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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity in the Philippines
Why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is crucial in drug cases, and how broken chains lead to acquittal.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce, Property Rights, and the Keppel Case
Philippine courts don't take judicial notice of foreign laws. Learn the proof requirements from the Supreme Court's Keppel ruling on divorce and property.
Upholding Torrens Title When Tax Declarations Fail to Prove Ownership
The Supreme Court affirms that a Torrens certificate of title prevails over tax declarations, which do not prove ownership. Learn the rules on collateral attacks and prescription.
Certiorari as an Improper Remedy: Interlocutory Orders and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Recovery of Possession
A party cannot use certiorari to challenge interlocutory orders like a denied motion to dismiss or default order when ordinary remedies exist.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing the rule that preserves evidence integrity.
Disbarment Case: Reprimand for Lawyer's False Statements and Court Disrespect
Supreme Court reprimands lawyer for discourteous language and unfounded accusations against judges and prosecutors in administrative case.
The Weight of Witness Testimony Establishing Conspiracy in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and conspiracy in murder convictions, with practical guidance for building a strong case.
Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death pending appeal extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto, but not other civil claims.
Judicial Longevity Pay: Crediting Prior Government Service for Justices and Judges
The Supreme Court ruled that prior OSG service may count toward judicial longevity pay, affecting retirement and salary benefits.
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.
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.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate in a drug possession case, stressing the mandatory witness requirements in the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Land Registration: Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable Under Philippine Law
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, including DENR certifications, and why possession alone is not enough.
Broken Chains: Why Strict Drug Evidence Procedures Protect the Accused
A Supreme Court ruling acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's chain of custody rules. Learn the legal standards.
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.
Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Reorganizations
When a company reorganizes, employees still have rights. The Supreme Court explains illegal dismissal and reinstatement in NPC v. Cabanag.
COA Must Follow Its Own Rules to Ensure Due Process in Reopening Audits
Court ruling on COA's obligation to observe its own rules when reopening audits, ensuring due process for audited agencies.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Prior Tolerance to Win an Ejectment Case
Learn the four requisites of unlawful detainer and why proving prior tolerance is key to winning an ejectment case in the Philippines.
Conspiracy and Overt Acts in Group Offenses: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not establish conspiracy; an overt act is required for criminal liability.
Torrens Title vs. Possession: When a Registered Owner Prevails in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title prevails over possession claims in accion publiciana cases, reaffirming the indefeasibility of registered land titles.
Regular vs Project Employment: What the Supreme Court Requires of Employers
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when construction workers are regular employees, not project employees, and what employers must prove.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable in Labor Cases?
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor claims, emphasizing the need for clear allegations and proof of bad faith.
Regular vs Project Employment: Employer Must Prove Employee Status at Hiring
Supreme Court clarifies that employers bear the burden of proving project employment status, requiring clear notice at the time of hiring.
Recruiting Minors for Criminal Activities Is Trafficking Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules that recruiting minors to commit robberies constitutes qualified trafficking in persons under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.