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.
Demolition Notices vs Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law requires demolition notices to comply with due process. Learn the rules that protect property owners and occupants.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can establish rape beyond reasonable doubt, even when the victim was unconscious during the assault.
Unjust Refusal of Payment: When Creditors Must Accept Loan Proceeds
Explaining when a creditor's unjust refusal to accept payment has legal consequences, and why tender and consignation still matter under Philippine law.
Supreme Court on Sandiganbayan Appeals: Credibility Findings Bind Review
Learn how the Supreme Court limits appeals from the Sandiganbayan to questions of law, and why witness credibility findings are conclusive.
Minor Defects in Election Returns Do Not Justify Exclusion from Canvass
The Supreme Court rules that minor defects in election returns are not grounds for exclusion in a pre-proclamation controversy.
Compromised Evidence Acquittal in Drug Cases Due to Procedural Lapses in Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case Built on Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome reasonable doubt, emphasizing rigorous scrutiny of complainant's testimony.
Documentary Stamp Tax: When Special Savings Deposits Are Certificates of Deposit Drawing Interest
The Supreme Court rules that special savings deposits with fixed-term features are "certificates of deposit drawing interest" subject to documentary stamp tax.
Government Contracts and Eminent Domain: Scrutinizing Good Faith in Land Acquisition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform must follow RA 6657 and DAR formulas, not market data alone.
Procedural Due Process and Employee Dismissal: When a Security Agency Contract Ends
When a security agency contract ends but guards remain on post, who is the employer? The Supreme Court clarifies control, due process, and liability.
Gender Equality in Retirement: Challenging Discriminatory Collective Bargaining Agreements
When can a flight attendant challenge a discriminatory retirement age in court? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over CBA provisions.
Mitigating Circumstances and Indeterminate Sentences: Balancing Justice and Individual Factors in Robbery Case
A Supreme Court ruling on how analogous mitigating circumstances and the Indeterminate Sentence Law shape penalties in robbery convictions.
Possession vs. Sale: Proving the Distinction in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies why illegal sale and illegal possession of drugs are separate crimes requiring distinct proof, acquitting on one charge.
Employer Control Determines Employment Status: The PLDT Security Guard Case
When a security agency's contract ends but guards remain at their posts under the principal's direction, an employer-employee relationship may arise.
Certiorari Not a Substitute for Lost Appeal: Lessons from Republic v. Yang Chi Hao
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, even in naturalization cases where the government seeks to question a trial court's ruling.
Reasonable Doubt and Rape Allegations: Lessons from People v. Bacus on Circumstantial Evidence
When can physical impossibility and medical findings overcome a rape accusation? The Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Bacus explains.
Unregistered Land Sales: Why Registration Matters in Ownership Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains why an unregistered deed of sale cannot bind third parties in property disputes over unregistered land.
Squatters Rights vs Absentee Landlords: Resolving Land Disputes in Urban Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on absentee landowners vs renters in urban land reform, explaining who qualifies for lot awards under the Zonal Improvement Program.
Compromise Agreements Enforceability Hinges on Fulfilled Conditions
When a court-approved compromise agreement's conditions remain unfulfilled, the original obligation revives and execution may proceed.
Jurisdiction in Swindling Cases: How Penalties Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how penalties and fines determine which court hears swindling cases under the Revised Penal Code.
Balancing Efficiency and Discretion: Revisiting PHILJA Staffing Patterns
The Supreme Court clarifies when coterminous status is proper for confidential staff in the Philippine Judicial Academy's executive offices.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's belated bid to reopen his case fails; the Court enforces finality, cites contempt, and orders execution.
Appeal Bond Rules in Labor Cases: Why Posting the Full Bond on Time Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when appeal bonds in labor disputes may be reduced, and why employers must post the full amount within the reglementary period.
Parking Fees vs Public Access: Reconciling Building Codes and Private Property Rights in Philippine Malls
Supreme Court rules malls may charge parking fees; building codes require spaces, not free access. Property rights prevail.