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.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Examining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims and treachery, and why the burden of proof matters in criminal cases.
Buy-Bust Operations: Consistent Police Testimony Upheld in Drug Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions based on consistent police testimony in buy-bust operations, clarifying evidentiary standards under RA 9165.
Probable Cause and Search Warrants: Safeguarding Property Rights in Seizures
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants, balancing law enforcement with constitutional property rights.
Enforced Disappearance Balancing Evidentiary Standards AND Government Accountability
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Boundaries in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug cases, affirming a buy-bust conviction.
Custody Agreements Contrary to Child's Best Interests Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint custody agreements for children under seven and the best interests standard.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Affirmative Identification and Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court in Vidar v. People explains why delayed reporting, mug-shot identification, and relationship to the victim do not necessarily weaken a prosecution for robbery with homicide.
Postgraduate Degrees and Civil Service Eligibility: Supreme Court Clarifies Qualification Standards
The Supreme Court ruled that a postgraduate degree in any related field does not conflict with a professional license requirement like the Civil Engineer licensure under RA 1080.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why Strict Evidence Standards Protect the Accused
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody and procedural lapses, reinforcing the presumption of innocence.
Qualification Standards and Security of Tenure in Government Employment: DOLE v. Maceda
SC ruling on temporary appointments, qualification standards, and the proper remedy for CSC decisions in government service.
Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction: Protecting the Rights of Tenants and Home Lots
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that tenancy must be proven by substantial evidence, and that DARAB jurisdiction depends on the existence of a valid tenancy relationship.
Barangay Boundary Disputes: Why Cadastral Maps Beat Tax Records
In boundary disputes between barangays, the Supreme Court gives greater weight to cadastral maps approved by the Director of Lands than to tax declarations.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice Is Mandatory in Agrarian Reform Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules written notice to tenant and DAR is mandatory before redemption period can run under agrarian reform law.
Just Compensation Land Valuation Under Agrarian Reform Requires Independent Judicial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, not merely adopt DARAB valuations.
Defining Expertise Qualifications for Judiciary's Information Systems Leadership
The Supreme Court clarifies qualification standards for MISO leadership, balancing legal expertise with ICT proficiency.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Applying the Correct Valuation Method
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under RA 6657 must follow Section 17 factors and DAR AO No. 6, not PD No. 27.
Amparo and Property Rights: Clarifying the Boundaries of Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies that amparo and habeas data writs protect life, liberty, and security—not property disputes.
Bribery and Grave Misconduct: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
A BIR examiner's conviction for grave misconduct in a bribery entrapment underscores the high standard of integrity required of public servants.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Applying RA 6657 Valuation Principles
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under RA 6657 must follow Section 17 factors and DAR AO No. 6, not PD No. 27.
Ethical Boundaries FOR Lawyers Avoiding Misleading Claims AND Upholding Court Dignity
Upholding Ethical Standards: Dismissal for Lascivious Acts and Workplace Misconduct
Court employee dismissed for kissing a co-worker and reporting drunk. The Supreme Court affirms strict ethical standards for judiciary personnel.
Dereliction OF Duty Upholding Public Service Standards IN THE Judiciary
Government Contracts and Eminent Domain: Scrutinizing Good Faith in Land Acquisition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform must follow RA 6657 and DAR formulas, not market data alone.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA Contract
Explaining when seafarers can claim disability benefits under the POEA Standard Contract, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Bandila Maritime v. Dubduban.