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.
Probable Cause in Estafa Cases: Insights from Favis-Velasco v. Gonzales
Learn how the Supreme Court defined probable cause in estafa cases and why solid evidence matters in fraud complaints.
Rape vs. Lascivious Conduct: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual acts against minors are rape or lascivious conduct under RA 7610.
Self-Defense and Defense of a Relative: Key Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A police officer shot two attackers to protect himself and his pregnant wife. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and defense of a relative apply.
Foreclosure During Conservatorship: Can a Company's Directors Still Act?
Supreme Court clarifies that a conservator does not replace a company's board; directors may still initiate foreclosure to collect debts.
Probable Cause and Government Procurement: Insights from the DOH v. Pascua Case
The Supreme Court dismissed DOH petitions against a trial court's TRO and injunction in a bidding dispute, ruling the case moot after the project proceeded.
Can Private Individuals Be Charged With Corruption Under Philippine Law? The Canlas Case Explains
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals acting in conspiracy with public officers may be indicted for graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Understanding Dismissal for Non-Prosecution Implications for Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that construction-related property damage claims belong in regular courts, not CIAC arbitration.
Understanding Tax Exemptions for Condominium Dues and Fees: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when condominium association dues are taxable, resolving the validity of BIR RMC No. 65-2012.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Lawyers Responsibility Beyond Professional Capacity
A lawyer's duty to a client does not end with accepting a case. The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their ethical obligations in this disciplinary case.
Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Duty of Diligence and Failing to File Appellant's Brief
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and update his address led to dismissal of his client's appeal and a six-month suspension.
Acquittal Due to Chain of Custody Breach: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits drug accused due to fatal chain of custody breaches, reinforcing that strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165, protects the innocent.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Is Not Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery cannot be presumed from suddenness alone, reducing a murder conviction to homicide in People v. Bulutano.
Falsifying MCLE Compliance Numbers: A Supreme Court Lesson in Professional Integrity
Learn how a lawyer's use of a fictitious MCLE number led to disbarment, and what it means for every Philippine practitioner.
Unreasonable Suspicion Safeguarding Privacy Rights In Stop And Frisk Searches
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that a police officer's mere hunch cannot justify a stop and frisk search.
Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute: Balancing Litigant Diligence and Court Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for failure to prosecute is proper, emphasizing courts should decide cases on their merits.
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.
Clearing Title Disputes: How Ownership Rights Prevail in Property Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property disputes, foreign ownership limits, and the proper remedy for dismissed cases.
Foreign Nationals and Land Ownership: Constitutional Limits on Succession Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that foreign nationals cannot own land or transmit rights through succession, affecting heirs' claims.
Ombudsman's Power to Reopen Cases and Due Process in Preliminary Investigations
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on the Ombudsman's authority to reverse a predecessor's findings and due process limits in preliminary investigations.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted two accused in a drug case after police broke the chain of custody rule. Learn the safeguards.
Are Membership Fees of Recreational Clubs Taxable Income? SC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are subject to income tax and VAT.
Why Witness Presence in Drug Case Inventories Can Make or Break a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to secure an elected official during inventory, explaining the mandatory witness rule.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug accused over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Corporate Rehabilitation and Court-Approved Penalty Reductions: La Savoie v. Buenavista
A stay order voids judgments rendered in violation of it, and rehabilitation courts may reduce contractual penalties under an approved plan.