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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Accounting for Family Wealth: Default Judgments and the Limits of Contempt in Intra-Family Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies default judgment rules, appeal periods, and why contempt is not the remedy for disobeying a remand order.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody, stressing strict proof of the seized drug's identity.
When Death Ends Administrative Liability: The Patag Case on Sheriffs and Due Process
A sheriff died while facing administrative charges. The Supreme Court dismissed the case, explaining why death abates administrative liability.
Final Judgments and Set-Off Claims: Manila Banking Corp. v. Rabina
Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, set-off claims, and HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision mortgage disputes.
Court Employees and Sidelines: The Gabatin v. Quirino Ruling on Suspension for Misconduct
The Supreme Court suspended a court stenographer for doing private franchise business during office hours, clarifying how simple misconduct is penalized in the judiciary.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Outside Wedlock
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: What Lawyers and Clients Should Know
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen his case fails, as the Supreme Court enforces the doctrine of finality of judgment and cites him for indirect contempt.
Clarifying Ownership When a Property Title Is Held in Trust
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts determine whether a titled property is truly owned by the registered owner or held in trust for another.
Facial Challenges to Penal Statutes: Free Speech vs. State Power in Election Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when penal statutes like election laws may be challenged on their face, balancing free speech against state power.
Treachery Defined: When an Unexpected Attack Qualifies as Murder
The Supreme Court explains what makes a killing treacherous and why an unexpected attack from behind qualifies as murder.
Taxing Telecommunications: No Exemption Without Explicit Grant
The Supreme Court rules that the phrase "exclusive of this franchise" in RA 7678 does not exempt Digitel's real properties from real property tax.
Substantial Evidence Prevails: Ombudsman Decisions Overturned in Contract Compliance Dispute
The Supreme Court reaffirms that administrative complaints require substantial evidence, overturning Ombudsman findings based on mere allegations.
Allocation of Fiscal Duties: Demarcating the Authority of the City Accountant vs Treasurer in Funds Certificat
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinct fiscal duties of the city accountant and city treasurer in certifying fund availability for appointments.
Late Docket Fee Payment and Procedural Lapses: Lessons from Colmenares v. Heirs of Gonzales
Learn how failure to follow certiorari rules—hierarchy of courts and verification—can doom an appeal, based on a 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
Prior Physical Possession in Ejectment Cases: Sales v. Barro
Why owners must allege prior physical possession in forcible entry cases, and how jurisdiction depends on the complaint's allegations.
Rehabilitation Stay Orders vs Maritime Liens: What Creditors Should Know
Supreme Court clarifies that rehabilitation stay orders suspend maritime lien enforcement, preserving creditor preference without allowing immediate vessel arrest.
Possession IS Nine Tenths OF THE LAW Writ OF Possession Stands Despite Mortgage Dispute
Integrity OF Evidence Acquittal IN Drug Cases DUE TO Procedural Lapses IN Evidence Handling
Title Reconstitution Requires Strict Adherence to Procedure: Republic v. Castro
The Supreme Court nullifies a title reconstitution for failure to comply with the mandatory requirements of Republic Act No. 26.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eminent domain, just compensation, and property rights when government takes land without expropriation proceedings.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Guilt Without Direct Action in People v. Bohol
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, treachery, and murder liability for an accused who did not directly kill.
Unraveling Appeal Deadlines: The Fresh Period Rule and Appellate Court Discretion
Learn how the Fresh Period Rule reset appeal deadlines and when appellate courts may relax procedural rules.
The Critical Element of Penile Penetration in Statutory Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that in statutory rape, each count requires proof of penile penetration, even when the victim is below 12.
Court Hierarchy and Procedural Rules: Certiorari Petition Dismissed for Bypassing Lower Courts
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of certiorari petition for violating hierarchy of courts and failing to comply with verification and non-forum shopping rules.