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.
Executing a Labor Judgment Does Not Bar Certiorari: Due Process in Labor Disputes
Forced compliance with a writ of execution does not waive an employer's right to challenge a labor ruling via certiorari, the Supreme Court held.
Condominium Dues and Utility Disconnection: What Unit Owners Must Know
The Supreme Court upheld a condominium association's right to disconnect utilities for unpaid dues, clarifying owner obligations under the Condominium Act.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Key Witnesses Contradict Each Other in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave conflicting accounts of the buy-bust operation, undermining proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Deed of Assignment Validity and Loan vs. Sale: Key Contract Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Deed of Assignment establishes ownership, and how courts distinguish a loan from a sale.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When a Supervisor's Single Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling on when a nurse supervisor's unauthorized taking of hospital supplies justifies dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Common Carriers and Stolen Goods: The Extraordinary Diligence Standard in the Philippines
Philippine law holds common carriers liable for stolen goods unless theft involved grave threat or irresistible force. Learn the extraordinary diligence standard.
Preliminary Investigation Is a Substantive Right: Lessons from Palacios v. People
The Supreme Court rules that denying a reinvestigation based on procedural guidelines violates due process when the accused was never notified.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Safeguards in Evidence Handling Matter
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite police lapses, but warns that procedural shortcuts can undermine the integrity of seized evidence.
Misrepresenting MCLE Compliance: Supreme Court Suspends Lawyer for Three Years
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for three years for falsely claiming MCLE exemptions in court pleadings, reinforcing ethical duties.
GSIS Policy Invalidity: Publication Requirement for Rules Affecting Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court ruled GSIS issuances affecting retirement benefits must be published to be valid, affirming retiree's right to original appointment computation.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Gaps in Evidence Handling Can Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict chain of custody requirements in drug cases, acquitting accused due to unaccounted gaps in evidence handling.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Learn how procedural lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs led to an acquittal in a Philippine drug case.
Upholding Notarial Duty Consequences FOR Incomplete AND Improperly Executed Documents
A notary public who notarized deeds with missing signatures and absent parties faces suspension and commission revocation, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Disbarment for Dishonesty When Lawyers Fabricate Court Decisions
Fabricating a court decision to defraud clients leads to disbarment. The Supreme Court explains why.
Attorney Suspended for Disobeying Court Orders: Abellanosa v. COA and NHA
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for repeatedly ignoring lawful court directives, underscoring lawyers' duty to obey court orders.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody and Section 21 non-compliance, underscoring strict evidentiary rules.
Venue Stipulations and the Right Remedy: Pillars Property v. Century Communities
The Supreme Court clarifies when a venue stipulation binds parties and why dismissal for improper venue calls for certiorari, not appeal.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Illegal Exaction and Abuse of Discretion in Garbage Collection Fees
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a prosecutor's dismissal of an illegal exaction case against a barangay captain constituted grave abuse of discretion.
Co-Ownership Disputes: How Inheritance and Sales Affect Land Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when administrative orders on land disputes become final and how co-ownership, inheritance, and sales affect property rights.
Forcible Abduction and Rape in the Philippines: Insights from People v. Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court treats forcible abduction with rape, victim credibility, and penalties under Philippine law.
Judicial Review of Probable Cause: Safeguarding Against Hasty Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan's power to dismiss criminal cases when evidence fails to establish probable cause against accused public officials.
Diversion of Tobacco Funds: Technical Malversation vs. Corruption Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when misusing public funds is technical malversation, not corruption, in Villarosa v. Ombudsman.
Venue in Estafa Cases: Where Does a Bouncing Check Crime Occur?
The Supreme Court clarifies that in estafa cases involving bouncing checks, venue lies where the check was issued and dishonored, not where negotiations occurred.
Reasonable Doubt in Qualified Theft: When Missing Proof Means Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted an accounting-in-charge of qualified theft when the prosecution failed to prove taking and intent.