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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Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Evidence and Upholding Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court explains when minor deviations from Section 21's chain of custody rule are justified in buy-bust operations.
Disbarment for Misleading Conduct and Disrespect Protecting the Integrity of the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for deceiving a client, disrespecting judges, and violating notarial and MCLE rules.
Good Faith and Land Titles: A Purchaser's Duty Until Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a land buyer's good faith is measured—from purchase until registration of the deed.
Misrepresentation and Accountability When Non-Judiciary Personnel Impede Justice
Supreme Court clarifies that non-judiciary personnel who misrepresent influence over cases face contempt, even if outside administrative jurisdiction.
Psychological Incapacity vs Marital Discord: When Annulment Fails in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that marital unhappiness and discord are not enough to nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Inordinate Delay in Preliminary Investigation Warrants Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, warranting dismissal.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Prosecution Delay Warrants Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
When Prosecutorial Delay Violates the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases
The Supreme Court explains when inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: The Limits of Administrative Complaints Against Judges
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is a judicial matter, not administrative misconduct, and warns against harassment suits.
When Social Media Posts Become Psychological Abuse: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A recent Supreme Court ruling shows how Facebook posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, with heavier penalties for ICT use.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalties for Social Media Attacks
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty by one degree.
Hot Pursuit Arrests and Drug Evidence: Lessons from Adoma v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, clarifying the rules on warrantless arrests and the chain of custody of seized items.
Social Media Posts and Psychological Abuse: What the Supreme Court’s Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Facebook post constitutes psychological abuse under RA 9262, and why using social media raises the penalty.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Supreme Court Clarifies Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a registered contractor is actually labor-only, making the principal the direct employer.
Homestead Patent vs Implied Trust: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a homestead patent bars claims of implied trust over agricultural land in the Philippines.
Redundancy and Management Prerogative: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights in Terminations
The Supreme Court clarifies when redundancy is a valid ground for dismissal and what employers must prove to avoid illegal dismissal claims.
Homestead Patent vs Implied Trust: When Land Ownership Claims Collide
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a homestead patent can defeat claims of implied trust over registered land in the Philippines.
Oral Partition of Inheritance: Validity and Evidentiary Rules in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when oral partition of inherited land is valid, evidentiary requirements, and homestead patent limits on implied trusts.
Homestead Patent vs. Implied Trust: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when an implied trust can override a homestead patent under the Public Land Act, and why the case was remanded.
Oral Partition of Inheritance: Proving Verbal Agreements in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when an oral partition of inherited property can override a written extrajudicial settlement, and what evidence is needed.
When Government Takes Property Without Expropriation: Just Compensation Over Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that when government occupies private land without expropriation, owners may receive just compensation instead of physical return.
When Public Funds Meet Personal Expenses: Disallowing Extraordinary Expenses for Water District Officials
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of extraordinary expenses paid to a water district general manager without legal basis under the Salary Standardization Law.
Who Can Appeal an Invalidated Appointment? CSC v. Binay Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies who may appeal a disapproved government appointment and why residency and education requirements matter in local posts.
Residency Requirements for Government Positions: The Binay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court’s ruling in CSC v. Binay clarifies residency rules for local government appointments and why accuracy in your Personal Data Sheet matters.