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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Foreclosure Sales and Repurchase Rights: Understanding Bank Discretion in Asset Disposition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that after the redemption period expires, former owners have no enforceable right to repurchase foreclosed property from the bank.
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.
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.
Ouster by Quo Warranto Challenging the Eligibility of an Impeachable Officer in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling that quo warranto, not just impeachment, can oust an ineligible impeachable officer.
Quo Warranto Challenging the Eligibility of Impeachable Officers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why quo warranto, not just impeachment, can oust an ineligible impeachable officer like the Chief Justice.
Annulment of Mortgage and Jurisdiction: When Is an Action Beyond Pecuniary Estimation?
The Supreme Court clarifies when an action to annul a real estate mortgage is incapable of pecuniary estimation, affecting which court has jurisdiction.
Due Process in Attorney Discipline: The Right to Fair Opportunity to Defend
The Supreme Court reminds us that even in disbarment cases, a lawyer must be given a fair opportunity to defend.
Simple Misconduct in Public Office: Balancing Discretion and Due Diligence
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between grave and simple misconduct for public officers, using a fund placement case as a guide.
Aider and Abettor Establishing Criminal Liability in Rape Cases Through Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a person who aids a rape by holding the victim's legs is equally guilty through conspiracy.
Distinguishing Robbery With Homicide From Homicide: Intent AS The Decisive Factor
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing during an alleged theft is homicide, not robbery with homicide, requiring proof of robbery as the main purpose.
Deception and Trafficking: Protecting Vulnerable Individuals from Exploitation
The Supreme Court affirmed a trafficking conviction where a recruiter promised local house-helper jobs but delivered minors to forced labor in Marawi City.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery and evident premeditation in murder cases, affirming a conviction based on a sudden, unexpected attack.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Lessons from People v. Cadampog
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness identification and treachery, explaining how positive identification and sudden attack establish guilt.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Justice in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying the relative nature of force and increasing damages awarded to minor victims.
Prescription in Tax Assessment: Taxpayers' Right to a Timely Assessment
When does the BIR lose its right to assess taxes? The Supreme Court clarifies prescription rules and valid waivers in CIR v. BPI.
Victim Credibility in Rape Cases: The Role of Corroborating Medical Evidence
How Philippine courts weigh victim testimony, medical findings, and identification in rape convictions, explained through a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Ethical Standards When Personal Conduct Impacts A Lawyers Professional Standing
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for conduct unbecoming, even without proof of sexual immorality.
Judicial Ethics and Court Employees: The Limits of Intervention in Legal Proceedings
Court employees must not meddle in cases where they have no official role. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on simple misconduct.
Upholding Attorney Integrity: Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Requires Substantial Evidence of Malice
Disbarment requires substantial evidence of malice, not mere speculation. The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in Santiago v. Santiago.
Upholding the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, explaining why strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 is vital.
Upholding Drug Convictions: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, explaining why strict compliance with the chain of custody rule is crucial.
Breaking the Chain of Custody: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that broken chain of custody and unjustified non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 warrant acquittal in drug cases.
Trademark Ownership Rests on Prior Use, But Related Goods Still Matter
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies trademark ownership via prior use and the test for related goods in SAKURA dispute.
Chain of Custody Breaches Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects after police fail to justify missing DOJ and media witnesses during inventory under Section 21.