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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Prescription in Property Disputes: Clarifying the Need for Trial on the Merits in Reconveyance Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription bars reconveyance actions and why trial on the merits remains essential in property disputes.
Prescription in Property Disputes: The Necessity of Trial for Determining the Validity of Land Sales
When is a land sale valid despite an injunction? The Supreme Court clarifies perfection of contracts and the need for trial.
When Courts Can Approve Plea Bargains Over Prosecution Objection in Drug Cases
Explains when trial courts may approve plea bargains in drug cases despite prosecution objection, citing People v. Esma.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: DOJ Guidelines and Court Discretion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may approve plea bargaining in drug cases and the role of evidence in resolving objections.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Judicial Discretion Over DOJ Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies that trial courts must resolve plea bargaining proposals in drug cases based on evidence, not just DOJ guidelines.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence From Seizure to Trial
The Supreme Court explains when minor deviations in the chain of custody rule for seized drugs are excused, using a 2022 cocaine case.
Unappealed Judgment Bars Consequential Damages in Expropriation Case
Supreme Court clarifies that landowners who do not appeal a trial court's denial of consequential damages cannot obtain them on appeal.
Understanding Double Jeopardy: Protecting Your Rights Against Retrial in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when double jeopardy applies and when a case may be reinstated for trial in the Philippines.
Understanding Judicial Bias And The Right To Fair Trial In Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts define judicial bias and protect the right to fair trial through clear rules and real case examples.
Due Process and Speedy Trial Rights in Philippine Criminal Cases: Insights from Baterina v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies due process and speedy disposition rights in criminal cases, affirming the Ombudsman's broad powers in Baterina v. Sandiganbayan.
Shareholder Death and Corporate Meetings: Quorum and Voting Rights Under Philippine Law
How a shareholder's death affects quorum and voting rights in Philippine corporations, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Mallare v. A&E Industrial Corporation.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Why Prosecutors' Consent Matters Under Rule 116
The Supreme Court voids a drug conviction where the trial court approved a plea bargain over the prosecution's objection, reaffirming Rule 116.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Scope and Limits Under Section 13 of R.A. 3019
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials may be preventively suspended pending trial, including for offenses under R.A. 6713 involving fraud upon government funds.
Tax Exemption Challenges and the CTA's Exclusive Jurisdiction Over BIR Issuances
Learn why the Court of Tax Appeals, not regional trial courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over tax exemption cases and BIR revenue issuances.
When Courts Allow New Evidence Not Pre-Marked During Pre-Trial in Philippine Litigation
Philippine courts may admit evidence not pre-marked during pre-trial if good cause is shown. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Disallowances: Insights From a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reaffirms COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and bars trial courts from reviewing final Notices of Disallowance.
Understanding COA's Jurisdiction: Key Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and why trial courts cannot interfere.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.
Venue Rules for Graft Cases Against Officials: Insights from Non v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for graft cases against public officials under R.A. 10660, requiring trial outside the official's home region.
The 60-Day Rule on Suspension of Arraignment: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn how the 60-day limit on suspending arraignment under Rule 116 protects the right to speedy trial, explained through a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Balancing Speedy Trial Rights With the State's Right to Prosecute: Castañeda v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for delayed prosecution violates double jeopardy and the limits of the right to speedy trial.
Probable Cause and Government Procurement: Insights from the DOH v. Pascua Case
The Supreme Court dismissed DOH petitions against a trial court's TRO and injunction in a bidding dispute, ruling the case moot after the project proceeded.
Directors' Liability for SSS Contributions: When Courts May Deny Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on directors' liability for unpaid SSS contributions and the trial court's discretion in criminal cases.
SSS v. Seno: Trial Court Discretion Over Withdrawal of Criminal Information
Supreme Court clarifies trial court discretion in denying withdrawal of criminal information and limits on ordering reinvestigation in SSS contribution cases.