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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Philippine Foreclosure Law: Why Publication Is Non-Negotiable for Banks
Philippine Supreme Court rules banks must prove newspaper publication in foreclosure sales; failure voids the entire proceeding.
Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Drug Sales: Key Lessons from People v. Aure
A look at how Philippine courts apply proof beyond reasonable doubt in drug sale cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Aure.
Distinguishing Financial Leases From Loans Secured by Chattel Mortgage in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale-and-leaseback arrangement is actually a loan secured by chattel mortgage, not a true financial lease.
Perfected Contract of Sale: Consent and Price Agreement in Elevator Maintenance
When is a contract of sale perfected? The Supreme Court explains consent and price requirements in Hyatt Elevators v. Cathedral Heights.
Buy-Bust Operations: Legality of Drug Sales and Possession in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, illegal drug sales, and possession under Philippine law.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Inconsistent Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave contradictory testimonies, casting doubt on the identity of the seized drugs.
Upholding Foreclosure Validity: Notice Requirements and Mortgagor Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication rules in extrajudicial foreclosure, and when mortgagors are estopped from challenging a sale.
Chain of Custody: Why Drug Sale Convictions Fail Without It
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with R.A. 9165 procedures.
Consolidation of Cases Ensuring Judicial Economy and Preventing Conflicting Decisions
Learn how the Supreme Court applies the doctrine of primary administrative jurisdiction in corporate rehabilitation cases through Nestle Philippines v. Uniwide Sales.
Zonal Valuation vs. Actual Use: What Governs CGT and DST on Property Sales
The Supreme Court rules that existing zonal valuations, not actual property use, govern capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax computations.
Prior Title Prevails in Property Possession Cases: Lessons from a Double Sale
When two buyers claim the same land, prior title and possession in good faith prevail. Learn the rules on double sales and buyer diligence.
Brokers Breach Unauthorized Stock Sales AND Fiduciary Duty IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stockbroker liability for unauthorized share sales and fiduciary duties under the Civil Code.
Upholding a Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Informant Testimony in Gonzaga
The Supreme Court affirmed a shabu sale conviction, ruling that informant non-presentation, minor witness inconsistencies, and custody lapses do not defeat a solid buy-bust case.
The Critical Omission: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on VAT Invoices for Tax Credit Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to print on its sales invoices. The CTA En Banc affirmed this denial, and J.R.A. elevated the matter to the Supreme Court.
Corporate Merger vs Separate Entities: Protecting Creditor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid mergers, separate corporate personalities, and creditor rights in execution sales.
Mortgaged Property Sales Upholding Ownership Rights Despite Unapproved Transfers
Conjugal Property Sale Without Spousal Consent Is Void, Not Just Voidable
A sale of conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under the Family Code. Buyers must verify the seller's authority to sell.
Buy-Bust Operations: Procedural Lapses Do Not Automatically Invalidate Drug Sale Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lapses in buy-bust procedures do not automatically invalidate drug convictions if the sale and evidence are proven.
Drug Sale Conviction Reversed: How the Chain of Custody Rule Protects the Accused
In People v. Nasara, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale defendant after police failed to follow the chain of custody requirements under R.A. 9165.
Friar Lands and Faulty Signatures: When Government Neglect Jeopardizes Land Ownership
The Supreme Court's Manotok ruling shows how documentary gaps in friar land sales can undermine even long-standing property claims.
Buy-Bust Operations: When Warrantless Arrests and Seized Drugs Are Valid in Drug Cases
A look at when buy-bust arrests are lawful, when seized drugs are admissible, and the penalties for illegal sale and possession of shabu.
Coconut Fees and Export Sales: Clarifying Obligations for Copra Exporters
Supreme Court clarifies that PCA fees attach upon purchase of copra by exporters, regardless of whether the coconut products are sold domestically or exported.
Preliminary Injunctions in Foreclosure: Clear Legal Right Required
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to stop extrajudicial foreclosure sales.