of confidentiality survives termination of employment, but the burden of proving a breach rests on the complainant.
Falsification vs Estafa: Identifying the True Crime in Fraudulent Schemes
The Supreme Court clarifies when falsification of a private document, not estafa, is the proper charge in fraud cases.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause: When Presence Alone Does Not Imply Guilt in Fraud Cases
Mere presence at a meeting does not prove conspiracy in estafa cases. The Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed.
Estoppel by Silence: When a Surety Cannot Question a Bail Bond's Validity
The Supreme Court rules a surety is estopped from questioning a bail bond's validity after remaining silent despite repeated notices.
Land Use Reclassification vs. Agrarian Reform: When LGU Zoning Does Not Remove CARP Coverage
The Supreme Court clarifies that LGU land use reclassification alone does not exempt agricultural land from CARP coverage—DAR conversion is still required.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case due to the police's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165, emphasizing the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Protecting Children From Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against an 11-year-old, clarifying penalties and damages.
Proving Forgery in Property Disputes: The Burden of Clear Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forgery must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, not mere allegations, in property disputes.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Litigation: Lessons from BF Citiland v. BSP
The Supreme Court clarifies the rule against forum shopping and its consequences for parties filing multiple cases with the same cause of action.
Treachery Unproven Conviction Reduced to Homicide Absent Deliberate Attack
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attacks do not automatically constitute treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Double Sales and Defective Notarization: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
Explains when double sale rules apply, the effect of defective notarization on deeds, and limits on attacking Torrens titles.
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.
Probable Cause and Conspiracy: When Presence Alone Does Not Mean Guilt in Insurance Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence and family ties do not establish conspiracy or probable cause in insurance fraud cases.
Shareholder Rights Navigating Derivative Suits IN Philippine Corporate LAW
Understand when Philippine courts allow derivative suits, the requirements under the Interim Rules, and why majority shareholders cannot bypass the board of directors.
Diabetes and Seafarer Rights: Establishing Work Relatedness for Disability Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's diabetes is work-related and compensable, and the rules on post-employment medical exams.
Investment Fraud and Conspiracy in Estafa Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy in investment fraud estafa cases is proven, using the landmark Sulit v. People decision.
Broken Chains: Strict Evidence Rules and Estoppel in Drug Case Bail Forfeitures
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's silence on an agent's unauthorized bail bond can bar claims of invalidity through estoppel.
Breach of Trust Disbarment for Misappropriation and Defiance of Court Orders
Lawyer disbarred for misappropriating client funds and practicing law despite a suspension order. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
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.
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.
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.