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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Expropriation Due Process: What Property Owners Must Prove
A Supreme Court ruling on Olongapo expropriation clarifies the requisites for valid taking, the need for genuine negotiation, and the right to a full hearing on defenses.
Project vs Regular Employment: Defining Job Security in the Philippines
Understand the Supreme Court's distinction between project and regular employment, and what it means for job security under Philippine labor law.
Lack of Marriage License Nullifies Union Even When Psychological Incapacity Fails
Supreme Court voids marriage for missing license despite rejecting psychological incapacity claim, clarifying Article 34 exemption rules.
Restrictions on Contractual Rights: The Necessity of Consent in Deed of Assignment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a deed of assignment of receivables is unenforceable against the obligor without written consent.
Custody Chain Integrity: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court in People v. Tamundi clarified the chain of custody rule and witness requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Expropriation Voided: Olongapo's Failure to Make a Valid Offer and Grant Due Process
Supreme Court voids Olongapo's expropriation of Jose Co Lee's property for lack of a valid offer and due process, reaffirming safeguards for property owners.
RA 9262 Protects Women in Same-Sex Relationships: Jacinto v. Fouts Explained
The Supreme Court confirms RA 9262 applies to lesbian relationships, ensuring women in same-sex partnerships receive equal protection from intimate partner violence.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Fines for Neglect of Duty and Undue Delay
The Supreme Court fined a judge and a clerk of court for gross neglect of duty, undue delay, and other administrative offenses, underscoring judicial accountability.
Illegal Dismissal Claims Survive Employee's Death: Heirs May Substitute
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints are imbued with public interest, allowing heirs to substitute deceased complainants.
Prior Approval for Hiring Private Lawyers: DSWD Case Limits Government Authority
Supreme Court affirms COA ruling that government agencies must secure prior approval before hiring private lawyers, explaining strict compliance rules.
Expired Notarial Commission: When Notarizing Without Authority Leads to Disbarment-Adjacent Penalties
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years and permanently disqualified him from notarial work for notarizing over 300 documents with an expired commission.
Void Deeds: How Forgery Affects Property Titles in the Philippines
A forged deed is void and conveys no title. Learn how the Supreme Court protects family homes from fraudulent sales.
Citizenship and Property Rights: Retaining Ownership After Naturalization in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that naturalized citizens retain ownership of property acquired before losing Filipino citizenship, protecting vested property rights.
Invalid Search Warrants: Protecting Rights Against Unreasonable Seizures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after ruling that a search warrant covering two offenses is void, making seized evidence inadmissible.
Disbarment for Misleading Conduct and Disrespect Protecting the Integrity of the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for deceiving a client, disrespecting judges, and violating notarial and MCLE rules.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Evidence and Upholding Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court explains when minor deviations from Section 21's chain of custody rule are justified in buy-bust operations.
Navigating Appeals in Estate Proceedings: The Necessity of a Record on Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appeals in special proceedings require both a notice of appeal and record on appeal within 30 days.
Equal Pay for Equal Work: When Seniority and Performance Justify Salary Differences
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seniority, performance, and merit can justify different salaries for employees holding the same position.
No COLA on Top of Standardized Pay for Government Employees Post-1989
Supreme Court confirms COLA and amelioration allowance are integrated into standardized salaries under RA 6758; no extra payment allowed.
Good Faith and Land Titles: A Purchaser's Duty Until Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a land buyer's good faith is measured—from purchase until registration of the deed.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence From Seizure to Trial
The Supreme Court explains when minor deviations in the chain of custody rule for seized drugs are excused, using a 2022 cocaine case.
Misrepresentation and Accountability When Non-Judiciary Personnel Impede Justice
Supreme Court clarifies that non-judiciary personnel who misrepresent influence over cases face contempt, even if outside administrative jurisdiction.
Psychological Incapacity vs Marital Discord: When Annulment Fails in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that marital unhappiness and discord are not enough to nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Inordinate Delay in Preliminary Investigation Warrants Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, warranting dismissal.