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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Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court explains why strict chain of custody rules matter in drug cases, and how lapses can affect convictions.
When Can a Partner’s Personal Assets Be Seized for Partnership Debts?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a partner’s personal assets may be seized for partnership debts, and the due process required.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Contracts: What Lessors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lessors may extrajudicially rescind lease contracts for nonpayment of rent, even without an express contractual provision.
Extrajudicial Rescission of Lease Contracts: What Philippine Law Allows
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor may extrajudicially rescind a lease contract without court approval, and the risks involved.
Mortgage Rights Prevail Protecting Mortgagee Interests Over Subsequent Property Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how registered mortgages prevail over later contracts to sell, protecting mortgagee rights.
When Arbitration Clauses Bind Non-Signatories: Nominees and Related Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses extend to nominees and subsequent related agreements under RA 9285.
Defining Construction Cost Interest Expenses and Reserved Units in Joint Development Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what counts as actual construction cost in joint development agreements, excluding interest expenses from the computation.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Broken Links Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu under RA 9165.
Divisibility of Contractual Obligations and Remedies for Breach in Philippine Sales Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on divisible vs. indivisible obligations in sales contracts and remedies upon breach.
Motion for Extension of Time: Balancing Strict Rules and Substantial Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts should relax procedural rules on formal offer of evidence to serve substantial justice.
Striking A Balance Upholding Club Rules VS Ensuring Procedural Fairness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers may validly dismiss workers for joining an illegal strike and the limits of that power.
Pactum Commissorium: When Mortgage Agreements Unfairly Benefit Lenders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage validity, unconscionable interest rates, and when borrowers cannot escape contractual obligations.
Refusing a Promotion: When It Cannot Be Grounds for Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when refusing a promotion is a valid right, not insubordination, and its effect on illegal dismissal claims.
Annulment of Judgment: Why Extrinsic Fraud and Due Diligence Matter in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when annulment of judgment is available—extrinsic fraud must come from the adverse party, not one's own counsel.
Circumstantial Evidence and Penalty Rules in Philippine Homicide Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies penalty imposition, damages, and evidence rules in homicide appeals under Rule 45.
Breach of Trust: How Familial Rape Impacts Justice in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, rejecting sweetheart defense and clarifying force requirement.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Security Guards' Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abandonment vs illegal dismissal in labor-only contracting cases involving security guards and agency-hired workers.
Perfecting Joint Venture Agreements Consent Object AND Cause IN Philippine contract LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, joint and several liability, and procedural due process in illegal dismissal cases.
Double Jeopardy and Civil Liability When Acquittal Does Not Erase Debt
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double jeopardy, finality of acquittal, and civil liability in estafa cases.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: Solidary Liability of Principal and Contractor
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, control test, and solidary liability for illegal dismissal under the Labor Code.
Assignment of Mortgage and BSP’s Foreclosure Authority Hinges on Valid Deed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may foreclose a mortgage assigned to it, requiring a valid deed of assignment.
Charter Party Agreements: How They Determine Carrier Status in Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how time charter parties can convert common carriers into private carriers, affecting liability.
Finality Prevails: Understanding the Limits of Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when annulment of judgment is available, distinguishing lack of jurisdiction from errors in exercising jurisdiction.
Incestuous Rape: Upholding Parental Moral Ascendancy and Protecting Minor Victims
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a father figure, clarifying force, minority as aggravating circumstance, and damages.