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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Negligence and Power Lines: Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Law
When sagging power lines cause injury, the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur shifts the burden of proof to the electric cooperative.
Chain of Custody Breach Warrants Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects where inventory was done at PDEA office, not arrest site, without justification.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspects: Strict Chain of Custody Still Required
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because police failed to justify why the inventory was not done at the arrest site. Learn the rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Broken Link Leads to Acquittal
When police skip the required on-site inventory without justification, the chain of custody breaks and drug convictions may be overturned.
Liability for Negligence: The High Cost of Low-Hanging Wires
A Supreme Court ruling holds an electric cooperative liable for a fatal motorcycle accident caused by low-hanging wires, applying the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur.
When Notarizing Two Deeds for the Same Property Becomes a Lawyer’s Undoing
A lawyer who notarized two deeds of sale for the same property with different amounts was suspended and lost his notarial commission. Here’s why.
Co-Owner’s Lease Without Consent: Rights of Heirs and Lessees Explained
Can one co-owner lease shared property without the others’ consent? The Supreme Court explains the limits, the lessee’s rights, and the remedies for non-consenting heirs.
Lone Legislative Districts and Provincial Board Seats: The San Jose Del Monte Ruling
A lone legislative district is entitled to its own seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Supreme Court rules in Robes v. COMELEC.
Election Transparency and Citizen Access to the Automated Election System in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of citizen access to the automated election system, including ballot printing, SD cards, and transmission data.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Is a Signature Just a Signature
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a signature on public documents constitutes falsification, and the distinction between mere signatures and legal falsification.
Mandamus Denied: Court Upholds Comelec Authority Over Election Technology Rules
Supreme Court dismisses petition to compel Comelec to issue election automation rules, citing procedural defects and lack of standing.
Homeowners Association Disputes: Jurisdiction and Rights Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle homeowners association disputes, including jurisdiction rules and the proper remedies for aggrieved parties.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Insights from the Supreme Court's Facebook Post Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises the penalty.
Proving Online Abuse: Social Media Evidence in VAWC Cases
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove authorship of social media posts in VAWC cases and raises penalties when ICT is used.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Proving Online Authorship in VAWC Cases: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC cases and raises penalties when ICT is used.
Analysis Raffy T Tulfo Petitioner VS People OF THE Philippines AND Atty Carlos T SO Respondents G R NO 187230 Allen A Macasaet AND Nicolas V Quijano JR Petitioners VS Carlos T SO
Reviving Accountability: Condonation Doctrine and Preventive Suspension in Philippine Governance
Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine and preventive suspension rules for public officers facing administrative and criminal liability.
Government Contracts: When Is a Deal Manifestly Disadvantageous?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government contract is "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law.
SEC Fraud Liability: When Projected Completion Dates Are Not Untrue Statements
Supreme Court clarifies that forward-looking statements in SEC registration filings are not automatically fraudulent misrepresentations under the Securities Regulation Code.
Untrue Statements Under the Securities Regulation Code: What Counts as Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a projected completion date in a registration statement is an untrue statement under the Securities Regulation Code.
Robbery by Extortion: When Law Enforcement Crosses the Line
Police officers who demand money to drop charges commit robbery by extortion. The Supreme Court explains why.
Cyber Libel Retroactivity: When Online Posts Before RA 10175 Are Not Punishable
The Supreme Court clarifies that Facebook posts made before the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 cannot be prosecuted as cyber libel.