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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Perfecting Stock Transfers: Why Recording Matters in Third-Party Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that unrecorded stock transfers are not binding on third parties, including creditors levying on corporate property.
Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Drug Integrity IN Anti Drug Operations
When police fumble the chain of custody, drug convictions fail. A 2018 Supreme Court ruling shows why procedure matters.
Tax Sales vs Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and property rights protection for landowners.
When Doubt Benefits the Accused: Integrity of Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on reasonable doubt, witness credibility, and the prosecution's burden in election-period weapon possession cases.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery in murder cases, and why evident premeditation requires more proof.
Breach of Trust in the Workplace: When an Employer's Dismissal of a Chief Accountant is Unjustified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employer's dismissal of a chief accountant for breach of trust is unjustified.
Dismissal for Defiance: Upholding the Court's Authority in Administrative Duties
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a branch clerk of court for notarizing documents without the required certification, underscoring strict compliance with court rules.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Familial Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that a child rape victim's testimony, corroborated by medical evidence, can sustain a conviction even when relatives are the accused.
AWOL in Government Service: Supreme Court Upholds Dropping Employee From Rolls
Learn when Philippine government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL, based on a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Sales Commissions Are Wages: Supreme Court Ruling on Unpaid Commissions and Unauthorized Deductions
Sales commissions are wages under Philippine law. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled on unpaid commissions and unauthorized car plan deductions.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: How Courts Value Land in Eminent Domain Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine fair market value and interest in expropriation cases.
The Constitutional Right to a Reasoned Decision: Due Process in Loan Collection Cases
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that decisions must state facts and law clearly, or risk being void for violating due process.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 120-240 Day Rule for Medical Assessments
Understand the 120-240 day rule for company-designated physician assessments in seafarer disability claims, explained through a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Challenging Notarized Documents: Forgery and the Burden of Proof in Property Disputes
A notarized deed is presumed valid, but clear and convincing evidence of forgery can void it. Learn the rules from a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Finality of Judgments: Why Procedural Rules Matter in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling on how improper service of a motion for reconsideration can make a judgment final and executory, barring recovery.
UCPB Liability as Assignee in Real Estate Development: What Buyers Should Know
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank-assignee of receivables becomes liable to condominium buyers for a developer's failure to complete a project.
Who Bears the Loss? Examining Fault in Poultry Growing Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when poultry growers bear the risk of loss under continuing credit agreements with feed suppliers.
Positive Identification and Circumstantial Evidence in B.P. 22 Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts use eyewitness identification and circumstantial evidence to convict in Bouncing Checks Law cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: How Death Before Final Judgment Impacts Guilt and Civil Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and affects civil damages.
Unlawful Restraint: The Essential Elements of Serious Illegal Detention in the Philippines
Understand the elements of serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Lawyers Behave Badly: The Supreme Court on Suspension, Reputation, and Evidence
A 2017 Supreme Court ruling shows why disbarment complaints need solid evidence, and why lawyers must stay mindful of how their conduct appears to the public.
Due Process Prevails: Cross-Examination Rights and the Consequences of Missed Notice
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot hold non-parties liable in an execution writ without due process and jurisdiction.
Chain of Custody and Damages: Lessons from the Sprite Bottle Case
A Supreme Court ruling on product liability, chain of custody of evidence, and when moral and exemplary damages may be awarded in quasi-delict cases.
PAGCOR Tax Ruling Clarifies Income Tax, VAT, and Fringe Benefit Liability
Supreme Court ruling clarifies PAGCOR's tax liability: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and FBT obligations.