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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Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Property Dispute Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies appellate review standards in property disputes, emphasizing substantial justice over technical procedural rules.
Government Procurement: Upholding Integrity and Accountability in Public Bidding Processes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies accountability of BAC members in irregular government procurement under RA 9184, ruling on grave and simple misconduct.
Succession Rights and DAR Secretary's Authority in Agrarian Beneficiary Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies DAR Secretary's exclusive jurisdiction over successor designation in agrarian reform beneficiary disputes, reversing CA ruling.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Prescription Periods and Proving Work-Related Death
Learn the strict rules on prescription and compensability in seafarer death benefit claims, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Money Laundering: Knowledge of Unlawful Proceeds, Not Clean Appearance, Determines Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that money laundering guilt hinges on knowing proceeds are from unlawful activity, not on making them look clean.
Money Laundering Prosecution Can Proceed Independently of Unlawful Activity Requires Proof Beyond Reasonable D
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that money laundering cases may proceed independently of predicate crimes, but the unlawful activity's elements must still be proven.
Res Ipsa Loquitur: Holding Nurses Accountable for Post-Operative Patient Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur to hold nurses liable for a patient's death after post-operative care failures.
Upholding Land Sale Agreements: Clear Evidence Needed to Challenge Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Ortigas land dispute underscores the heavy burden of proving intimidation in challenging real estate sales.
Treachery and Intent in Philippine Homicide Convictions: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery and evident premeditation qualify killings as murder, and when they do not.
Liberalizing Amendments Safeguarding Justice AND Preventing Delay IN Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts must liberally allow amended pleadings, balancing justice against procedural delay.
Enforcing Debt Obligations: Promissory Notes and Checks as Evidence in Sales Transactions
Supreme Court rules promissory notes and dishonored checks can prove a sale and enforce payment, reversing the Court of Appeals.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Balancing DOJ Guidelines and Judicial Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies how plea bargaining works in drug cases, balancing DOJ Circular No. 027 with judicial discretion under A.M. No. 18-03-16-SC.
Nuisance Per Se and Local Police Power: The Biñan Hog Farm Ordinance Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld Biñan's ordinance phasing out large hog farms near homes, treating foul odors as a nuisance per se abatable through local police power.
Proving Intimidation in Contracts: The Ortigas Land Dispute and the Burden of Proof
Philippine law presumes contracts valid. Learn how the Supreme Court requires clear evidence to prove intimidation or undue influence.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving the Work-Related Connection for Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove their illness is work-related by substantial evidence, not merely allege it.
Can Religious Corporations Own Land in the Philippines? The RVM Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's RVM ruling clarifies constitutional limits on religious corporations acquiring public land in the Philippines.
Redefining Rape Anatomical Thresholds and Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the exact anatomical threshold distinguishing attempted from consummated rape through penile penetration, and reaffirms victim testimony standards.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misappropriating Client Funds and Forging Receipts
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for misappropriating client's payment, forging receipts, and deceiving the court in violation of the CPR.
Social Media Misconduct and Attorney Disbarment: Balancing Free Speech and Professional Ethics
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for posting a draft plunder complaint on Facebook, ruling that free expression does not justify violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Letter of Authority Required When Reassigning Tax Audits: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court nullifies tax assessments where audits were reassigned without a new Letter of Authority. Learn the rules.
When a Tax Audit Lacks Authority: The LOA Requirement in Philippine Tax Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why BIR revenue officers need a valid Letter of Authority to conduct tax audits, and what happens when reassignments bypass this requirement.
When a Revenue Officer Lacks Authority: The LOA Requirement in Tax Audits
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a new Letter of Authority is required when tax investigations are reassigned to another revenue officer.
Accreditation of Government Service After Retirement: The CSC v. Annang Rule
Retired government workers cannot seek accreditation of prior contract-of-service work. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits.
Attempted Trafficking in Persons: When Simulating a Birth and Taking Custody of a Child Leads to Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when simulating a birth and acquiring custody of a child constitutes attempted trafficking in persons under Philippine law.