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.
Common Carriers and Stolen Goods: The Extraordinary Diligence Standard in the Philippines
Philippine law holds common carriers liable for stolen goods unless theft involved grave threat or irresistible force. Learn the extraordinary diligence standard.
CNA Incentive Disallowance Upholds the Primacy of MOOE in Government Spending
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of CNA Incentive paid from EAO savings, clarifying that only MOOE may fund such incentives.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Safeguards in Evidence Handling Matter
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite police lapses, but warns that procedural shortcuts can undermine the integrity of seized evidence.
When GSIS Rules Fail: The Publication Requirement and the Limits of Agency Power
The Supreme Court nullified GSIS PPG No. 171-03 for lack of publication, reaffirming that legislative rules need notice and effectivity.
Attorney Suspended for Disobeying Court Orders: Abellanosa v. COA and NHA
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for repeatedly ignoring lawful court directives, underscoring lawyers' duty to obey court orders.
Venue Stipulations and the Right Remedy: Pillars Property v. Century Communities
The Supreme Court clarifies when a venue stipulation binds parties and why dismissal for improper venue calls for certiorari, not appeal.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody and Section 21 non-compliance, underscoring strict evidentiary rules.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, highlighting strict requirements.
Simple Rape Conviction: Credibility of Victim’s Testimony and Burden of Proof
A look at how Philippine courts weigh a rape victim’s testimony, credibility, and the prosecution’s burden of proof in simple rape cases.
Forcible Abduction and Rape in the Philippines: Insights from People v. Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court treats forcible abduction with rape, victim credibility, and penalties under Philippine law.
Judicial Review of Probable Cause: Safeguarding Against Hasty Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan's power to dismiss criminal cases when evidence fails to establish probable cause against accused public officials.
Substantial Evidence Standard in Disbarment Cases: Buntag v. Atty. Toledo
The Supreme Court clarifies the substantial evidence standard in disbarment cases and reminds lawyers to put fee agreements in writing.
Compromise Agreements Ensuring Mutuality AND Enforceability IN Debt Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court approves compromise agreement in debt settlement, highlighting mutual concessions and clear terms for enforceability.
Absence Without Leave: Upholding Public Service Standards in the Philippine Judiciary
Court personnel who go AWOL face dropping from the rolls. Learn the rules and consequences from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Reasonable Doubt in Qualified Theft: When Missing Proof Means Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted an accounting-in-charge of qualified theft when the prosecution failed to prove taking and intent.
Intact Hymen Does NOT Preclude Rape Conviction: People v. Bay-od
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite intact hymen, clarifying that carnal knowledge does not require hymen rupture or full penetration.
Unlawful Detainer: The Imperative of Alleging Tolerance in Ejectment Suits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tolerance must be alleged in unlawful detainer cases to establish jurisdiction.
Upholding Police Accountability: Grave Misconduct and the Limits of Procedural Technicalities in Administrativ
A police officer dismissed for grave misconduct fails to overturn his dismissal as the Supreme Court affirms that procedural rules on appeals must be strictly followed.
Chain of Custody Rule Is Substantive Law, Not a Technicality: People v. Fuentes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the chain of custody rule in drug cases is substantive law, and acquits accused for unjustified deviations.
Foreclosure Writ of Possession: Appeal Does Not Stay Implementation
Supreme Court clarifies that an appeal of a writ of possession order in extrajudicial foreclosure does not suspend its implementation.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Third-Party Property: UCPB's Duty to Protect Borrower Interests
When a bank forecloses property mortgaged by a third party without the owner's consent, the Supreme Court protects the true owner's rights.
When a Mortgage on Trust Property Is Void: UCPB v. Spouses Chua
The Supreme Court rules that a bank cannot foreclose on properties held in trust when the trustee had no authority to mortgage them.
Valid Dation in Payment: When a Debtor's Creditor Still Has Authority to Settle
Supreme Court explains when a dation in payment is valid even if the creditor assigned its receivables to another party.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Every Link Matters After People v. Tumangong
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police broke chain of custody rules. Learn the four links and why compliance is critical.