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.
Employment Status and Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: A Guide
Explaining how Philippine courts determine employment status and jurisdiction in illegal dismissal cases, using the Loreche-Amit v. CDMC ruling.
Premium Tax vs Cost of Service: Defining Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Supreme Court clarifies which taxes count as "cost of services" in computing MCIT for insurance companies, and when DST applies to policy increases.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Illegal Exaction and Abuse of Discretion in Garbage Collection Fees
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's dismissal of an illegal exaction case against a barangay captain constituted grave abuse of discretion.
Reasonable Doubt in Qualified Theft: When Missing Proof Means Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted an accounting-in-charge of qualified theft when the prosecution failed to prove taking and intent.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Witness Presence Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Estafa Under Trust Receipt Agreements: The Osental Case and PD 115
Failure to comply with a trust receipt agreement can lead to estafa charges. Learn the rules from the Osental case.
Breach of Trust: How Philippine Law Punishes Theft by Domestic Servants
The Supreme Court explains qualified theft by domestic servants, intent to gain, and penalties under RA 10951.
Best Evidence Rule in Disbarment Cases: Goopio v. Maglalang Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that photocopies cannot prove lawyer misconduct, dismissing a disbarment case for violating the Best Evidence Rule.
Extraordinary Diligence: Carrier Liability for Misdelivered Goods
When a courier delivers to the wrong person, the shipment is legally "lost." The Supreme Court explains carrier liability and the limits of air waybill exemptions.
Tenancy Rights vs. Co-Ownership: Proving Agricultural Tenancy in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy is a legal relationship that must be proven by substantial evidence, not presumed from mere occupation.
Barangay Dispute Resolution Lawyers Barred From Lupon Appearances
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers cannot appear before the Lupon Tagapamayapa, preserving the informal, conciliatory character of barangay justice.
Establishing Tenancy Requires Concrete Evidence: Landowner Rights Upheld
Supreme Court rules tenancy cannot be presumed; claimants must prove all elements with substantial evidence, not mere certifications.
Possession Is Prima Facie Evidence: Understanding Fencing Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how mere possession of stolen goods can convict a person of fencing under PD 1612, and clarifies the proper penalty.
Breach of Public Trust: Defining Misconduct and Dishonesty in Government Service
The Supreme Court affirms penalties against a former PCGG chairman for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Earnest Money in a Contract to Sell: When Buyers Lose Their Deposit
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money in a contract to sell may be forfeited and when lessees may suspend rent under Article 1658.
Proving Lost Earnings After Wrongful Death: Testimony Can Suffice, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that credible testimonial evidence alone can prove a deceased person's income for lost earning capacity damages.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status and Continuous Possession
When can long possession overcome the lack of a DENR certification in land registration cases? The Supreme Court explains.
When Business Closure Is Valid: Employer Prerogative vs. Employee Security
The Supreme Court explains when a company may validly close operations and terminate employees, and how workers can challenge the closure.
Implied Trusts and Co-Ownership: Hidden Property Rights in Family Lending Businesses
When a family lending business buys property under one sibling's name, an implied trust may preserve everyone's share.
When a "Lawyer" Is Not a Lawyer: Due Process and the Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court voids a conviction where the accused was represented by a fake lawyer, stressing the absolute right to counsel.
Probable Cause and Customs Seizure: Protecting Due Process in Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause must precede customs seizure and forfeiture, protecting claimants from arbitrary government action.
Probable Cause Required Before Customs Seizure: Commissioner of Customs v. Singson
Philippine Supreme Court rules customs forfeiture requires probable cause first, not mere suspicion or certification.
Franchise Tax vs Real Property Tax: Clarifying NGCP's Tax Liabilities
Supreme Court clarifies when NGCP's franchise tax covers real property taxes and when local governments may still collect them.