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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Lawyer Suspended Two Years for Abandoning Client and Refusing to Return Fees
Supreme Court suspends Atty. Glenn Samson for two years for neglecting a client's case, refusing to return overpaid fees and documents, and ignoring IBP proceedings.
Conflicting Court Decisions on Reinstatement and the Limits of Execution in Labor Disputes
When two appellate rulings clash on illegal dismissal, execution of judgment may be suspended. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Resolving Conflicting Claims in Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and how courts resolve conflicting claims over real property.
Can a Trustee Mortgage Property Without the Owner's Consent? Supreme Court Says No
Learn from a 2017 Supreme Court ruling why a trustee cannot mortgage trust property without the owner's consent, and the consequences for banks that fail to verify ownership.
Partnership vs Estafa: When a Partner's Misappropriation Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partner's failure to account for funds crosses from civil liability to criminal estafa under Philippine law.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty, Damage, and the Limits of Reliance
When does altering a date on a purchase order become falsification? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good-faith reliance for public officers.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Drug Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution fails to prove every link in the chain of custody, stressing strict Section 21 compliance.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why a Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove every link in the chain of custody, reaffirming strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Supreme Court Upholds Judicial Power Over Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court strikes down Section 23 of RA 9165 as unconstitutional, affirming exclusive judicial authority over plea bargaining rules.
Supreme Court Fines Disbarred Lawyer for Neglect of Client Duties
The Supreme Court fined a disbarred lawyer P40,000 for neglecting clients after accepting P350,000 in fees, ruling no double disbarment applies.
Writ of Possession Is Ministerial Duty Even If Mortgage Validity Is Challenged
Supreme Court rules writ of possession is a ministerial duty after foreclosure consolidation, regardless of challenges to mortgage validity or lender authority.
Company-Designated Physician's Fitness Declaration Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims
Supreme Court rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment binds seafarer unless properly disputed under POEA-SEC procedure.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: A Ministerial Duty, Not a Discretionary Act
The Supreme Court affirms that issuing a writ of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure is ministerial once the buyer consolidates ownership, regardless of collateral challenges.
Weighing Medical Opinions: Company Doctors vs Private Physicians in Seafarer Disability Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's findings prevail over a private doctor's assessment in seafarer disability claims.
Regular Employment vs Independent Contractor: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not independent contractors, using the four-fold test and control test.
Chain of Custody and the Integrity of Drug Evidence: Safeguarding Against Tampering
When only a miniscule amount of drugs is seized, strict chain of custody compliance is required. The Supreme Court explains why.
Establishing Paternity in Support Cases: Protecting Children's Rights to Filiation and Support
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mothers may file support cases directly, with paternity issues resolved within the same proceedings.
Moral Ascendancy in Qualified Rape: How Step-Parents Breach Trust
The Supreme Court affirms that a step-parent's moral ascendancy can substitute for force and intimidation in qualified rape cases.
Lack of Price Certainty: How Indefinite Terms Can Invalidate a Real Estate Sale
Indefinite terms like an uncertain price can void a real estate sale. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When a Judge's Business Dealings Amount to Conduct Unbecoming a Judge
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for selling rice to court employees, ruling it violated judicial conduct rules on financial dealings.
Rehabilitation Denied: The Imperative of Financial Viability in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that corporate rehabilitation requires proven financial viability, not just creditor payment delays.
Contractual Negligence: Defining the Scope of Liability in Service Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds clarifies when a contractor's breach triggers full liability, and how compensation applies.
Dying Declarations and Abuse of Superior Strength: Homicide, Not Murder, in People v. Santillan
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dying declaration is admissible and when numerical superiority does not amount to abuse of superior strength.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Rape Cases Despite Inconsistencies in Time
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, clarifying that exact dates need not be precise.