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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Chain of Custody Rule: Why Drug Evidence Integrity Is Crucial in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify deviations from the Section 21 chain of custody rule.
Perfecting Stock Transfers: Why Recording Matters in Third-Party Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that unrecorded stock transfers are not binding on third parties, including creditors levying on corporate property.
Upholding Marital Sanctity When Procedural Technicalities Give Way to Substantial Justice in Annulment Cases
The Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to protect marriage's sanctity, allowing the State to appeal an annulment ruling despite technical lapses.
Judicial Retirement Benefits: Tacking Leave Credits for Optional Retirees
The Supreme Court clarifies that optional retirees may tack earned leave credits to increase longevity pay, settling a longstanding issue.
Indispensable Party Rule in Reconveyance: Heirs of Tunged v. Sta. Lucia Realty
The Supreme Court ruled that an environmental case filed by indigenous peoples against a non-IP developer belongs to the regular courts, not the NCIP.
Tax Sales vs Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and property rights protection for landowners.
Zealous Advocacy Within Legal Bounds Is Not Lawyer Misconduct
Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's persistent pursuit of a client's cause, done within legal bounds, is not administrative misconduct.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity vs. Strict Procedure
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody rule do not automatically acquit an accused in drug cases.
Employer Liability: Ownership of Premises Does Not Make One an Employer
Supreme Court clarifies that owning a building or premises does not automatically create an employer-employee relationship, reversing a labor ruling against a property owner.
Self Defense Claim Fails Understanding Unlawful Aggression IN Philippine Homicide LAW
Philippine Supreme Court explains why self-defense failed in a murder case, focusing on the crucial element of unlawful aggression.
Upholding Attorneys Duty Demand Letters AND Ethical Boundaries IN Legal Representation
Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's demand letter is legitimate advocacy versus unethical extortion, dismissing disbarment case against Atty. Freddie Feir.
Mootness in Corporate Disputes: When Supervening Events Impact Jurisdiction
Explore how the Supreme Court handled mootness claims in a corporate dispute, clarifying when supervening events affect jurisdiction and remand.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Annulling Extrajudicial Settlements for Lack of Informed Consent
The Supreme Court annuls an extrajudicial settlement where an illiterate heir signed without understanding its terms, protecting vulnerable parties.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Balancing DAR Formulas and Fair Market Value
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform just compensation cases.
Self-Defense Claim Fails: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Parricide and Homicide Case
The Supreme Court explains why a husband's self-defense claim failed after he killed his wife and mother-in-law, affirming conviction for parricide and homicide.
Divorce Decree Recognition in Bigamy Cases: Strict Proof of Foreign Law Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreign divorce decrees need strict proof and recognition before a Filipino can validly remarry.
CBA vs Bank Policy: Protecting Workers' Rights Against Unilateral Loan Changes
Supreme Court rules banks cannot impose credit-check requirements on CBA salary loans without negotiating with the union first.
Compromised Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Crucial
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after PDEA operatives fail to justify deviations from Section 21 chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Fair Bidding: Government's Right to Reject Bids Has Limits Under RA 9184
The Supreme Court clarifies that government agencies cannot arbitrarily cancel public biddings, requiring justifiable grounds under RA 9184.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits an accused because police failed to properly mark seized shabu, breaking the chain of custody.
Chain of Custody: Why Immediate Marking of Drug Evidence Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, highlighting the crucial requirement of immediate evidence marking.
When Courts Can Hear Damage Claims in Labor Disputes: The PAL v. ALPAP Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when labor tribunals—not regular courts—have jurisdiction over damage claims arising from illegal strikes.
Breach of Trust: Attorney Suspended for Representing Conflicting Interests
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for representing opposing parties in violation of Rule 15.03, Canon 15 of the CPR.
One Specific Offense Rule: Search Warrants and the Limits of General Warrants
The Supreme Court nullified a search warrant covering both the Securities Regulation Code and estafa, affirming the one-specific-offense rule.