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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Treachery's Shadow: Murder and Eyewitness Identification in the Anis Massacre
The Supreme Court affirms murder and attempted murder convictions from the 1999 Anis massacre, ruling on treachery and eyewitness identification.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to prove every link in the chain of custody of seized shabu.
Dragnet Clauses and Foreclosure: Defining the Limits of Mortgage Security in the Philippines
A bank cannot inflate a foreclosure redemption price using a dragnet clause. The Supreme Court explains the limits of mortgage security.
Income Tax Returns: Balancing Confidentiality and Admissibility in Court
When can courts compel production of income tax returns? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of confidentiality and the proper remedy.
Corporate Rehabilitation Separate Juridical Personality Prevails Over Third Party Mortgages
Supreme Court clarifies that corporate rehabilitation stay orders do not cover properties owned by third-party mortgagors.
Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Drug Possession: The Chain of Custody Rule Under Philippine Law
Why the Supreme Court acquitted two accused in a shabu possession case due to a broken chain of custody, and what this means for drug cases.
Double Jeopardy Prevails: Acquittal Stands Despite Alleged Errors in Evidence Appreciation
The Supreme Court reaffirms the rule against double jeopardy, holding that an acquittal cannot be appealed or reversed absent grave abuse of discretion.
NHA Incentive Allowances Disallowed: When Government Compensation Rationalization Prevails
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of NHA incentive allowances, ruling that PD 1597 and RA 6758 repealed the NHA Board's power to grant them.
CARP Landowner Rights After CLOA Issuance: Diamond Farms Case on Just Compensation and Beneficiary Possession
Supreme Court ruling on landowner rights, just compensation, and beneficiary possession under CARP after CLOA issuance in Diamond Farms v. Diamond Farm Workers.
Mandamus Cannot Compel a Mayor to Issue Business Permits: The Rimando Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that issuing business permits is a discretionary, not ministerial, act—so mandamus cannot compel it.
Protecting Prior Land Rights: The Limits of Free Patents and Good Faith Purchasers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when free patents and good faith purchases can defeat prior land rights.
Perfecting Title: Strict Requirements for Land Registration in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict rules on land registration, including proof of alienability and possession periods.
When Snatching a Bag Is Theft, Not Robbery: The Violence Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that snatching a bag without violence or intimidation is theft, not robbery, even if a death occurs.
Interlocutory Orders: Why Immediate Appeals Can Derail Justice
Philippine Supreme Court explains why interlocutory orders cannot be appealed immediately, preventing delays and multiplicity of appeals in criminal cases.
Defining the Power of Control in Labor Disputes: The Legend Hotel Case
When is a hotel pianist an employee, not an independent talent? The Supreme Court clarifies the control test in illegal dismissal cases.
Acquisitive Prescription vs Torrens Title: Proving Land Registration Claims in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when possession of public land can ripen into private ownership and registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Perfecting Land Titles: The Burden of Proof in Land Registration Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict burden of proof in land registration, including possession periods and evidence of alienability.
Government Instrumentalities and Tax Exemption: Defining the Scope of Real Property Tax Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government entity with corporate powers is exempt from real property tax, distinguishing instrumentalities from GOCCs.
Res Judicata and Foreclosure: When a Second Bite at the Apple Is Denied
The Supreme Court explains how res judicata bars a second case on the same foreclosure dispute, and clarifies appeal rules.
Summary Judgment: When Failing to Refute Allegations Costs You the Case
Learn how failing to refute payment allegations led to summary judgment against the Villuga spouses in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Tax Exemption for Government Instrumentalities: Defining the Scope of Real Property Tax Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government entity is exempt from real property tax, distinguishing instrumentalities from GOCCs.
Entrapment vs Instigation: What Makes a Valid Drug Buy-Bust Operation
The Supreme Court explains the difference between entrapment and instigation in drug cases, and why a valid buy-bust operation leads to conviction.
Finality of Judgments: Customs Bureau Bound by Interest on Seized Shipments
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments, including interest awards, bind the Bureau of Customs on seized shipments.
Supreme Court Limits Congress to One Seat on the Judicial and Bar Council
The Supreme Court rules Congress may send only one representative to the JBC, striking down the eight-member composition as unconstitutional.