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.
Substantial Compliance on Belated Secretary's Certificate and Its Impact on Unlawful Detainer Cases
SC rules belated submission of Secretary's Certificate is substantial compliance, preventing dismissal of unlawful detainer cases on procedural grounds.
Breach of Contract: Enforceability of Employment Contracts Absent Actual Deployment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a perfected employment contract binds parties even without actual deployment, and which court has jurisdiction over breach claims.
Prior Physical Possession in Forcible Entry: The Madayag Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior physical possession in forcible entry cases can be established through juridical acts, not just actual occupation.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: When 5% Monthly Loan Interest Is Void in the Philippines
Philippine courts void unconscionable loan interest rates even if borrowers agreed to them. Learn the rules, the legal interest substitute, and foreclosure effects.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Prior Possession in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies how prior physical possession is proven in unlawful detainer cases, using judicial admissions and documentary evidence.
Relaxation of Procedural Rules Ensures Substantial Justice Prevails Over Technicalities in Certiorari Petition
Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to resolve merits of case involving memorial lot purchase, affirming RTC decision annulling contract.
Malicious Mischief in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when destroying property in a dispute becomes malicious mischief, and why claims of ownership do not justify taking the law into one's own hands.
Calling Someone a Thief in Public Can Be Slander: Key Lessons from a Condo Dispute
A heated condo dispute led to a slander conviction. Learn when public accusations of theft become criminal oral defamation in the Philippines.
Security of Tenure vs Qualification Standards Resolving Employment Disputes in Philippine Higher Education
Supreme Court clarifies retirement age rules, security of tenure, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in Philippine schools.
Falsification vs Estafa: Identifying the True Crime in Fraudulent Schemes
The Supreme Court clarifies when falsification of a private document, not estafa, is the proper charge in fraud cases.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case due to the police's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165, emphasizing the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Public Disclosure Crosses the Line in Legal Ethics
In-house counsel suspended for media disclosures. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality duties.
Sheriffs Must Give Due Notice Before Enforcing Writs of Execution
A sheriff who evicts a party without the required notice commits grave abuse of authority. Learn the rules on writ enforcement.
Sheriffs Must Follow Procedure in Writ Execution or Face Administrative Liability
A sheriff's duty in executing a writ is ministerial but must strictly follow procedural rules, including notice periods, or face administrative sanctions.
Reasonable Doubt in Administrative Cases: Daquioag v. Ombudsman
In Daquioag v. Ombudsman, the Supreme Court reversed a grave misconduct finding, underscoring that substantial evidence—not mere suspicion—is required in administrative cases.
Sale vs Agency: When Unpaid Vendors Are Not Guilty of Estafa
The Supreme Court clarifies when a failed real estate deal is a breach of contract, not estafa, and why unpaid vendors cannot be criminally liable.
Navigating Tax Exemptions: The Legal Status of Government Instrumentalities in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities like the LRTA are exempt from real property tax under the Local Government Code.
Understanding Conspiracy and Homicide When Threats Turn Deadly
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how circumstantial evidence can prove rape with homicide and why alibi often fails.
Forged Signatures and Land Titles: Proving Fraud in Philippine Property Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove forged signatures in land transactions and reconveyance claims.
Prolonged Preliminary Investigation and Speedy Disposition: What the Supreme Court Said
A dismissed criminal case for failure to prosecute raises the question: when does delay violate the right to speedy disposition of cases?
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Malversed Funds in the Philippines
When public funds go missing, Philippine law presumes the accountable officer misappropriated them. Learn how courts apply this rule.
Reasonable Doubt When Evidence Fails to Prove Illegal Drug Transport
The Supreme Court acquits three accused of transporting shabu where prosecution failed to prove they were on board the vehicle and broke the chain of custody.
Ante-Nuptial Agreements and Property Waivers: The Delgado v. GQ Realty Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Delgado v. GQ Realty clarifies how ante-nuptial agreements can waive property rights, even for assets registered under a spouse's family corporation.
Obscenity Laws vs. Free Speech: The Madrilejos Ruling on Manila Ordinance 7780
The Supreme Court’s Madrilejos ruling clarifies how Philippine obscenity laws must balance regulation with constitutionally protected free expression.