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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Preliminary Inquiry vs Prosecution Probable Cause: Key Distinction in Arrest Warrants
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a judge's arrest-warrant inquiry and a prosecutor's probable cause determination in preliminary investigations.
Upholding Judicial Accountability: A Judge's Disregard for Court Directives Leads to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a judge for six months for repeatedly ignoring directives to furnish a copy of her comment, ruling that defiance of Court orders constitutes gross misconduct.
Proving Illegal Sale of Shabu: The Role of Informants and Buy-Bust Operations
A Supreme Court ruling explains what prosecutors must prove in illegal drug sales cases and when an informant's testimony is dispensable.
Perfected Sale vs Contract to Sell: Distinguishing Ownership Transfer in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a contract of sale and a contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers to the buyer.
Verbal Leases and Ejectment: When Can a Tenant Be Evicted in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a verbal month-to-month lease can be terminated, and why ejectment courts may rule on lease and ownership issues.
Appeal Bond in Labor Cases: Strict Rules on Perfecting Appeals
Learn why missing the appeal bond deadline in labor cases is fatal, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Dying Declaration and Positive Identification Sustain Murder Conviction in Iloilo Shooting
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on victim's dying declaration and eyewitness testimony, explaining the rules on treachery and damages.
Work-Related Death and the Presumption of Compensability: Leviste v. SSS
The Supreme Court clarifies when sudden cardiac death is presumed work-related and compensable under PD 626, easing the burden on claimants.
Behest Loans and Prescription: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for behest loan cases begins, ruling it starts upon discovery, not execution.
Reversion of Expropriated Land: Who Can Sue and When the Right Arises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for reversion of expropriated land and when the right to challenge an award arises.
Falsifying Attendance Records in the Judiciary: A Lesson in Integrity
A sheriff falsified his attendance logbook. The Supreme Court reprimanded him, stressing that dishonesty has no place in the judiciary.
Mootness in Administrative Complaints: When Expiration Renders a Case Irrelevant
When a contested position's term expires, the case becomes moot. The Supreme Court explains why.
Housing Rights: Actual Occupants Prevail Over Absentee Awardees in Government Projects
Supreme Court rules that absentee awardees cannot keep government housing lots meant for actual occupants, protecting bona fide residents' rights.
The Boundaries of Buy-Bust Operations: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, evidence, and penalties in illegal drug sale cases under Philippine law.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how public social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when using ICT raises the penalty.
Unlawful Arrest Nullifies Drug Evidence Safeguarding Constitutional Rights
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after warrantless arrest and search yield inadmissible evidence, reinforcing constitutional protections.
Mandatory Retirement Age for Water District Employees: The Bayona Case
The Supreme Court affirms that water district employees must retire at 65, not 60, and that forced early retirement entitles them to back salaries.
Falsified Documents and Probable Cause: When Groundless Charges Must Be Stopped
The Supreme Court ruled that bare allegations of forgery cannot support probable cause, and ordered the dismissal of criminal charges against bank officers.
Banks' Duty to Depositors: No Unilateral Freezing Without Court Order
Supreme Court rules banks cannot unilaterally freeze depositor accounts based on mere suspicion, reaffirming fiduciary duty to treat accounts with meticulous care.
Behest Loans and the Statute of Limitations: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for behest loan offenses begins, and what evidence is needed to prove them.
Union Fund Mismanagement: Substantiation Required for Special Assessments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union officers' liability for unsubstantiated special assessments and litigation expenses.
When Cooperative Members Are Employees: SSS Coverage and the Four-Fold Test
Can a cooperative's owner-members also be its employees for SSS coverage? The Supreme Court says yes, applying the four-fold test.
Zoning Compliance Hospital Expansion Rights Under Prior Ordinances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hospital expansion rights, non-conforming structures, and the applicable zoning ordinance at time of application.
Warrantless Arrest and Seizure: When Police Overstep Constitutional Bounds
Explore Valdez v. People, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused due to unlawful warrantless arrest and broken chain of custody.