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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Bank Deposit Secrecy: Upholding Depositor Rights in Insolvency Proceedings
The Supreme Court rules that a corporation's bank deposits stay confidential in insolvency unless the depositor gives written consent to waive secrecy.
Res Judicata and Missed Appeals: When a Final Ejectment Ruling Bars a Second Case
A final judgment on the merits bars a second ejectment case with the same parties, subject, and cause of action—even if the first ruling used wrong terminology.
Negligence of Counsel and Due Process: Lessons from People v. Tapugay
How the Supreme Court balanced procedural lapses in drug evidence handling against the accused's right to due process in People v. Tapugay.
Notarizing Without Personal Appearance: The Cost of a Breach of Notarial Duty
A notary public who notarizes a deed without the parties appearing before him faces suspension and perpetual disqualification. Learn why.
Healthcare Allowances for Government Employees: Defining a Health Program Under the Law
The Supreme Court disallowed TESDA's P5,000 healthcare allowance, ruling that a health program under CSC rules cannot be converted into cash without presidential approval.
Protection Orders and Marital Discord: Balancing Rights and Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how permanent protection orders under RA 9262 operate amid marital disputes, custody battles, and claims of compromise.
Public Dominion Property Cannot Be Levied on Execution: Water District Wins
Supreme Court rules water works systems are public dominion property, exempt from execution and auction sale in labor cases.
Dismissal of Actions: Balancing Diligence and the Courts Duty in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine courts balance procedural diligence with the duty to decide cases on their merits. This article explains dismissal rules, grounds, and practical guidance.
Public Use Prevails: Water System Properties Cannot Be Seized for Private Debts
Supreme Court rules water works systems devoted to public use are property of public dominion, exempt from levy and auction sale.
Self-Defense vs. Criminal Intent: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery qualifies killing as murder, not homicide.
Parental Authority vs Child's Rights: Defining Intimidation in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court clarifies intimidation in incestuous qualified rape, affirming father's conviction for three counts against minor daughter.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian reform just compensation must be valued at the time of taking, not at later dates.
Strict Rules on Foreclosure Notice Publication: What Philippine Mortgagors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with foreclosure notice publication requirements and consequences of defective notices.
Reasonable Doubt Safeguarding Individual Liberty IN Drug Cases Through Strict Chain OF Custody 2
Finality of Judgment in Illegal Dismissal: What "Other Benefits" Really Covers
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on retirement pay and allowances in illegal dismissal cases, and why final judgments are immutable.
Third Doctor Referral Requirement Upholding Company Doctors Fitness Certification IN Seafarer Disability Claims
Civil Service Exam Fraud: Forged Signatures and Dishonesty in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on Civil Service exam fraud, forged signatures, and the consequences of dishonesty in public service employment.
Challenging Buy-Bust Operations: When Procedural Lapses in Drug Sale Cases Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to unjustified gaps in the chain of custody, underscoring the importance of preserving evidence integrity.
Tax Collection: Government's Right to Collect Taxes Limited by Prescription
Supreme Court rules BIR's right to collect assessed taxes prescribes in three years; inaction bars collection.
Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Safeguarding Evidence Integrity 2
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Failure to Pay Just Debts as a Breach of Public Trust
Court stenographer reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debts; the Supreme Court clarifies the definition under civil service rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Unmarked Evidence Means Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to mark seized sachets, breaking the chain of custody and casting doubt on the evidence.
Foreclosure Sales Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales invalidates the sale and makes the notary public liable for damages.
Upholding Honesty in Legal Practice: Consequences for Submitting False Affidavits
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for submitting a falsified affidavit in court, reaffirming the duty of candor and integrity in legal practice.