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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Attorneys Neglect Duty TO Client Despite Personal Sentiments
Personal feelings do not excuse lawyer negligence. The Court fined a counsel for failing to reconstitute and return client records.
Fatal Flaws in Forum Shopping Certification: NHA v. Roxas and Rule 46 Compliance
A procedural misstep in certiorari petitions—missing certified true copies—can be fatal. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in NHA v. Roxas.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Possession Case
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspect Over Broken Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, protecting the accused's rights.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drug Possession: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
A Supreme Court ruling shows why broken chain of custody can lead to acquittal in illegal drug possession cases under RA 9165.
Expropriation Requires an Ordinance, Not Just a Resolution: Yusay v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies that local governments must pass an ordinance, not a mere resolution, before exercising eminent domain under the Local Government Code.
Can Tenants Challenge Landlord's Title After Foreclosure? The Ros v. PNB Case
When a bank forecloses on a property, can the borrower's spouse later challenge the mortgage as forged? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Void Government Contracts THE Necessity OF Fund Certification
The Supreme Court rules on void government contracts and the indispensable requirement of fund certification for their validity.
Court Clerk’s 6-Year Appeal Delay: Gross Negligence of Duty
Branch clerk fined P20,000 for gross negligence in failing to transmit appeal records to the Court of Appeals within the 30-day rule.
VAT Compliance Strict Invoicing Requirements FOR Tax Credit Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict VAT invoicing requirements for zero-rated sales tax credit claims.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Understanding Murder Through Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy, positive identification, and treachery determine criminal liability for murder in the Philippines.
Consensual Relationships AND Judicial Ethics When Does Private Conduct Merit Public Scrutiny
Land Sale Contracts in the Philippines: Ensuring Object Certainty and Navigating Legal Heirs
A Supreme Court ruling on forged land sales, object certainty, and the rights of legal heirs in Philippine property disputes.
Forged Deeds and Disputed Titles: How Philippine Courts Determine Land Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts resolve land ownership disputes when a deed of sale is alleged to be forged.
Insurer's Subrogation Right Upheld Even Without Insurance Policy in Evidence
Supreme Court rules an insurer may recover as subrogee without presenting the insurance policy, as long as the loss and payment are established.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Why CIAC Jurisdiction Is Broad and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies CIAC's broad jurisdiction over construction disputes, explaining why arbitration clauses vest exclusive authority regardless of contract restrictions.
Irrevocable Choice: Tax Credit Carry-Over and Refund Rules in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that choosing to carry over excess tax credit bars refund claims, but the credit can be used indefinitely.
Positive Identification Beyond Eyewitnesses: How Philippine Courts Use Circumstantial Evidence in Murder Cases
Philippine courts can convict on circumstantial evidence alone. Learn how positive identification works beyond eyewitness testimony in murder cases.
Just Compensation in Land Reform: Ensuring Fair Value for Agricultural Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed for agricultural landowners under CARP, including DAR formula rules and compensable areas.
Environmental Compliance vs. Business Operations: When Is a Jewelry Maker Exempt From LLDA Clearance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a jewelry maker is exempt from LLDA clearance requirements, and why size and assets matter more than the nature of the business.
Loan Interest Rate Adjustments Understanding Banks Rights AND Borrowers Obligations IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied trusts in mortgage contracts, parol evidence, and borrower protections.
Sterling Selections v. LLDA: When a "Cottage Industry" Claim Fails
The Court clarifies when a business qualifies as a cottage industry exempt from LLDA clearance, and when it must comply with environmental rules.
Implied Trust in Mortgage Contracts: When the Named Mortgagee Is Not the Real Lender
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a mortgage contract's named mortgagee may be held as a mere trustee for the true lender under an implied trust.
Quo Warranto and Reinstatement Rights After Ombudsman Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quo warranto, reinstatement rights, and the immediate executory nature of Ombudsman dismissal orders.