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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Notarizing Documents for Relatives: Ethical Boundaries in Philippine Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when notarizing documents for relatives violates notarial rules, with practical guidance for lawyers.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conspiracy in Robbery with Homicide: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
How the Supreme Court upheld a robbery-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence and conspiracy, and what this means for criminal cases.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Court Guidance on Fair Land Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, emphasizing adherence to DAR formulas.
Chain of Custody in Drug Busts: Why Witnesses Must Be Present at Seizure
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over missing chain of custody witnesses, stressing Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
Regular vs Project Employee: When Rehiring Without a Fixed Term Creates Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a project employee becomes regular, securing tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
Seafarers Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Referral and Compensability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim fails for skipping the mandatory third-doctor referral under the POEA-SEC.
Understanding Illegal Drug Possession Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court acquittal in a drug buy-bust case highlights strict rules on evidence and witness presence.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling shows why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is vital in drug cases. Learn the chain of custody rule.
Understanding Contracts TO Sell: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contract is an assignment, not a guaranty, and the limits of apparent authority.
Mandatory Witness Rule in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to secure DOJ representative during inventory, reinforcing chain of custody rules.
Understanding Lascivious Conduct AND Rape Convictions Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
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.
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.
Upholding Arbitral Awards: The Limits of Court Review in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may modify CIAC arbitral awards, emphasizing finality of factual findings in construction disputes.
Sheriff's Duty in Eviction: Three-Day Notice Cannot Be Skipped
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must give three-day notice before enforcing eviction writs, even in immediately executory cases.
Reviving Judgments When Delays Extend the Execution Period Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can still be executed by motion beyond five years if the losing party caused the delay.
When Death Ends a Rape Conviction: The Rule on Death Pending Appeal
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains what happens to rape and lasciviousness convictions when the accused dies before final judgment.
Donation Revocation: Balancing Donor Intent and Donee Compliance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a donation's automatic revocation clause is valid and how courts review its enforcement.
Default Judgments and Due Process: How Actual Receipt of Summons Cures Defective Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how actual receipt of summons cures defective substituted service and the requirements for lifting default orders.
Ante-Nuptial Agreements: Waiving Rights to Property Acquired During Marriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how ante-nuptial agreements with complete separation of property can waive claims over properties acquired during marriage.
The Doctrine of Mootness: Resolving Association Election Disputes Beyond Expired Terms
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when election contests become moot after officers' terms expire, and the exceptions to the mootness doctrine.
Forged Check Nullifies Loan and Foreclosure: Lessons from PNB v. Giron-Roque
A forged check voids a loan and its foreclosure. Learn the banking diligence rules and borrower remedies from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Conspiracy and Accessory Liability in Heinous Crimes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and accessory liability in kidnapping and heinous crimes, emphasizing accountability for all participants.
Compromise Agreements Bind Courts: Enforcing Terms as Written
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, judicial authority, and remedies for breach in Bernardo v. Union Bank.