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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Successor Government Agencies Bound by Prior Lease Agreements: Key Lessons from PMO v. PIC
When a government agency takes over another's assets, it also inherits lease obligations. The Supreme Court explains why.
Unlawful Detainer When Initial Objection Voids A Claim OF Tolerance
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, lease renewal options, and binding successors-in-interest in property law.
Torrens Title vs Prior Possession: Resolving Ejectment Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title holder can eject occupants who claim prior possession and ownership.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Property Rights and Legal Easements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner can demand a legal easement of right of way and how courts balance property rights.
When Absence Doesnt Mean Abandonment Protecting Employee Rights Against Unsubstantiated Dismissals
The Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment requires clear intent, not mere absence, and employers must prove both elements.
Corporate Rehabilitation: Why Unappealed Court Orders Bind Parties in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why failing to appeal a rehabilitation order within 15 days bars a party from later challenging it.
Union Registration Misrepresentation Claims and the Limits of Cancellation Under the Labor Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that only grounds listed in Article 247 of the Labor Code justify cancellation of union registration, not lack of mutuality of interests.
Convicting a Rapist on the Victim's Sole Testimony and Medical Evidence
In People v. Gabriel, the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based on the victim's lone testimony, corroborated by medico-legal findings of fresh hymenal lacerations.
Filing Fees in Intra-Corporate Disputes: When the Subject Matter Cannot Be Valued in Money
The Supreme Court clarifies when intra-corporate disputes require filing fees based on pecuniary value, correcting a prior misreading of Lu v. Lu Ym, Sr.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Proving Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what it takes to prove self-defense and defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
Annulment of Judgment in Land Title Cases: The Jurisdictional Limit on Lost Title Proceedings
A landowner's title was cancelled without her knowledge. The Supreme Court clarifies when courts lack jurisdiction over lost title cases.
Government Contracts Enforceability AND THE Necessity OF Legal Requirements
A look at when government contracts are binding and why strict legal requirements matter for enforceability in the Philippines.
Duress in Elections: Balancing Electoral Duties and Personal Safety Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when duress excuses election officers from administrative liability—and when it does not.
Disability Retirement Benefits Protecting Judges Incapacitated During Service
The Supreme Court clarifies disability retirement rules for judges, granting full benefits to an incapacitated Sandiganbayan Justice.
When a Bank's Deposit of Rent Is Not Valid Consignation: PNB v. Chan
The Supreme Court explains why depositing disputed rent in a savings account is not valid consignation, and the consequences of delay.
Valid Consignation Demands Strict Compliance With Legal Requirements
Learn when depositing rent in a bank account is not valid consignation, and what the law requires for debt payment.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Handling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that positive drug tests alone cannot prove someone knowingly visited a drug den under RA 9165.
Conspiracy and the Element of Force in Rape and Homicide Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, force, and proper charges in rape and homicide, modifying a conviction from simple to qualified rape.
Drug Den Conviction Requires Proof of Knowledge, Not Just Positive Drug Test
Supreme Court clarifies that positive drug test results alone do not prove a person knowingly visited a drug den under RA 9165.
Conspiracy and Qualified Rape: Revisiting Liability in Group Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy upgrades rape to qualified rape and why an appellate court over-counted convictions.
Why Police Must Follow Section 21 of RA 9165 in Drug Cases
Learn why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to conduct inventory and photograph seized items under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Supreme Court Acquits Three in Frustrated Murder Case
The Supreme Court acquits three accused of frustrated murder, ruling that inconsistent prosecution evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Implied Trusts Protecting Shared Property Interests Despite Title Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how implied trusts can protect co-ownership rights even when property titles name only one person.
Arbitration Agreements Need Not Be Signed: CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules that an arbitration agreement need not be signed to vest CIAC jurisdiction over construction disputes, as long as intent is clear in writing.