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.
Eminent Domain Revisited: When Expropriated Land Must Be Returned After Public Use Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when former owners can reclaim expropriated property if the public purpose is abandoned or never pursued.
Second Placer Doctrine: Disqualification Must Be Final Before Election Day
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a candidate disqualified only after elections cannot be replaced by the second placer; succession rules apply instead.
Buy-Bust Operations: Consistent Police Testimony Upheld in Drug Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions based on consistent police testimony in buy-bust operations, clarifying evidentiary standards under RA 9165.
Streamlining Justice: When Ombudsman Orders Are Final and Unappealable
Learn when Ombudsman decisions become final and unappealable in administrative cases, and why the Supreme Court reversed the Court of Appeals.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Evidence Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits in People v. Suan due to broken chain of custody and unproven drug identity—key lessons for drug case litigation.
Confessions to Media and Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when media confessions and circumstantial evidence suffice to convict in robbery with homicide cases.
Filling Sanggunian Vacancies: The Strict Rules on Party Nomination and Membership
Supreme Court clarifies that filling Sanggunian vacancies requires bona fide party membership and nomination from the highest party official.
COMELEC En Banc Acts Without Jurisdiction in Election Appeal: Eriguel v. COMELEC
Supreme Court nullifies COMELEC en banc ruling in mayoralty protest for lack of jurisdiction and failure to ensure ballot integrity.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Due Diligence in Philippine Law
When can an employer be held liable for an employee's negligence? The Supreme Court explains the due diligence defense in Philippine Hawk v. Lee.
Party Expulsions and Due Process: When Can a Political Party Remove Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that political party expulsions are internal matters, not subject to constitutional due process requirements.
Bank Secrecy vs Qualified Theft: Balancing Financial Privacy and Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when bank deposits remain confidential under R.A. 1405 even in criminal cases, and why evidence must match the charge.
Delayed Remittance of Court Funds: When a Clerk of Court Faces Administrative Liability
A clerk of court kept court funds for nearly a year. The Supreme Court explains why delay alone is gross neglect of duty.
Perpetual Employment Contracts: Labor Rights and Management Prerogatives Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules on perpetual employment contracts, labor arbiter jurisdiction, and the balance between worker protection and management rights.
Inventory of Estate: Donated Property Must Be Included for Collation Among Heirs
Supreme Court rules donated property must be included in estate inventory for collation, even if the deed was not notarized or registered.
Separation of Powers: Court Upholds Its Authority Over Sequestered SMC Shares
The Supreme Court reaffirms the separation of powers doctrine in denying reconsideration of its ruling allowing the conversion of sequestered SMC shares.
Affinity Survives Death But Not Falsification: Estafa and Article 332
The Supreme Court rules on whether a son-in-law can invoke the Article 332 exemption from criminal liability for estafa after his wife's death.
Supreme Court Upholds Judiciary’s Exclusive Power Over Legal Fees, Denies GSIS Exemption
The Supreme Court denies GSIS’s claim of exemption from legal fees, affirming the judiciary’s exclusive rule-making power under the Constitution.
In Land Sales, Survey Duty Prevails Over Payment Deadlines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller must survey land before demanding payment, and when rescission is improper.
Contractual Obligations Survey Requirement Prevails Over Rescission Rights IN Land Sale Agreements
Supreme Court rules survey obligation in land sale contracts prevails over rescission rights, clarifying breach requirements under Philippine law.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Boundaries in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug cases, affirming a buy-bust conviction.
VAT Refund Denied for Failure to Print "Zero-Rated" on Invoices
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to print "zero-rated" on sales invoices bars VAT refund claims, even for exporters.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Why a Bank Can Foreclose Despite Loan Transfer Doubts
Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may foreclose mortgaged property even if the borrower questions the assignment of loan receivables.
Custody Agreements Contrary to Child's Best Interests Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint custody agreements for children under seven and the best interests standard.
Insubordination and Due Process: Understanding Employee Rights in Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a suspension order is valid, what due process requires, and when defiance justifies dismissal under Philippine law.