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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Perfecting Land Titles: The Imperative of Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945
Learn the strict requirements for land registration in the Philippines, including proving possession since June 12, 1945, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
PLDT Network Integrity: Defining Theft in Telecommunications Fraud
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether ISR network fraud constitutes theft under the Revised Penal Code, and search warrant standards.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police broke the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
FDA Authority Upheld: Validity of Bioavailability Testing Circulars for Drug Registration
Supreme Court affirms FDA's power to issue BA/BE testing circulars for drug registration, clarifying administrative rule-making authority.
When a Case Becomes Moot: The Peñafrancia Sugar Mill Ruling on Forum-Shopping
The Supreme Court dismisses Peñafrancia Sugar Mill's petition as moot after the SRA revoked the assailed sugar orders, explaining when courts abstain from deciding.
Just Compensation Prevails: Government Must Pay for Land Taken for Public Use Even If Initially Reserved for R
Supreme Court rules government must pay just compensation for private land taken for public roads, even if the owner initially reserved it for road widening.
Just Compensation Prevails: Government Must Pay for Land Taken for Public Use
Supreme Court rules the government must pay just compensation for private land taken for public roads, even if the owner subdivided it.
Just Compensation Required When Government Takes Private Property for Roads
Supreme Court rules government must pay just compensation for private property taken for road widening, not demand donation under PD 1529.
Protecting Workers Rights Employer Interference AND Unfair Labor Practices
Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for challenging the Labor Secretary's assumption of jurisdiction over strikes in industries vital to national interest.
The High Cost of Procedural Lapses: Dismissal of Appeal in Estafa Case
Learn how the Supreme Court relaxed procedural rules to prevent injustice in a revival of judgment case.
Certiorari and the Secretary of Labor: Ensuring Procedural Correctness in Labor Disputes
When can a party file certiorari against the Labor Secretary's decision? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy and timing.
Expired Permits and Regulatory Fines: NTC Authority Over Broadcast Operations
A broadcaster's expired provisional authority and NTC fines explained: the Supreme Court clarifies administrative penalties, prescription, and temporary permits.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work Relatedness
A seafarer's disability claim fails without proof of work relatedness. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden in Ayungo v. Beamko.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Imperative of Truthful Asset Disclosure
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when SALN misdeclarations constitute dishonesty, not grave misconduct, and the importance of truthful disclosure.
Beyond the Salary: Defining Dishonesty in Public Office and the Limits of Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to declare assets amounts to dishonesty, not grave misconduct, in Ombudsman cases.
Revival of Judgment Equity Prevails Over Strict Procedural Rules in Land Dispute
Supreme Court allows revival of judgment beyond prescriptive period where strict rules would cause injustice to blameless litigants.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Free Speech and Judicial Integrity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when criticism crosses the line into contempt, using a lawyer's letter to a Court Administrator as the cautionary example.
Trademark Confusion: When Similar Marks on Different Products Are Allowed
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when similar trademarks on unrelated goods can coexist, applying the multifactor test for confusing similarity.
Judges Cannot Notarize Cohabitation Affidavits for Marriages They Solemnize
Supreme Court rules MTC judges may not notarize affidavits of cohabitation for marriages they solemnize, citing Circular 1-90.
Parental Authority and Rape: When Rubbing the Penis Is Not Consummated Rape
A father's conviction for rape is modified by the Supreme Court, which distinguishes sexual assault from consummated rape and attempted rape.
Upholding Convictions in Drug Cases: Balancing Evidence and Constitutional Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court balances evidence and constitutional rights in drug cases, and what this means for accused persons.
Proving Alienable Land in Registration: The T.A.N. Properties Standard
Land registration requires more than a DENR certification. The Supreme Court clarifies the proof needed to establish alienable and disposable land.
Untimely VAT Refund Claims: Strict Prescriptive Periods and the San Roque Exception
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the San Roque doctrine on the 120-day waiting period for VAT refund claims in Procter & Gamble.
Equitable Estoppel and Premature VAT Refund Claims: When Taxpayers Can Rely on BIR Rulings
The Supreme Court ruled that taxpayers may rely on BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03 and file VAT refund claims early, invoking equitable estoppel against the government.