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.
Bidding Rights No Cause of Action for Disappointed Bidders Under Philippine Law
A contractor overpaid by the government must refund the excess, even if the contract was void for lack of appropriation.
Surety Bonds in Replevin: When Does a Bond Really Expire?
A surety bond in a replevin case remains valid until the case is finally terminated, even if the stated period has lapsed.
Upholding Marital Sanctity When Procedural Technicalities Give Way to Substantial Justice in Annulment Cases
The Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to protect marriage's sanctity, allowing the State to appeal an annulment ruling despite technical lapses.
Defective Summons Nullifies Judgment Safeguarding Due Process in Annulment Cases
SC rules defective summons in annulment cases violates due process; petitions for annulment are actions in personam requiring proper service.
Surrender of Title Broadening RTC Jurisdiction in Land Registration Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts, as land registration courts, can hear contentious cases involving surrender of title under PD 1529.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Discretion AND Duty IN Search Warrant Issuance
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability clarifies the balance between judicial discretion in search warrants and accountability for neglect.
Protecting Contractors: Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances in Government Projects
Supreme Court clarifies when contractors may recover from void government contracts under quantum meruit, and the limits of COA's audit powers.
Hierarchy of Courts and Locus Standi When Constitutional Issues Override Procedural Rules
Explaining when the Supreme Court allows direct petitions despite the hierarchy of courts and relaxed standing rules in constitutional cases.
Intellectual Disability and Witness Credibility in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that intellectual disability alone does not disqualify a rape victim from testifying, provided her account is coherent and consistent.
Upholding Land Ownership: Technicalities Yield to Substantive Rights in Property Disputes
SC rules procedural lapses cannot defeat a registered owner's right to recover property from tolerated occupants.
Tolerance Ends Land Recovery and the Limits of Procedural Technicalities in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovery of possession, tolerance, and why procedural technicalities cannot defeat a registered owner's substantive rights.
Corporate Liability Accountability FOR Unremitted SSS Contributions
Supreme Court affirms conviction of corporate officer for non-remittance of SSS contributions under RA 8282.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody rule may be excused in drug cases, and why objections must be raised at trial.
MTC Authority to Issue Search Warrants: People v. Castillo Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs can issue search warrants even for offenses beyond their jurisdiction, under Rule 126.
MERALCO Rate Case: Supreme Court Upholds ERC’s Shift to Performance-Based Regulation
Supreme Court affirms ERC’s shift to PBR for setting MERALCO rates, barring collateral attacks on administrative regulations.
Ensuring Access: The Indispensable Right to a Legal Easement of Right of Way
When a property becomes landlocked through no fault of its owner, Philippine law grants a legal easement of right of way. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Judicial Stability: No Interference with Execution of Final Judgments
A losing party cannot file a separate action to stop execution of a final judgment. The proper remedy is before the issuing court.
EDCA and Constitutional Limits: Senate Concurrence on Foreign Military Presence
The Supreme Court ruled EDCA is an executive agreement, not a treaty, so Senate concurrence is not required under the Constitution.
Eviction and Land Use: Clarifying Need and Notice in Property Repossession
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for ejectment under the Rental Law, including the three-month notice rule and what counts as an for the owner's family use.
Safeguarding Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal FOR Prolonged Delays IN Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged Ombudsman delays violate the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: The Need for Clear Identification of Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in drug cases, the identity of the seized item must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not just presumed.
Quieting of Title vs. Annulment of Title: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a quieting of title action is actually an annulment of title, and why the substance of a complaint matters.
Upholding Drug Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses: Chain of Custody and Section 21 Compliance
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses, explaining when procedural non-compliance does not affect guilt.
Probable Cause and Preliminary Investigations: Safeguarding Rights in Criminal Proceedings
The Supreme Court explains probable cause standards, due process in preliminary investigations, and why judicial determination prevails.