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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Upholding the Integrity of Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges to decide cases promptly, underscoring how delay undermines the integrity of drug buy-bust operations and chain of custody.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: The Duty of Care and Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape, and the duty of a mother's live-in partner.
Intent to Gain in Robbery With Homicide: Key Element in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains intent to gain as a decisive element in robbery with homicide, clarifying the rules on killing incidental to robbery.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Affirmative Identification and Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court in Vidar v. People explains why delayed reporting, mug-shot identification, and relationship to the victim do not necessarily weaken a prosecution for robbery with homicide.
Judicial Accountability: The Cost of Undue Delay in Resolving Motions
When a Court of Appeals justice sat on a motion for nearly three years, the Supreme Court imposed a fine, reaffirming that judges must decide cases promptly.
Motion for Reconsideration: A Necessary Step Before Filing Certiorari
Learn why Philippine courts require a motion for reconsideration before a Rule 65 certiorari petition, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Clean Hands Doctrine Bars Relief in Alleged Illegal Land Ownership Case
Philippine Supreme Court applies clean hands doctrine to deny claims based on alleged illegal foreign land ownership arrangements.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Deadly Weapon in Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms rape convictions, ruling credible victim testimony suffices and a proven knife threat justifies exemplary damages.
Fair Election Practices: Candidates Responsible for Donated Political Ads
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on candidate liability for donated political advertisements under the Fair Elections Act and COMELEC rules.
Finality of Foreclosure: Rights and Duties After a Mortgage Default
What happens after a mortgage default and foreclosure sale becomes final? The Supreme Court clarifies the mortgagor's rights and duties.
Population Projections and Legislative Districts: The Malolos Case
The Supreme Court struck down a law creating a Malolos City legislative district for relying on an invalid population projection. Learn the rules.
Legislative District Creation Population Thresholds and the Limits of Projections
The Supreme Court struck down RA 9591 creating Malolos City's legislative district, ruling that unverified population projections cannot satisfy the 250,000 constitutional threshold.
Agency and Mortgage Law: When an Agent’s Signature Does Not Bind the Principal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an authorized agent’s mortgage signature binds only the agent, not the principal, and the role of laches.
Population Projections and Legislative Districts: The Malolos Case on Constitutional Compliance
The Supreme Court struck down RA 9591 creating Malolos' lone district, ruling that unreliable population projections cannot satisfy the 250,000 constitutional threshold.
Who Can Contest Property Taxes: Defining Legal Interest in Real Estate Assessments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may protest real property tax assessments and what "legal interest" means under the Local Government Code.
Landowners Can Withdraw Revalued Compensation Pending Agrarian Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court affirms landowners' right to withdraw revalued compensation pending appeal in agrarian cases, citing just and timely payment principle.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without a License: Criminal Liability Under P.D. 957
Selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime. A later license does not erase liability, explains the Supreme Court.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without A License Hlurb Authority AND Criminal Liability Under PD 957
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime, and a later license does not erase liability.
Cooperative Members' Deposit Interest Exempt from Final Withholding Tax: DCCCO v. CIR
The Supreme Court ruled that cooperatives need not withhold 20% final tax on members' deposit interest, citing social justice.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Safeguarding Individual Rights in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused, stressing proof beyond reasonable doubt and unbroken chain of custody under RA 9165.
Ejectment Case Recall of Writ of Execution Due to Supervening Event
When can a court recall a writ of execution in an ejectment case? The Supreme Court explains the rule on supervening events.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credible Testimony and the Sweetheart Defense
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony outweighs the sweetheart defense in Philippine criminal law.
Extinguishment of Easement When Ownership Unites Rights May Fade
When one person owns both the dominant and servient estates, an easement of right of way may be extinguished by operation of law.
Step Parent Rape Upholding THE Testimony OF A Child Victim
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on the credible testimony of the victim, rejecting the sweetheart defense.