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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Reasonable Doubt: When Inconsistent Police Testimony Overturns a Drug Sale Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police witnesses gave conflicting accounts of a buy-bust operation, breaking the chain of custody.
Bigamy and Nullity of Marriage: When a Void Second Marriage Still Leads to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that a subsequent declaration of nullity of a second marriage does not erase criminal liability for bigamy.
Seafarers Disability Claims: POEA-SEC Governs Absent Proof of CBA Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies when POEA-SEC, not a CBA, governs seafarer disability pay; proof requirements for claiming superior CBA benefits.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
Preliminary Attachment Lien Survives Compromise Agreement Until Debt Paid
Supreme Court rules attachment liens continue until debt is fully paid, even after a compromise agreement ends the main case.
Ombudsman Decisions Stay Executory Pending Appeal: A Guide for Public Officers
Learn why Ombudsman dismissal orders remain immediately executory pending appeal, and how the Supreme Court protects the Ombudsman's enforcement powers.
When Kin Turn Killers: Conspiracy and Defense of Relatives in Philippine Murder Law
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions of three relatives, clarifying conspiracy and the defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
Expert Testimony Admissibility and the Courts' Discretion in Evidence
When can courts disqualify an expert witness? The Supreme Court clarifies that only specific grounds under the Rules of Court justify exclusion.
Management Prerogative vs Constructive Dismissal: Limits of Employee Transfers
When is a job transfer a valid management prerogative and when does it become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies in Peckson v. Robinsons Supermarket.
Corporate Control vs Government Sequestration: Defining Jurisdiction in Intra-Corporate Disputes
When a sequestered corporation faces an intra-corporate dispute, which court has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Upholding the Ombudsman's Authority: Enforceability of Decisions Pending Appeal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman decisions remain enforceable despite pending appeals, balancing administrative discipline with due process.
When the Charge and Conviction Differ: Estafa, Due Process, and the Information
The Supreme Court explains when a conviction for estafa under a different paragraph than charged is valid, and why the facts in the Information matter most.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Proper Procedure in Drug Cases
In People v. Oniza, the Supreme Court acquitted two accused of drug charges because police ignored the mandatory procedures under Section 21 of R.A. 9165.
Subrogation Rights Prescription Period For Insurers Seeking Reimbursement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an insurer's subrogation claim prescribes in 10 years, not 4, under Article 1144 of the Civil Code.
Dual Citizenship and Electoral Candidacy: The Renunciation Requirement in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that renouncing foreign citizenship to run for local office must be complete and unequivocal—using a foreign passport after renunciation can disqualify a candidate.
Consolidation of Cases Ensuring Judicial Efficiency and Preventing Conflicting Rulings
Explore how consolidating related cases promotes judicial efficiency and prevents conflicting rulings, with insights from Philippine Supreme Court practice.
Fruits of Ownership: Who Gets Rental Income in Contested Property Foreclosures
Philippine Supreme Court rules on who keeps rental income when a foreclosed property's title is later voided for fraud.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at Time of Payment
The Supreme Court rules that just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at the time of payment, not at the time of taking in 1972.
When a Single Witness Suffices: Murder Conviction Upheld on Credible Testimony
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on a lone eyewitness's credible testimony, clarifying rules on treachery and damages.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Value at Time of Payment, Not Taking
Philippine Supreme Court rules just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at time of payment, not time of taking.
Mortgage Agreements Upholding Contractual Obligations AND Protecting Borrowers Rights
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling in Go v. Looyuko on unlawful detainer, Torrens title, and the limits of ownership claims in ejectment cases.
When Just Compensation Is Measured: The Tria Doctrine on Agrarian Expropriation Valuation
The Supreme Court ruled that just compensation for agrarian reform land should be valued at the time of payment, not at the time of taking.
Delayed Justice Determining Fair Compensation FOR Government Land Seizure
When the government takes property without expropriation, what value controls? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on just compensation.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Convictions: The Role of the Presumption of Regularity
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, explaining how the presumption of regularity in police buy-bust operations works and when it applies.