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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Land Title Registration Proving Ownership AND Alienability FOR Public Land Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land title registration, ownership proof, and alienability requirements for public land claims.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Tolerance Is Key to a Successful Ejectment
Philippine Supreme Court explains why owners must prove tolerance to win an unlawful detainer case, and what happens when they fail.
Regular Employee Status: Distinguishing Independent Contractors From Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers are regular employees despite agency transfers, distinguishing independent contractors from labor-only contracting.
Senate Contempt Powers: When Legislative Inquiry Detention Must End
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Senate contempt detention limits during legislative inquiries, balancing legislative power and individual rights.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Insanity Defense and Mental State at the Time of the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for insanity defense and mental state in criminal cases, using People v. Rupal as a guide.
Proving Tenancy in Philippine Agrarian Law: Evidence and Burden of Proof
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what evidence is needed to prove agricultural tenancy and why certifications alone do not establish tenancy rights.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunction: The Clear Right Imperative in Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a preliminary mandatory injunction may issue in lease disputes, requiring a clear legal right.
Foreclosure Sales and Repurchase Rights: Understanding Bank Discretion in Asset Disposition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that after the redemption period expires, former owners have no enforceable right to repurchase foreclosed property from the bank.
Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Drug Case Integrity Through Chain Of Custody
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police breached Section 21 chain of custody rules, stressing evidence integrity matters.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Possession Cases Through Procedural Compliance
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug accused over police procedural lapses in Section 21 chain of custody, reinforcing rights protection.
Aider and Abettor Establishing Criminal Liability in Rape Cases Through Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a person who aids a rape by holding the victim's legs is equally guilty through conspiracy.
Breaking the Chain of Custody: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that broken chain of custody and unjustified non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 warrant acquittal in drug cases.
Upholding Ethical Standards When Personal Conduct Impacts A Lawyers Professional Standing
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for conduct unbecoming, even without proof of sexual immorality.
Res Gestae vs Dying Declaration: Homicide Without Treachery in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies res gestae vs dying declaration, and why treachery must be proven to convict for murder.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Property Partition: Assessed Value as Key Determinant
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that partition actions require alleging the property's assessed value to determine which court has jurisdiction.
Trademark Ownership Rests on Prior Use, But Related Goods Still Matter
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies trademark ownership via prior use and the test for related goods in SAKURA dispute.
Quieting of Title and the Best Evidence Rule in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quieting of title, best evidence rule, and proving ownership in land disputes.
Interest After Foreclosure: When Contractual Obligations Continue to Run
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest stops after foreclosure, emphasizing contractual obligations and the immutability of final judgments.
When Courts Cannot Decide Land Ownership Disputes Involving Agrarian Reform Awards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that cancellation of CLOAs falls under DAR Secretary's jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Proving the Fact of Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employees must first prove the fact of termination before employers bear the burden of showing just cause.
Land Ownership Disputes: Court vs. DAR Jurisdiction Over CLOA Cancellation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts lack jurisdiction over land disputes involving CLOAs and agrarian reform titles.
Reformation of Instruments When a Written Contract Fails to Reflect True Intentions
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may reform a written contract to reflect the parties' true intentions, citing Article 1359.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Premature Filing Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 240-day rule for seafarer disability assessments, explaining when a claim becomes premature and why timing matters.
Unregistered Real Estate Mortgages: Valid Between Parties Despite Formal Defects
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that defective notarization or registration of a real estate mortgage does not invalidate it between the parties.