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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Void Writ of Execution: Supreme Court Nullifies Property Seizure and Auction
A void writ of execution invalidates all actions taken under it, including property levies and auction sales. Learn the rules.
Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales: Key Distinctions from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court distinguishes entrapment from instigation in drug cases, explaining why a buy-bust arrest remains valid when criminal intent originates from the accused.
Navigating Entrapment Proving Illegal Drug Sale AND Possession Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish valid buy-bust operations from entrapment, and what proof is needed to convict for illegal drug sale or possession beyond reasonable doubt.
Mortgage Without HLURB Approval: Buyer Protection in Condominium Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a mortgage lacking HLURB approval is void only against the unit buyer, not the developer and bank.
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Intent Determines Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court explains the key difference between entrapment and instigation in drug cases, and why intent matters.
When a Drug Sale Isn't a Sale: Payment Must Be Completed for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal drug sale requires actual payment, not just delivery. Learn the key elements and why possession still leads to conviction.
The Perils of Proximity: Proving Illegal Drug Sales Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Explore how Philippine courts weigh proximity and buy-bust evidence in drug cases, using People v. Hambora as a guide.
Theft in Telecommunications: Defining International Simple Resale and the Limits of Search Warrants
The Supreme Court clarifies that international simple resale constitutes theft under Philippine law and explains the rules on search warrants.
Redemption Rights Upheld: SSS Bound by Repurchase Agreement Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court rules SSS must honor deed of conditional sale for foreclosed property, despite expired redemption period and internal procedural lapses.
Chain of Custody in Drug Sale Convictions: What People v. Aneslag Teaches
The Supreme Court explains why preserving the integrity of seized drugs matters more than strict procedural compliance in drug cases.
Mortgagee in Good Faith Doctrine Protects Banks Despite Simulated Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks can retain mortgage rights even when mortgagors' titles trace back to simulated sales, if bank acted in good faith.
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Preliminary Injunction and Foreclosure: When Mortgagors Can Stop a Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgagor may obtain a preliminary injunction to stop an extrajudicial foreclosure sale.
Injunction Against Bank Foreclosure: When Borrowers Cannot Stop the Sale
Supreme Court explains when courts may issue injunctions to stop extrajudicial foreclosure, and why defaulting borrowers cannot rely on disputed interest rates.
Heir Exclusion and Property Sale: Validity and Rights in Estate Settlements
Learn how excluding heirs voids an extrajudicial settlement, the sale's partial validity, and heirs' rights in estate distribution.
Bad Faith in Unregistered Land Sales and Trust Disputes: Belle Corp. v. De Leon-Banks
When can a buyer of unregistered land be sued for bad faith? The Supreme Court clarifies pleading rules in trust and property disputes.
Buy-Bust Operations Ensuring Integrity in Drug Sale and Possession Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, explaining how buy-bust operations and chain of custody preserve evidence integrity under RA 9165.
When Commissions Count in Separation Pay: A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when sales commissions form part of salary for separation pay computation and when quitclaims are invalid.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, chain of custody, and what it takes to convict under Section 5 of RA 9165.
BUY Bust Operations Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Illegal Drug Sales
Zero-Rated Sales: Strict Invoicing Requirements for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: failure to comply with invoicing requirements is fatal to VAT refund claims. Learn the strict rules.
Proving Delivery and Payment in a Contract of Sale: Lessons from Asian Construction v. Mendoza
A seller need not attach invoices to a complaint, but must prove delivery. Learn the rules from a 2012 Supreme Court ruling.
Equitable Mortgage Claims: Proving Intent Beyond Bare Allegations
Supreme Court clarifies when a sale is presumed an equitable mortgage under Article 1602, stressing evidence over allegations in property disputes.
Navigating Land Disputes When Unproven Sales Fail Against Registered Titles
A Supreme Court ruling on why unproven deeds of sale cannot defeat registered land titles, and the limits of prescription in land disputes.