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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Prescription Period for Ordinance Violations: Filing the Complaint vs. the Information
When does prescription run for ordinance violations? The Supreme Court clarifies whether filing a complaint with the prosecutor interrupts the period.
Pay Under Protest Before Contesting Real Property Tax Assessments
A claim for tax exemption does not excuse payment under protest before appealing a real property tax assessment under the Local Government Code.
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.
Right to Match in Government Contracts: When Bidding Preferences Violate Public Policy
Supreme Court rules right of first refusal clauses in government procurement contracts are void, reaffirming public bidding as the cornerstone of public contracts.
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.
When Teaching Doesn't Cover All: Narrowing the Scope of Occupational Disease Compensation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that being listed as an occupational disease does not automatically make an illness compensable under Philippine law.
Losing the Right to Appeal: Understanding Finality of Judgments in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a convicted person who misses the 15-day appeal period loses the right to appeal—and why counsel's negligence binds the client.
Upholding THE Rule OF LAW THE Imperative OF Executing Final Judgments AND Addressing Judicial Delay
Belated Appeal in Criminal Cases: Finality of Judgment and the Right to Appeal
A belated notice of appeal in a criminal case results in finality of judgment. This article explains the rules and exceptions.
Doubt in Drug Cases: How Evidence Tampering Can Overturn a Conviction
When seized drugs weigh less at the lab than at inventory, reasonable doubt arises. The Supreme Court explains why.
Contract to Sell: Full Compliance Required Before Seller Must Convey Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that buyers under a contract to sell must fully comply with all obligations—not just payment—before demanding a deed of sale.
Voice Recognition as Positive Identification in Philippine Rape Cases
How voice recognition helped convict a rapist whose face was covered, and what this means for Philippine criminal law.
Attorney's Negligence Leads to Suspension: Upholding Diligence in Legal Representation
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for gross negligence in criminal defense, reaffirming counsel's duty of diligence and fidelity to clients.
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.
Guilty Pleas and Kidnapping for Ransom: The Improvident Plea Doctrine in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a guilty plea to a capital offense is improvident, and how independent evidence can still sustain a conviction.
Demurrer to Evidence and Conspiracy in Anti-Graft Cases: Singian Jr. v. Sandiganbayan
Explaining when a demurrer to evidence may be denied in anti-graft cases, and how conspiracy can be inferred from circumstantial evidence.
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.
Demurrer to Evidence Denials and the Limits of Certiorari in Anti-Graft Cases
When can a denied demurrer to evidence be overturned? The Supreme Court clarifies the high bar of grave abuse of discretion.
Foreign Land Ownership: No Reimbursement for Unconstitutional Purchases
A foreigner who knowingly violates the constitutional ban on land ownership cannot recover the purchase price, even under equity or unjust enrichment claims.
Breach of Trust Justifying Dismissal for Supervisors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when supervisors may be validly dismissed for loss of trust and confidence, applying the totality of infractions rule.
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.
Upholding Justiciable Controversy: The Human Security Act and Limits of Declaratory Relief
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may hear constitutional challenges to the Human Security Act, emphasizing the need for actual, ripe controversies.
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.
Protecting Possessory Rights When A Writ Of Possession Clashes With Third Party Claims
Understand how Philippine courts resolve property disputes when a writ of possession faces third-party claims, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.