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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Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Unexcused Absence When Is Dropping From the Rolls Justified
When does an employee's absence become AWOL? The Supreme Court explains the rule on dropping from the rolls.
Supreme Court on Land Registration Decree Re-Issuance: No Prescription for Old Titles
The Supreme Court clarifies that land registration decrees do not prescribe, allowing re-issuance of old decrees and issuance of OCTs even decades later.
Grave Misconduct in Government Service: When Dismissal Is the Only Penalty
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of immigration officer for extortion and grave misconduct, ruling first offense cannot mitigate penalty.
Preliminary Injunction Requires Clear Right, Not Just a Contract Claim
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue, emphasizing clear legal rights and irreparable injury requirements.
Constructive Dismissal Employers Burden TO Prove Fair Treatment AND Contractual Obligations
Learn the requisites for preliminary injunction in the Philippines and why disputed rights and compensable damages defeat the remedy.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery in murder cases, and why evident premeditation requires more proof.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody: Protecting Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to prove an unbroken chain of custody, reinforcing constitutional protections.
When Land Registration Decrees Never Become Stale: Republic v. Claro Yap
The Supreme Court clarifies that prescription and laches do not bar the re-issuance of a land registration decree, affirming decades-old doctrines.
Martial Law Extension: Balancing Public Safety and Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the one-year martial law extension in Mindanao, affirming that public safety and constitutional safeguards can coexist.
Dismissal for Defiance: Upholding the Court's Authority in Administrative Duties
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a branch clerk of court for notarizing documents without the required certification, underscoring strict compliance with court rules.
Bail vs Demurrer: Why Different Evidence Standards Apply in Provisional Liberty and Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies why bail hearings use a lower evidence standard than demurrers to evidence, which can lead to acquittal.
Corporate Quorum Conundrums: How Disputed Shares Impact Philippine Stockholder Meetings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that disputed shares still count toward quorum in stockholder meetings, and unrecorded transfers are not recognized.
Upholding Regulatory Authority: LTFRB Power to Suspend Certificates of Public Convenience for Public Safety Vi
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling affirming the LTFRB's authority to suspend certificates of public convenience for public safety violations.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody over seized marijuana, explaining the strict rules under RA 9165.
Corporate Quorum Quandary: Disputed Shares and the Validity of Stockholder Meetings
The Supreme Court rules that disputed shares still count toward quorum in stockholder meetings, and unrecorded transfers don't affect voting rights.
AWOL in Government Service: Supreme Court Upholds Dropping Employee From Rolls
Learn when Philippine government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL, based on a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Post-Employment Medical Exam
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers who fail the 3-day post-employment medical exam rule forfeit disability benefits, even if illness is work-related.
Upholding Protection for Victims of Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Safeguarding Migrant Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, protecting Filipino migrant workers from fraudulent recruiters.
Contractor Relationships and the Test for Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer liability in contractor relationships, and the duties of lawyers and notaries.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Is Required for Valid Convictions
The Supreme Court explains why strict adherence to Section 21 chain of custody rules is essential for valid drug convictions.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Familial Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that a child rape victim's testimony, corroborated by medical evidence, can sustain a conviction even when relatives are the accused.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and their rights to wages and benefits.
Unjustified Chain of Custody Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming strict compliance standards.