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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CBA Benefits and Presidential Approval: Balancing Labor Rights and GOCC Financial Discipline
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCC CBAs granting additional benefits are void without the President's approval under EO No. 7, s. 2010.
Constructive Possession Knowledge AND Control IN Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court explains when a passenger in a car carrying drugs can be convicted of constructive possession under RA 9165.
Who Pays When a Check's Payee Is Faked? Collecting Bank's Liability for Forged Endorsements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a collecting bank must return funds paid out on checks with forged endorsements to an impostor.
Non-Delegation Doctrine Shields Indigenous Rights in Mining Agreements
Supreme Court voids mining compliance certificate signed under invalid delegation, protecting Mamanwa Tribes' ancestral domain rights.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment Conviction Upheld: Lessons on Appeal Limits
Supreme Court affirms large scale illegal recruitment conviction, raises fine to P5M, and explains why erroneous estafa penalties can no longer be corrected.
Deed of Sale Validity and the Presumption of Regularity in Notarized Property Transactions
The Supreme Court reaffirms that notarized deeds of sale enjoy the presumption of regularity, which only clear and convincing evidence can overturn.
Unwarranted Benefit: Dissecting Graft and Conspiracy in Optical Media Regulation
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and graft liability under RA 3019 in a case involving released pirated DVDs from OMB custody.
Liability for Forged Checks When Collecting Banks Bear the Loss
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on collecting bank liability for forged endorsements, negligence standards, and the fictitious payee rule.
Tax Amnesty Limits: Withholding Tax Liabilities and Corporate Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax amnesty under RA 9480 does not cover withholding tax liabilities, and corporate officers may still face prosecution.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When A Threat Doesnt Meet THE Legal Threshold
The Supreme Court acquits an OMB chairman of graft when conspiracy rests on hearsay, while affirming a subordinate's conviction.
Missing Land Records Do Not Invalidate Decree: Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that a land registration decree remains valid even when government records are missing, protecting landowners from administrative oversights.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Clemency Requires Remorse and Reformation, Not Just Time Served
The Supreme Court denies a dismissed judge's plea for judicial clemency, ruling that genuine remorse and reformation are indispensable requirements.
Upholding COA Authority: PDIC Condonation of Bank Debts Disallowed
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of PDIC's P1.98 billion condonation and write-off of bank debts, holding PDIC Board liable.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Proceedings: When Docket Fees Are Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers claiming fees from an estate need not pay separate docket fees, and when certiorari is proper.
Fake Court Decision Leads to Disbarment for Lawyer's Deceit and Misrepresentation
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who fabricated a court decision in a nullity of marriage case, reaffirming strict ethical standards for attorneys.
Probable Cause and Hot Pursuit: When Police Can Make a Warrantless Arrest
The Supreme Court clarifies the "hot pursuit" exception to the warrant requirement, explaining when police may arrest without a warrant.
Upholding Property Rights: The Binding Effect of Contracts on Subsequent Owners in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when contracts bind third-party buyers and why timely execution of judgments matters in property disputes.
Defining "By" in Preliminary Inquiries for Student Disciplinary Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that a preliminary inquiry conducted "before" a student tribunal is valid even if performed "by" its members.
Compromise Agreements and Third Party Rights: Protecting Property Interests in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, third party rights, property interests, and execution of judgments explained in plain language.
Navigating Will Probate: Key Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court decision on property under custodia legis offers crucial lessons for lawyers and litigants in estate and will probate cases.
Lawyer Sanctioned for Misusing Court Custody of Levied Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for taking a vehicle under custodia legis without court approval, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Due Process Prevails: Informations Clarity Protects Against Unfair Conviction
The Supreme Court rules that administrative liability requires a formal charge, protecting public employees from unfair conviction based on delay alone.
Judicial Conduct: Balancing Religious Freedom and Impartiality in Court
A judge's use of Bible verses and remarks on sexual orientation during a preliminary conference drew administrative penalties from the Supreme Court.