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.
Tenant Rights Under Scrutiny: Consent and Proof in Agricultural Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that occupation and cultivation alone do not create a tenancy relationship, requiring proof of landowner consent and harvest sharing.
Cultivation vs Tenancy: Consent and Harvest Sharing in Agricultural Land Redemption
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere cultivation does not create tenancy; landowner consent and harvest sharing must be proven for redemption rights.
When Checks Prove a Loan: The Supreme Court Ruling on Evidence of Indebtedness
The Supreme Court clarifies when checks alone establish a loan obligation and shift the burden of proof to the debtor under Philippine law.
Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction: Proclamation Is the Decisive Factor in Election Contests
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a congressional candidate is proclaimed, the HRET, not the COMELEC, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
Sexual Harassment by a Lawyer: When Misconduct Erodes Client Trust
A lawyer who sexually harasses a client faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why such conduct betrays the profession's core values.
Equitable Mortgage Ruling Reasserts Mortgagor Rights in Property Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that in equitable mortgages, reconveyance to the mortgagor is the principal remedy—not payment of fair market value.
Love OR LAW Intentions Behind Marriages AND Legal Validity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that marriage for citizenship or money is valid if consent is real, distinguishing motive from lack of consent.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Employees Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and what evidence employees must present.
Airport Frisking and Drug Transportation: Upholding Convictions on Reasonable Searches and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, ruling airport frisking is a valid search and the chain of custody of seized shabu was unbroken.
When Can a Substitute Candidate Validly Replace Another in Philippine Elections
Philippine election law on substitution of candidates: grounds, deadlines, and rules for valid replacement under the Omnibus Election Code.
Victim Credibility in Rape Cases: Delay in Reporting and Lack of Medical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape victim's testimony alone can sustain a conviction, even with delayed reporting and no medical evidence.
Voluntary Surrender and the Downgrade from Murder to Homicide in People v. Placer
When treachery is not proven beyond reasonable doubt, the crime is homicide. Voluntary surrender then lowers the penalty. Here's how.
Torrens Title Indefeasibility and the Burden of Proof in Land Registration Applications
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax declarations alone cannot prove possession since 1945, a key requirement for judicial land registration under P.D. 1529.
Forum Shopping and Protection Orders: Avoiding Conflicting Rulings in Custody Disputes
When a mother filed for a protection order in another court while a custody case was pending, the Supreme Court clarified the limits of forum shopping.
Why Torrens Titles Are Indefeasible: Collateral Attacks and Good Faith Buyers
Philippine law protects Torrens titles from collateral attack. Learn the rules on direct challenges, indispensable parties, and good faith buyers.
Dismissal for Drug Use Upholding Integrity in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for shabu use, ruling it grave misconduct that tarnishes the Judiciary's image and integrity.
Navigating VAT Refund Claims: Mandatory Periods and the Operative Fact Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies the mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund claims and when the operative fact doctrine applies.
Intent to Kill: Assessing the Elements of Frustrated Homicide in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts determine intent to kill in frustrated homicide cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on a scythe attack.
Prescription Period for Ordinance Violations: Filing the Complaint vs. the Information
When does prescription run for ordinance violations? The Supreme Court clarifies whether filing a complaint with the prosecutor interrupts the period.
When Teaching Doesn't Cover All: Narrowing the Scope of Occupational Disease Compensation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that being listed as an occupational disease does not automatically make an illness compensable under Philippine law.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a convicted person who misses the 15-day appeal period loses the right to appeal—and why counsel's negligence binds the client.
Doubt in Drug Cases: How Evidence Tampering Can Overturn a Conviction
When seized drugs weigh less at the lab than at inventory, reasonable doubt arises. The Supreme Court explains why.
Contract to Sell: Full Compliance Required Before Buyer Can Demand Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that buyers under a contract to sell must fulfill all obligations—not just the purchase price—before demanding a deed of sale.
Voice Recognition as Positive Identification in Philippine Rape Cases
How voice recognition helped convict a rapist whose face was covered, and what this means for Philippine criminal law.