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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Breach of Public Trust: Why Appearances Matter in Philippine Civil Service
The Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Sandiganbayan clarifies how public officers can be held liable for breach of public trust, even through corporate vehicles.
Who Owns the Shares When Public Funds and Private Interests Collide in San Miguel Corporation
The Supreme Court resolves who owns sequestered SMC shares bought with coconut levy funds—the registered owners or the coconut farmers.
Sandiganbayan Justices' Collegiality Breach: Administrative Liability Explained
Supreme Court holds Sandiganbayan justices liable for simple misconduct and unbecoming conduct for breaching collegiality in provincial hearings.
Lost Land Title Petitions: Court Limits, Due Diligence, and Protecting Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for new owner's duplicate titles, including jurisdictional limits, due diligence duties, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Broken Chains, Broken Cases: Why Chain of Custody Is King in Philippine Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over a broken chain of custody, underscoring the prosecution's burden to prove the drug's identity beyond doubt.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Philippine Employers Can Validly Dismiss Employees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and who counts as managerial staff.
Certiorari and Evidence: Court of Appeals Can Receive New Proof in Special Civil Actions
When may the Court of Appeals admit new evidence in a certiorari case? The Supreme Court clarifies in this foreclosure dispute.
Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Corporate Disputes: Safeguarding Rights Pending Litigation
Learn how the Supreme Court applies preliminary injunction rules in corporate disputes, protecting shareholder rights while cases remain pending.
Managerial Employees and Overtime Pay in the Philippines: The Clientlogic Case
Who counts as a managerial employee exempt from overtime pay? The Supreme Court's Clientlogic ruling clarifies the test.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspect Over Broken Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, protecting the accused's rights.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drug Possession: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
A Supreme Court ruling shows why broken chain of custody can lead to acquittal in illegal drug possession cases under RA 9165.
Premature Legal Challenges Questioning Expropriation Before an Ordinance Is Enacted
When can landowners challenge expropriation? The Supreme Court explains why certiorari and prohibition are premature remedies.
Void Government Contracts THE Necessity OF Fund Certification
The Supreme Court rules on void government contracts and the indispensable requirement of fund certification for their validity.
VAT Compliance Strict Invoicing Requirements FOR Tax Credit Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict VAT invoicing requirements for zero-rated sales tax credit claims.
Expropriation Requires an Ordinance, Not Just a Resolution: Yusay v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies that local governments must pass an ordinance, not a mere resolution, before exercising eminent domain under the Local Government Code.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Gaps Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession defendant over broken chain of custody, explaining the strict integrity rules under RA 9165.
When Dust Settles Lawsuits Rise Understanding Neighbor Disputes and Damages from Construction in the Philippin
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction dust and debris entitle a neighbor to damages, distinguishing moral from nominal damages.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Possession Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Fatal Flaws in Forum Shopping Certification: NHA v. Roxas and Rule 46 Compliance
A procedural misstep in certiorari petitions—missing certified true copies—can be fatal. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in NHA v. Roxas.
Can Tenants Challenge Landlord's Title After Foreclosure? The Ros v. PNB Case
When a bank forecloses on a property, can the borrower's spouse later challenge the mortgage as forged? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Just Compensation in Land Reform: Ensuring Fair Value for Agricultural Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed for agricultural landowners under CARP, including DAR formula rules and compensable areas.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Why CIAC Jurisdiction Is Broad and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies CIAC's broad jurisdiction over construction disputes, explaining why arbitration clauses vest exclusive authority regardless of contract restrictions.
Irrevocable Choice: Tax Credit Carry-Over and Refund Rules in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that choosing to carry over excess tax credit bars refund claims, but the credit can be used indefinitely.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Understanding Murder Through Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy, positive identification, and treachery determine criminal liability for murder in the Philippines.