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.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal When Medical Negligence Results in Damages
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. Learn how Philippine courts award damages based on preponderance of evidence.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Banks Must Uphold Transparency in Trust Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Land Bank v. Oñate clarifies banks' fiduciary duties, transparency obligations, and liability for undocumented trust account withdrawals.
Premature Foreclosure: Protecting Mortgagors' Rights Before Default
Philippine Supreme Court rules that foreclosing a mortgage before the debtor defaults on the principal loan is void and ineffectual.
SEC Suspension Order as Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
Supreme Court rules SEC suspension of payments order excuses check dishonor under B.P. 22, reversing conviction of corporate officer.
Ownership Disputes and Wrongful Property Levy: Why Registration Prevails Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why unregistered sales lose to registered titles and levies, and what buyers must prove to claim good faith.
Buy-Bust Operations: Warrantless Arrests and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to preserve the chain of custody, explaining the rules on buy-bust operations and evidence.
Regular Seasonal Employment in the Sugar Industry: What Workers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regular seasonal employees and regular permanent workers in the sugar milling industry.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Injury Claims: Proving Self-Inflicted Harm
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employer can defeat a seafarer's disability claim by proving the injury was self-inflicted.
Breach of Contract and Banks' Liability: Understanding Hold Out Clauses in Deposit Agreements
When can a bank freeze a depositor's account? The Supreme Court explains the limits of "hold out" clauses in deposit agreements.
Constructive Dismissal Demotion and Unfulfilled Reinstatement Undermine Labor Rights
SC rules on constructive dismissal via demotion, reinstatement impossibility, and early retirement requiring explicit employee consent.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Compensable Under Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine
Supreme Court rules seafarers injured during onboard recreational activities like basketball are entitled to disability benefits under the Bunkhouse Rule.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Loss of Owner's Duplicate Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies evidence needed to reconstitute a lost or destroyed certificate of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Reconstitution of Title: Proving Loss of Owner's Duplicate Copy
Supreme Court clarifies evidence needed to reconstitute a lost certificate of title, emphasizing proof of loss over mere speculation.
Incestuous Rape: Child Victims' Testimony and Parental Responsibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies attempted rape vs. acts of lasciviousness distinction.
Protecting Local Autonomy Upholding Environmental Stewardship Over Business Interests
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against local officials, affirming their power to enforce environmental laws over business interests.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Integrity of Evidence Matters for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over police failure to follow Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Judicial Misconduct: Falsifying Service Certificates and Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court holds a retired judge liable for gross misconduct and false certificates of service, and a clerk of court for simple misconduct.
Incestuous Rape: Why Courts Trust Child Victims' Testimony in Parental Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victims' credible testimony, explaining why intact hymen and minor inconsistencies don't defeat prosecution.
Tenant Rights vs Land Ownership: Establishing a Valid Tenancy in Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies what proves a valid tenancy relationship in agrarian disputes, and why a tenant's claim failed.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies kidnapping for ransom elements, penalties, and damages in People v. Con-ui.
Upholding Local Autonomy: The Constitutionality of Vehicle Immobilization Ordinances
The Supreme Court upheld Cebu City's vehicle immobilization ordinance as a valid exercise of police power, clarifying due process requirements for traffic enforcement.
Attorney Sanctioned for Baseless Complaint Against Justice: Lessons on Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court held a lawyer in indirect contempt for filing a baseless administrative complaint against a Court of Appeals justice, reaffirming that such complaints cannot substitute for judicial
Closure Due to Serious Losses: When Separation Pay Is Not Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when business closure due to serious losses exempts employers from separation pay, but still requires proper notice.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: When the Surplus Must Be Returned
Philippine Bank of Communications v. Yeung clarifies when a writ of possession issues after foreclosure and how sale surpluses are handled.