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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Courts Must Independently Evaluate Evidence Before Allowing Amendment of Criminal Information
Supreme Court rules trial courts commit grave abuse of discretion when they approve amended criminal informations without independently assessing the evidence.
Probable Cause and Graft Liability When a Governor's Request Shapes Public Bidding
Supreme Court ruling on graft liability of DPWH-ARMM officials for irregularities in infrastructure projects, including premature contractor mobilization.
Graft and Corruption: Public Officials' Liability and the Limits of Good Faith Reliance
When can public officials be held liable for graft despite claiming good faith reliance on subordinates? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits.
Proving Tenancy in Philippine Agrarian Law: Evidence and Burden of Proof
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what evidence is needed to prove agricultural tenancy and why certifications alone do not establish tenancy rights.
Tenancy Rights: Establishing a Bona Fide Tenant Under Agrarian Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine DARAB jurisdiction and what allegations establish a bona fide tenant in agrarian disputes.
Tenancy Rights vs. Co-Ownership: Proving Agricultural Tenancy in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy is a legal relationship that must be proven by substantial evidence, not presumed from mere occupation.
Prescription of SALN Violations Under RA 6713: When the Eight-Year Period Runs
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for failing to file SALNs under RA 6713 begins—from commission, not discovery.
Accountability in Public Works: Good Faith and Due Diligence in Government Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials may invoke good faith and reliance on subordinates in government contracts, and when they must verify.
Receiving Money from Bondsmen Is Grave Misconduct for Court Personnel
Court employees cannot receive money from litigants, even as voluntary "token" gifts. The Supreme Court explains why in Perez v. Roxas.
Challenging Drug Convictions: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Illegal Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows how broken chain of custody and flawed inventory can lead to acquittal in drug possession cases.
BOC Hold-Order Does Not Excuse Consignee From Paying Arrastre Storage Fees
Supreme Court rules a Bureau of Customs Hold-Order does not transfer liability for storage fees from the consignee to the BOC.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunction: The Clear Right Imperative in Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a preliminary mandatory injunction may issue in lease disputes, requiring a clear legal right.
Judicial Discretion vs Legal Mandates: Balancing Urgency and Procedure in TRO Extensions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's administrative liability clarifies the strict limits of 72-hour TRO extensions and the proper handling of weekend bail applications.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Storage Fees Due Despite Customs Hold Order
Supreme Court clarifies that a Bureau of Customs hold order does not relieve a consignee from paying arrastre storage fees under its contract.
Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Drug Case Integrity Through Chain Of Custody
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police breached Section 21 chain of custody rules, stressing evidence integrity matters.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Probable Cause in Deposit Insurance Claims: Lessons from PDIC v. Gidwani
The Supreme Court reinstates probable cause findings against Manu Gidwani for estafa and money laundering, clarifying standards for preliminary investigations in deposit insurance fraud cases.
Presumption of Consideration: Bank's Good Faith Upholds Mortgage Despite Forged Deed Claim
Supreme Court rules a bank's good faith reliance on a Torrens title protects its mortgage even if the prior deed was allegedly forged.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing witnesses, underscoring the need for strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Notarization Rules: When a Notary Public Violates the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice
The Supreme Court defines the strict personal appearance requirement for notarization and the penalties for violating notarial rules.
Substantial Compliance Prevails Over Procedural Defects in Annulment Petitions
Supreme Court rules substantial compliance cures defective verification and certification in annulment cases, prioritizing substantive justice.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Direct Assault with Murder Case
Supreme Court affirms conviction for direct assault with murder, ruling positive identification by an eyewitness outweighs denial and alibi defenses.
Mortgage in Good Faith: How Banks Are Protected in Registered Land Transactions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a bank-mortgagee in good faith is protected even if the mortgagor's title came from a forged deed.
Upholding Integrity in Notarial Duty: Consequences of Improper Acknowledgment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a notary public for notarizing a deed without the seller's husband personally appearing—a reminder that notarization is never a routinary act.