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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Judicial Accountability: Delay in Resolving Motions and the Judge's Duty
A Supreme Court ruling holds a judge liable for undue delay, reinforcing that judges cannot blame staff for failing to resolve motions promptly.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: Third-Party Claims in Philippine Mortgage Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writ of possession in mortgage foreclosures, explaining when third-party adverse claims can block eviction.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on banks' unilateral interest rate hikes violating mutuality of contracts under Article 1308, Civil Code.
Presidential Authority vs COA Oversight: Healthcare Benefits for Government Employees
Supreme Court ruling on when the President's approval of employee healthcare benefits still yields to COA audit rules and regulations.
Verbal Agreements vs Written Contracts: When a Lease or Workplace Transfer Can Be Modified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when verbal notices and transfer orders are invalid, protecting employee security of tenure.
Conspiracy and Intent: Establishing Guilt in Multiple Stabbing Incidents
A Supreme Court ruling explains how implied conspiracy and intent to kill establish guilt in a coordinated multiple-stabbing attack.
Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Key Rulings from a 2019 Case
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness penalties, damages, and procedural requirements under Philippine law.
Clearing Title Disputes: How Ownership Rights Prevail in Property Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property disputes, foreign ownership limits, and the proper remedy for dismissed cases.
Quieting Title: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes From Erroneous Deeds of Sale
A Supreme Court ruling shows how an action to quiet title resolves overlapping land claims caused by erroneous deeds of sale and protects registered owners.
Broken Chains: Why Strict Drug Evidence Procedures Protect the Accused
A Supreme Court ruling acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's chain of custody rules. Learn the legal standards.
Lawyer Suspended Two Years for Negligence and Concealment: Cas v. Librada
A Supreme Court ruling reminds lawyers that negligence and hiding case status from clients violate the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Chain of Custody in Illegal Drug Cases: Ensuring the Integrity of Evidence
A Supreme Court ruling reminds law enforcers that failing to secure the required witnesses during drug inventory can
Continuing Security Mortgage Coverage Beyond Initial Credit Agreements
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when deeds of assignment serve as continuing security for credit facilities, and why summary judgment was properly denied.
When Confessions Collide: Admissibility and Guilt in Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on when extrajudicial confessions are admissible and how circumstantial evidence can prove guilt in murder cases.
Regular vs Project Employment: What the Supreme Court Requires of Employers
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not project employees, and what employers must prove.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: A Guide from a 2019 Supreme Court Ruling
When direct evidence is absent, circumstantial evidence can convict in rape with homicide. Learn the rules from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Unauthorized Notarization by Public Officials: The Limits of Authority in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when notarization by a government lawyer constitutes unauthorized private practice under R.A. 6713.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Demotion and Diminished Responsibilities Amount to Illegal Dismissal
When a reorganization demotes an employee in rank, duties, and salary, it can amount to constructive dismissal. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Forest Charges and Tax Refunds: Jurisdiction and Prescription in Philippine Tax Law
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that forest charges are internal revenue taxes, so refund claims must go to the CIR within two years.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Work-Related Injury Under the CBA Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, work-related injuries, and CBA vs POEA-SEC compensation rules.
Government Lawyer's Suspension for Neglect of Duty and Improper Conduct Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a government employee's oversight becomes simple neglect versus conduct prejudicial to the service.
When Drug Evidence Handling Holds Up: Lessons From a Shabu Possession Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how proper chain of custody over seized drugs can defeat an acquittal bid in Philippine drug cases.
Safeguarding Rights: The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on the chain of custody rule in drug cases shows why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is vital.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Ensuring Due Diligence in Small Claims Cases
A Supreme Court ruling holds court personnel and judges accountable for lapses in serving notices of hearing in small claims cases.