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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Defining Construction Cost Interest Expenses and Reserved Units in Joint Development Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what counts as actual construction cost in joint development agreements, excluding interest expenses from the computation.
When Arbitration Clauses Bind Non-Signatories: Nominees and Related Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses extend to nominees and subsequent related agreements under RA 9285.
Slight vs Grave Oral Defamation: Drawing the Line in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when insulting words amount to slight, not grave, oral defamation, and explains the rules on defaming public officers.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Broken Links Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu under RA 9165.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when an OFW's resignation is truly voluntary, and what evidence is needed to prove illegal dismissal.
Motion for Extension of Time: Balancing Strict Rules and Substantial Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts should relax procedural rules on formal offer of evidence to serve substantial justice.
Overcoming Technicalities: Republic's Right to Recover Ill-Gotten Wealth
Supreme Court rules procedural lapses should not defeat the state's recovery of ill-gotten wealth, reversing Sandiganbayan dismissal.
Balancing Public Order and Private Rights: Limits on Summary Abatement of Nuisances
When can barangay officials destroy property as a public nuisance? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of summary abatement.
Navigating Factual Disputes: The Supreme Court's Stance on Appellate Review
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may review factual findings and correct arbitrary penalties in homicide convictions.
Circumstantial Evidence and Penalty Fixing in Homicide: Ladines v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies penalty imposition rules and damages in homicide, affirming conviction based on circumstantial evidence.
Balancing Free Speech and Reputation: When Does an Insult Become Defamation
The Supreme Court explains the line between insult, criticism, and oral defamation in De Leon v. People.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Voluntary Resignation and Quitclaims Prevail
Supreme Court ruling on when a resignation and quitclaim are voluntary, and what evidence employees must present to prove illegal dismissal.
Mortgage Validity: Restrictions on Property Rights vs Contractual Obligations
Supreme Court rules on whether NHA restrictions on a titled property invalidate a mortgage, and when borrowers can escape contractual obligations.
Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles co-owned property disputes, redemption rights, and unauthorized sales in this Philippine civil law case analysis.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Final Court Decision Cannot Be Undone
The Supreme Court explains the strict limits of annulment of judgment, including what counts as extrinsic fraud and why counsel's negligence is not enough.
Res Judicata and Finality: When an Unsigned Supreme Court Resolution Binds Only the Parties
Explore how the Supreme Court clarified that unsigned resolutions bind only parties, not the public, and what it means for cyber libel prescription.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Proving Negligence in Quasi-Delict Cases: The Supreme Court's Latest Word
The Supreme Court affirms that quasi-delict claims require proof of negligence, proximate cause, and damage, rejecting a Rule 45 factual review.
Biometrics and Ballots: Safeguarding Suffrage Through Voter Validation
The Supreme Court upheld RA 10367's mandatory biometrics validation, ruling it a procedural registration requirement, not an unconstitutional substantive qualification on suffrage.
Preliminary Injunctions Safeguarding Rights Without Prejudging the Merits
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions must preserve rights, not prejudge cases, citing City of Iloilo v. Honrado.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Witness Testimony and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony alone can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Breach of Trust: How Familial Rape Impacts Justice in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, rejecting sweetheart defense and clarifying force requirement.
Why Deadlines Matter in Philippine Courts: Lessons from a Falsification Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows why procedural deadlines are crucial in Philippine criminal appeals and how courts review convictions.
Can the President Revoke a Mining Agreement? The Narra Nickel Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the President's cancellation of a Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement is administrative, not quasi-judicial.