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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Prejudicial Question Doctrine Resolving Conflicting Land Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction in reversion suits versus annulment of judgment, and what this means for land title disputes.
Safeguarding Chain of Custody: How Improper Handling of Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that police lapses in drug evidence handling, particularly missing inventory and photos, can warrant acquittal.
Calendar Days vs. Working Days: How Suspensions Are Counted for Philippine Government Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that suspensions for government employees are served in calendar days, including weekends and holidays, not working days.
Disbarment for Sexual Harassment and Exploitation: Lessons from Atty. De Los Reyes
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for sextortion and gross immorality, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for lawyers.
When Can an Association Represent Its Members in Court? Standing to Sue Explained
The Supreme Court explains when an association can sue for its members, and why lack of legal capacity to sue is fatal to a petition.
Laches and Jurisdiction: Upholding Final Judgments in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court rules that a four-year delay in filing an annulment of judgment constitutes laches, barring property claims.
Finality Prevails: Annulment of Judgment Barred by Laches in Forcible Entry Case
Supreme Court rules that a four-year delay in seeking annulment of judgment constitutes laches, barring the remedy despite claims of lack of jurisdiction.
Buyer in Good Faith and Foreclosure Sales: When a Defective Auction Still Stands
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer in good faith can keep property even if the foreclosure sale had procedural defects.
PNP Dismissal Orders: When Are They Immediately Executory?
The Supreme Court clarifies when PNP dismissal orders are immediately executory and how appeals to the National Appellate Board affect enforcement.
Legal Interest on Loans: When Courts Impose Compensatory Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest applies to unpaid loans, distinguishing monetary from compensatory interest under Nacar guidelines.
Defiance and Dismissal: Understanding Illegal Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders in the Philippines
When pilots defied a return-to-work order, the Supreme Court upheld their dismissal. Learn the legal consequences of illegal strikes.
Finality of Judgment vs Due Process: Balancing Legal Principles in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when finality of judgment prevails over due process claims in labor cases, citing Citibank v. Andres.
Dismissal Upheld: Intra-Corporate Disputes Belong in Commercial Courts
Supreme Court rules a shareholder's ejectment suit against corporate officers is an intra-corporate dispute, not a simple forcible entry case.
Upholding the Chain of Custody: Valid Warrantless Arrest and Seizure in Illegal Drug Transportation
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for transporting marijuana, clarifying valid warrantless arrests, Section 21 compliance, and the chain of custody rule.
Real Property Tax: Who Pays When Ownership and Possession Differ
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies real property tax liability when the registered owner is not in possession, citing Herarc Realty v. Provincial Treasurer of Batangas.
Election Contests and the 15-Day Rule: Eizmendi v. Fernandez on Corporate Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies that indirect attacks on corporate elections violate the 15-day reglementary period for election contests under the Interim Rules.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Accountability in Government Procurement
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for Ombudsman rulings in criminal vs. administrative cases, and affirms accountability in government procurement.
When a Car Purchase Goes Wrong: Establishing Liability in Sales Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a person who receives payment and issues a receipt in a car sale can be held liable as a seller.
Trust Receipt Breach: When Failure to Deliver Constitutes Estafa in the Philippines
Explore when failure to deliver under a trust receipt agreement constitutes estafa, based on a 2018 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Constructive Dismissal: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Not Voluntary at All
The Supreme Court clarifies when a signed resignation letter is actually constructive dismissal, protecting employees from forced resignations disguised as voluntary acts.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Foreclosure Voided: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Supreme Court voids foreclosure sale for lack of republication and reposting of rescheduled sale notice, affirming mandatory rules under Act No. 3135.
Treachery Unveiled: When Sudden Attack Does Not Mean Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attack alone does not prove treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case Based on Improbable Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a rape victim's testimony is too general to convict, and when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction.