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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court's chain of custody rule protects accused persons from planted evidence in Philippine drug cases.
Misconduct and Separation Pay: When Is an Employee Entitled to Separation Pay
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed employee may still receive separation pay, and why theft bars such an award.
Unfair Competition Probable Cause: Supreme Court on Counterfeit Goods Evidence
Supreme Court rules on probable cause for unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, reversing dismissal of counterfeit goods case.
When Can a Party Be Held Liable for Another Person's Debt? A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person may be held liable for another's debt under Article 1311 of the Civil Code.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Marking Seized Items Immediately Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possessor due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing the critical importance of immediate marking of seized items.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and Sexual Assault in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for statutory rape and sexual assault against a six-year-old child, clarifying key legal principles.
Safeguarding Independence: Presidential Disciplinary Power Over Deputy Ombudsman Declared Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court strikes down Section 8(2) of RA 6770, affirming the Ombudsman's constitutionally guaranteed independence from presidential disciplinary control.
Counsel Substitution and Appeal Perfection: Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how improper counsel substitution and missing non-forum shopping certifications can doom labor appeals.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim’s Credibility and the Weight of Positive Identification
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, detailing how a victim's credible testimony and positive identification outweigh denial and alibi defenses.
Presumption of Marriage Overcomes Lost Records in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how lost marriage records affect proof of marriage, presumption of marriage, and bigamy claims.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: Ministerial Duty vs. Third-Party Claims
When is a writ of possession ministerial and when can third-party claims block it? The Supreme Court clarifies in Marquez v. Alindog.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases: What the Supreme Court Said
A 2014 Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery and conspiracy establish guilt in murder cases. Learn the rules and practical takeaways.
Clerks of Court and Simple Neglect of Duty: The Migriño Case on Delayed Execution
The Supreme Court held a Clerk of Court liable for simple neglect of duty for delays in scheduling and executing a final judgment, affirming that court personnel must act with diligence.
Protecting Women and Children: Upholding the Constitutionality of Temporary Protection Orders
The Supreme Court affirms that ex parte Temporary Protection Orders under RA 9262 do not violate due process, protecting women and children from violence.
Presumption of Marriage: Proving Marital Status Beyond a Marriage Certificate
The Supreme Court clarifies how marital status is proven in the Philippines, emphasizing the presumption of marriage and the limits of documentary evidence.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies: Why Public Servants Must First Seek Internal Solutions
Public servants must exhaust administrative remedies before going to court. The Supreme Court explains why in Ejera v. Merto.
Clerks of Court and the Rule on Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Reassignment Cases
A reassignment order in government service must be challenged through administrative remedies first. The Supreme Court explains why.
Double Sale of Land: Prior Knowledge Defeats Claim of Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales of land: a buyer who knows of prior claims or occupants cannot claim good faith.
Certiorari as a Remedy: Challenging Small Claims Court Decisions in the Philippines
Can a final small claims decision be challenged? The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari under Rule 65 is the proper remedy.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability for Misappropriated Court Funds and Neglect of Duty
Court personnel who mishandle judiciary funds face dismissal or suspension, as the Supreme Court reaffirms strict accountability for clerks of court.
Upholding Integrity in Public Service: Liability for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court ruling on court personnel liability for fund misappropriation, neglect of duty, and dishonesty in public service.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: Ministerial Duty of Courts Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the ministerial duty of courts to issue writs of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure, and the binding effect of prior judgments.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Lawyer's Negligence Is Not Extrinsic Fraud
Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's negligence is not extrinsic fraud for annulment of judgment under Rule 47.
The Ministerial Duty Securing Property Possession After Foreclosure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies a sheriff's ministerial duty to enforce writs of execution in ejectment cases and the limits of that duty.