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.
Torrens Title vs. Possession: When a Registered Owner Prevails in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title prevails over possession claims in accion publiciana cases, reaffirming the indefeasibility of registered land titles.
Land Rights and Oral Sales: Understanding Property Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when oral sales of land are valid, and why the five-year free patent ban on alienation matters.
Falsification of Public Documents: Intent to Injure Not Required for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intent to injure is not an element of falsification of public documents under the Revised Penal Code.
Verbal Contracts and Implied Ratification: Upholding Obligations in Broiler Chick Growing Agreements
The Supreme Court rules that verbal contracts bind parties even without a written agreement, and corporations may impliedly ratify unauthorized acts.
Recruiting Minors for Criminal Activities Is Trafficking Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules that recruiting minors to commit robberies constitutes qualified trafficking in persons under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Illegal Dismissal of OFWs: Full Contract Pay Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reaffirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to their full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap.
When Snatching Is Theft, Not Robbery: Proving Conspiracy and the Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court clarifies when snatching amounts to theft rather than robbery, and how conspiracy is proven in Philippine criminal law.
Strict Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Handling Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke the chain of custody. Learn the four links and why strict compliance matters.
Safeguarding Individual Rights The Indispensable Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, underscoring why Section 21 safeguards matter.
Probable Cause vs Due Process: Independent Judicial Assessment in Arrest Warrant Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between executive and judicial probable cause in arrest warrant issuance, and the limits of due process in preliminary investigation.
Limits of Mandamus: DepEd Not Compelled to Collect Loan Payments for Private Lenders
Supreme Court rules DepEd cannot be compelled by mandamus to collect and remit teacher loan payments for private lenders.
Guarantee vs Suretyship: How Waiving Excussion Changes Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "guarantee" becomes a suretyship, and why a rehabilitation stay order does not protect a surety.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Child Victim Testimony and Flight as Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices and why the accused's flight indicates guilt.
Seafarers' Rights: When Late Disability Assessments Mean Total Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a company doctor's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment entitles seafarers to total disability benefits.
Qualified Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Child Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's clear testimony outweighs a father's denial and alibi.
When Can a Landlord Claim Unpaid Rent: Lessons from Booklight v. Tiu
Learn when landlords can claim unpaid rent and why tenants must present evidence at pre-trial, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
From Murder to Homicide: Proving Treachery and Superior Strength in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and abuse of superior strength qualify killing as murder, and when they don't.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure media and DOJ witnesses during inventory, stressing strict chain of custody rules.
Strict Compliance with Chain of Custody Rules in Drug Cases: People v. Acub
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to strictly comply with Section 21, RA 9165, on chain of custody.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Missing Witnesses Mean Acquittal
A drug conviction was reversed because police failed to secure media and DOJ witnesses during inventory. Learn the chain of custody rules.
When Judges Interfere with Writs of Execution: A Lesson in Judicial Conduct
A judge who stopped a sheriff from implementing a writ of execution was fined for conduct unbecoming a judicial officer.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Father-Daughter Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a father's moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and why conviction stands.
Qualifying Circumstances in Rape: When Minority and Relationship Raise the Penalty
The Supreme Court explains when rape is qualified by minority and relationship, and the damages a convicted offender must pay.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow chain of custody rules under RA 9165, explaining why strict compliance matters.