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.
Proving Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer: A Landmark Lesson from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proving tolerance in unlawful detainer cases. Learn the key evidence rules for ejectment disputes.
Understanding Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes psychological violence under RA 9262, including marital infidelity, hearsay exceptions, and penalties.
When Mayors Face Criminal Liability for Unremitted GSIS Contributions
Supreme Court clarifies when municipal mayors can be held criminally liable for failure to remit GSIS premium contributions under RA 8291.
Understanding Apparent Authority: How Corporate Actions Bind Agreements in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a corporation is bound by an officer's acts under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Understanding Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Murder and Robbery Cases
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy and treachery work in murder and robbery cases, and what must be alleged in the Information.
Prescription Period for Oral Contracts: What Creditors and Debtors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the six-year prescription period for oral contracts and why timely action is critical for creditors and debtors.
Seafarers Concealing Pre-Existing Illness: Impact on Disability Benefits Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's concealment of pre-existing illness in the PEME bars disability claims.
One Vote, Unequal Weight: Party-List Seat Allocation and Equal Protection in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the party-list seat allocation formula under RA 7941, rejecting claims of vote double-counting and equal protection violations.
Understanding Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Direct Assault vs. Resistance to Authority: The Mallari Case Explained
The Supreme Court in Mallari v. People clarifies when force against a police officer is direct assault or merely resistance to authority.
Child Abuse Under RA 7610: Intent as the Key Element
The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to debase or degrade is essential to prove child abuse under RA 7610.
When a Transfer Is Not Constructive Dismissal: Management Prerogative in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer is a valid exercise of management prerogative and not constructive dismissal.
Non-Payment of Debts and Insubordination in Court Employment: A Cautionary Tale
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee's failure to pay debts and defiance of Court orders can lead to dismissal from service.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Reclaiming Payment for Completed Projects
The Supreme Court allows payment for completed government projects even without a written contract, applying quantum meruit to prevent unjust enrichment.
Obscenity Laws vs. Free Speech: The Madrilejos Ruling on Manila Ordinance 7780
The Supreme Court’s Madrilejos ruling clarifies how Philippine obscenity laws must balance regulation with constitutionally protected free expression.
Oral Agreements vs Written Contracts: When Verbal Lease Changes Hold Up in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when verbal agreements can modify written lease contracts, and when they cannot, in Modomo v. Layug.
Verbal Agreements vs Written Contracts: When a Lease or Workplace Transfer Can Be Modified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when verbal notices and transfer orders are invalid, protecting employee security of tenure.
Public Bidding and Travel Permits: When Mayors Fall Under Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of two mayors for violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law over irregular medicine purchases and unauthorized travel reimbursements.
Verbal Contracts and Implied Ratification: Upholding Obligations in Broiler Chick Growing Agreements
The Supreme Court rules that verbal contracts bind parties even without a written agreement, and corporations may impliedly ratify unauthorized acts.
When a Lawyer’s Dealings Warrant Suspension: Sanidad v. Aguas
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for one year for dishonest dealings in a property sale, applying Rule 1.01 of the CPR.
Bail in Drug Cases: When Broken Chain of Custody Weakens Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when a broken chain of custody in drug cases weakens evidence of guilt, affecting a defendant's right to bail.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases and the Right to Bail: Key Lessons from People v. Tanes
The Supreme Court explains how lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can weaken evidence of guilt and support an accused's right to bail.
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.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.