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.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Injunction Cases: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Practitioners
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a tax dispute between two LGUs, and what it means for property owners facing competing tax claims.
Real Property Tax Disputes: Location, Titles, and Escrow When LGUs Compete
When two LGUs claim the same property for real estate tax, who gets paid? The Supreme Court's answer in Municipality of Cainta v. Spouses Braña.
Demurrage and Detention Fees: Supreme Court Clarifies Tax Treatment for International Shipping
The Supreme Court ruled demurrage and detention fees are subject to regular corporate income tax, not the preferential Gross Philippine Billings rate.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance With Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in Section 21 compliance, reaffirming the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Forcible Abduction and Rape in the Philippines: Insights from People v. Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court treats forcible abduction with rape, victim credibility, and penalties under Philippine law.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Unlawful Detainer Complaints: Why Alleging Tolerance Matters for Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court explains why an unlawful detainer complaint must allege initial lawful possession by tolerance—or the case fails for lack of jurisdiction.
Mental Health at Sea: Employer Liability for a Seafarer's Bipolar Disorder
A Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's bipolar disorder is compensable under the POEA contract and what employers must prove to avoid liability.
Suicide and Seafarers' Death Benefits: Proving Intentional Self-Harm in Maritime Claims
When can a shipping company deny death benefits by proving a seafarer committed suicide? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary standard.
Merit vs Entitlement: Supreme Court on Government Promotions and Dishonesty
The Supreme Court rules that impersonation in civil service exams is serious dishonesty, even after resignation from government service.
Perfecting Appeals in Special Proceedings: Why the Record on Appeal Matters
In special proceedings like estate settlement, failing to file a record on appeal is fatal. Learn the rules and avoid losing your appeal.
Citizenship by Naturalization: Balancing National Sovereignty and Refugee Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on naturalization of a refugee, clarifying the "lucrative income" requirement and reciprocity under the Naturalization Law.
Upholding Finality: Supreme Court Reaffirms Requirements for Valid Motions for Reconsideration in Property Dis
Learn how the Supreme Court protected the finality of judgments and clarified the limits of appellate review in a property mortgage dispute.
Murder with Direct Assault: Supreme Court Affirms Conviction in People v. Estonilo
The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction for Murder with Direct Assault in People v. Estonilo, highlighting the role of circumstantial evidence and the weakness of alibi.
False Designation of Origin: When "Made in Portugal" Labels Mislead Consumers
The Supreme Court's ruling in Uyco v. Lo clarifies when geographic labels on products constitute false designation of origin under Philippine trademark law.
Contempt and Corporate Audits: The Boundaries of Court Orders and Stockholder Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when court-ordered corporate audits and contempt citations stand—and when they become moot.
Liability in Maritime Charters: Who Pays When the Ship Goes Down
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears liability when a chartered vessel sinks, applying the Civil Code over the Code of Commerce.
Annulment and Parricide: The Prejudicial Question Rule Explained
When a marriage annulment case can—and cannot—suspend a criminal case for parricide under Philippine law.
Security of Tenure vs Academic Standards: The St. Mary's Academy Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on premature dismissal of teachers who failed the LET, balancing security of tenure with professional regulation.
Probable Cause vs Equipoise Rule: Safeguarding Against Unjust Arrest in Arson Cases
When prosecutors flip-flop on probable cause, courts hold the line. Flores v. Gonzalez clarifies the equipoise rule and judicial independence.
Authority to Represent: The Limits of Legal Representation for Government-Owned Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers may appear for GOCCs, requiring OGCC and COA approval before private counsel can act.
Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus applies to child custody disputes and why courts must hold a trial, not just produce the child.
Double Sale and Good Faith Registration: Pagaduan v. Ocuma on Property Rights
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled on double sale, good faith registration, and prescription in Pagaduan v. Ocuma.
Homestead Patent Validity Prevails Clarifying Land Ownership Rights And Restrictions
Supreme Court ruling on homestead patents, quitclaims, and land ownership rights under the Public Land Act.