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.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Loss of Owner's Duplicate Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies evidence needed to reconstitute a lost or destroyed certificate of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Integrity of Evidence Matters for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over police failure to follow Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Protecting Local Autonomy Upholding Environmental Stewardship Over Business Interests
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against local officials, affirming their power to enforce environmental laws over business interests.
Upholding Local Autonomy: The Constitutionality of Vehicle Immobilization Ordinances
The Supreme Court upheld Cebu City's vehicle immobilization ordinance as a valid exercise of police power, clarifying due process requirements for traffic enforcement.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Broadcasting
GMA Network v. Pabriga clarifies when broadcast technicians are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not project workers.
Beyond Deadlines: The COMELEC's Power to Ensure Fair Plebiscites Despite Statutory Timelines
When a plebiscite deadline becomes impossible to meet, can the COMELEC reset the date? The Supreme Court says yes, in a ruling that prioritizes the people's right to vote.
Airport Frisking and Drug Transportation: Upholding Convictions on Reasonable Searches and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, ruling airport frisking is a valid search and the chain of custody of seized shabu was unbroken.
Contract to Sell: Full Compliance Required Before Buyer Can Demand Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that buyers under a contract to sell must fulfill all obligations—not just the purchase price—before demanding a deed of sale.
Tax Exemption vs Assessment: Understanding Payment Under Protest in Real Property Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that claiming tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment.
Judicial Independence: No CSC Clearance Required for Retiring Judiciary Employees
The Supreme Court rules that retiring judiciary employees need not secure CSC clearance for administrative cases, upholding judicial independence.
Local Government Authority vs Property Rights: Valid Ordinance Enforcement
Supreme Court clarifies when local ordinances are presumed valid and enforceable, balancing municipal authority against property rights claims.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor lapses in drug evidence handling do not automatically invalidate a conviction if the chain of custody remains intact.
CARP Exemption for Livestock Farms: Proof Must Be Exclusive and Timely
Landowners seeking CARP exemption for livestock raising must prove exclusive use as of June 15, 1988, not just belated claims.
Simulated Contracts Ownership Rights and Intent in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated property sales, trust agreements, and ownership rights when intent is to circumvent banking laws.
When Insurance Exclusions Cover Damage But Not Loss: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "malicious damage" exclusion in insurance policies does not cover theft or loss of a vehicle.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights and Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring the need to protect accused rights.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: When Courts Can Restore Destroyed Land Records
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Tax Treaty Benefits vs. BIR Rules: The Deutsche Bank Ruling on Prior Application
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to comply with the BIR's prior application rule does not automatically bar tax treaty relief.
Local Union Disaffiliation Rights and Check-Off Dues Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a local union may disaffiliate from its mother federation and what happens to check-off dues.
Affinity vs Consanguinity: Correcting Birth Records and Inheritance Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle birth certificate corrections affecting filiation, legitimacy, and inheritance rights under Rule 108.
Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.
Business Closure vs Retrenchment: Protecting Workers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between business closure and retrenchment under Philippine labor law, and when separation pay is required.
Strict Compliance with Publication Rule Is Jurisdictional in Title Reconstitution
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with the 30-day publication requirement in reconstitution cases deprives courts of jurisdiction.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why minor procedural lapses do not automatically acquit an accused.