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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Psychological Incapacity vs. Mere Irresponsibility: The Supreme Court’s Clear Distinction in Marriage Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies that emotional immaturity and irresponsibility do not amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Breach of Warranty Against Eviction: A Seller's Duty to Defend Property Title
When a seller's gross negligence in defending title causes the buyer's eviction, the seller acts in bad faith and must pay damages under Article 1555 of the Civil Code.
The Peril of Uncorroborated Rape Allegations: Protecting the Accused's Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, stressing that uncorroborated testimony and inconsistent conduct create reasonable doubt.
Surety Bonds Survive Debt Extension: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Article 2079
Extension of a principal's debt without a surety's consent does not automatically extinguish surety bonds, per the Supreme Court.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Marking Seized Items Immediately and in the Accused's Presence
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to mark seized shabu immediately and in her presence, breaking the chain of custody.
Notarial Duty Verifying Identity in Document Acknowledgment
Supreme Court ruling on notaries' duty to verify identity in acknowledgments, revoking a notary's commission for lapses.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Robbery and Falsification Case Due to Insufficient Circumstantial Evid
Supreme Court acquits CA employees in robbery and falsification case, ruling circumstantial evidence must form an unbroken chain to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Balancing Freedom of Speech and the Sub Judice Rule: Protecting Fair Trial Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when public comments on pending cases violate the sub judice rule and constitute contempt.
Political Offense Doctrine and Murder Charges: Key Lessons from Ocampo v. Abando
When can murder charges be dismissed under the political offense doctrine? The Supreme Court clarifies in Ocampo v. Abando.
Breach OF Trust Dismissal FOR Court Employees Extorting Litigants
Agrarian Reform Jurisdiction: DAR, Not Courts, Hears Landowner Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian reform disputes, even with constitutional questions, belong to the DAR, not the RTC.
Tenancy Rights: Landowner's Consent Required for Valid Leasehold Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy requires landowner consent; a mortgagee or possessor cannot install tenants without authority.
Court Personnel and the Limits of Leniency: When Dishonesty Warrants Suspension, Not Dismissal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when court employees who misappropriate private money face suspension instead of dismissal, balancing accountability with compassion.
Drug Buy-Bust Operations: When Non-Compliance With Evidence Rules Is Not Fatal
In People v. Salvador, the Supreme Court ruled that failure to inventory and photograph seized drugs does not automatically void an arrest if evidence integrity is preserved.
Breach OF Public Trust When Dishonesty BY A Court Employee Undermines THE Judiciarys Integrity
Tenancy Rights and Landowner Consent: Key Lessons from Quintos v. DARAB
The Supreme Court clarifies that no tenancy relationship exists without the landowner's consent, even if an agent or possessor installs tenants.
Duty to Disclose Accrued Interest in SALNs and the Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials must declare accrued interest on time deposits in their SALNs, but penalties consider good faith.
Premature Filing of Tax Refund Claims: Strict Compliance with the 120-Day Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies that taxpayers must wait for the 120-day period before filing judicial claims for VAT refunds.
Resignation vs Secondment: Retirement Benefits and Waiver Validity in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a transfer ends employment, affecting retirement benefits and quitclaim validity in Intel v. NLRC.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status of Public Land
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable for registration under PD 1529.
When Can an Adverse Party Be Called as a Witness? Insights from Guevarra v. People
Learn when an adverse party may be called as a witness in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guevarra v. People.
Conspiracy and Illegal Drug Transportation: Upholding Accountability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that conspiracy to transport illegal drugs can be proven by surrounding circumstances, not just express agreement.
Expiration of Lease Contracts Resolving Possession Disputes
When a lease expires, so does the lessee's right to possession. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Pasig Printing v. Rockland.
Fixed-Term Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Illegal Dismissal
When a fixed-term contract expires but the employee keeps working, regular employment and security of tenure may arise. Illegal dismissal rules apply.