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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Good Faith Under Scrutiny: Proving Innocent Purchase in Land Title Disputes
The presumption of good faith in land purchases is disputable. Learn what the Supreme Court requires to prove innocent purchaser status.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspect Over Missing Witnesses in Buy-Bust Operation
SC acquits drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during buy-bust inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
The Indispensable Role of DENR Certification in Land Registration: Highpoint Development Corp. vs. Republic
A CENRO certification alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable. Learn the strict requirements for original registration of title in the Philippines.
Good Faith and Torrens Titles: Overcoming the Innocent Purchaser Presumption
The Supreme Court explains when a Torrens title holder loses the innocent purchaser presumption and what buyers must prove to keep their property.
Self-Defense and the Degree of Criminal Liability: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why self-defense must be proven by clear and convincing evidence.
Excise Tax and Denatured Alcohol: Clarifying Exemptions for In-Transit Losses
Supreme Court rules that denatured alcohol lost to evaporation during transit remains exempt from excise tax under the NIRC.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases: People v. Bricero
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in chain of custody, reinforcing rights under Section 21 of RA 9165.
PHAPi v. Medialdea: Standing and Justiciability in the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law Challenge
The Supreme Court dismissed PHAPi's constitutional challenge to R.A. 10932 for lack of legal standing and absence of an actual case or controversy.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape with Homicide Case for Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits two men convicted of rape with homicide, ruling that weak circumstantial evidence and doubtful identification cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Witness Requirements and Evidentiary Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Overturn a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Ponzi Schemes and Syndicated Estafa: Protecting the Public From Investment Fraud
The Supreme Court explains how Ponzi schemes constitute syndicated estafa under Philippine law, and what this means for investors.
Title Disputes: Upholding Title Regularity Over Unsubstantiated Fraud Claims in Land Reconveyance
Philippine Supreme Court rules bare allegations of fraud cannot defeat a certificate of title's presumption of regularity in reconveyance actions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Still Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Individual Liberty In Rape With Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two men of rape with homicide, ruling that weak circumstantial evidence cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court raises penalty for psychological abuse committed via Facebook, ruling ICT use qualifies for one-degree higher punishment under RA 10175.
Oral Contracts for Property: Six-Year Prescription Bars Stale Claims for Specific Performance
Oral agreements to transfer property must be enforced within six years. Learn how prescription works and why timely action matters.
Diminished Treachery: When Sudden Attacks Do Not Qualify as Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden attack lacks treachery, reducing murder to homicide, and explains self-defense standards.
Local Tax Refunds: Protest vs. Claim — What the Supreme Court Says
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between protesting a local tax assessment and claiming a refund, and the deadlines that apply.
Protecting Seafarers: Employers Must Uphold Medical Obligations and Timely Pay Sickness Allowances
The Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot use a seafarer's missed check-up as an excuse to deny disability benefits when the employer failed to pay sickness allowance and approve treatment.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: Distinguishing Homicide from Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and what a defendant must prove to claim self-defense.
Land Registration: Overcoming the State's Presumptive Ownership of Public Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that buyers and heirs of land must prove it is alienable and disposable—not just show a deed or inheritance—to register title.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Cutting Off Water Supply Without Notice Becomes a Legal Wrong
Supreme Court rules that cutting off a water connection without notice violates Article 19 of the Civil Code, entitling the affected party to damages.
Compromise Agreements Court Approval Required FOR Enforceability Against ALL Parties
A compromise agreement approved by the court binds only the parties who signed it, not other claimants in the same case.