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.
Diversion of Tobacco Funds: Technical Malversation vs. Corruption Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when misusing public funds is technical malversation, not corruption, in Villarosa v. Ombudsman.
Divorce Recognition Redefining Spousal Capacity Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a Filipino spouse can remarry after a foreign divorce, even if they initiated it.
Venue in Estafa Cases: Where Does a Bouncing Check Crime Occur?
The Supreme Court clarifies that in estafa cases involving bouncing checks, venue lies where the check was issued and dishonored, not where negotiations occurred.
Safeguarding Rights: The Critical Role of Witness Presence in Drug Cases
Explaining the Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Barrion, highlighting why the presence of required witnesses in drug seizures is crucial.
Absence Without Leave: Upholding Public Service Standards in the Philippine Judiciary
Court personnel who go AWOL face dropping from the rolls. Learn the rules and consequences from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Condonation Doctrine Applies Even When Official Succeeds to Different Post
Supreme Court clarifies condonation doctrine applies when same electorate re-elects official to a different position, condoning prior misconduct.
Reasonable Doubt in Qualified Theft: When Missing Proof Means Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted an accounting-in-charge of qualified theft when the prosecution failed to prove taking and intent.
Pre-Approved Credit Cards: Consent to Terms Must Be Proven
Banks must prove cardholders consented to credit card terms. Without proof, only legal interest applies.
Priority of Title: Resolving Conflicting Land Ownership Claims in the Philippines
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier one prevails. The Supreme Court explains the rule in Aquino v. Estate of Aguirre.
VAT Refund Timelines: Strict 120+30 Day Rule Under the Tax Code
Philippine Supreme Court affirms strict 120+30 day VAT refund appeal deadlines; late judicial claims are jurisdictionally fatal.
Intact Hymen Does NOT Preclude Rape Conviction: People v. Bay-od
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite intact hymen, clarifying that carnal knowledge does not require hymen rupture or full penetration.
Intact Hymen Does Not Negate Statutory Rape: SC Upholds Child Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms that a child's credible testimony can prove statutory rape even when medical findings show an intact hymen.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Witness Presence in Drug Cases
Explore why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to missing required witnesses during inventory, highlighting crucial procedural safeguards.
Unexcused Absence and Termination: When Is an Employee Considered AWOL
Learn when an employee is considered AWOL and can be dropped from the rolls, based on a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Child Abuse Intent Not Always Required Under Special Protection Laws
Supreme Court clarifies that intent to debase a child is not always required for conviction under RA 7610's child abuse provisions.
Unlawful Detainer The Jurisdictional Tightrope of Ejectment Cases in the Philippines
Understand the jurisdictional rules in unlawful detainer cases and why getting the wrong court can cost you your case.
Foreclosure Writ of Possession: Appeal Does Not Stay Implementation
Supreme Court clarifies that an appeal of a writ of possession order in extrajudicial foreclosure does not suspend its implementation.
Bidding Rights No Cause of Action for Disappointed Bidders Under Philippine Law
A contractor overpaid by the government must refund the excess, even if the contract was void for lack of appropriation.
Accomplice Liability: Proving the Degree of Participation in Homicide Cases
When is a person an accomplice rather than a principal in a killing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on participation and liability.
Quitclaims and Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Employee Rights and Waivers in the Philippines
When is a quitclaim valid? The Supreme Court explains the rules on waivers and illegal dismissal in Vergara v. CDM Security Agency.
VAT Exemption for Agricultural Cooperatives: Protecting Farmers' Collective Interests
The Supreme Court affirms VAT exemption for agricultural cooperatives, protecting farmers' collective interests in sugar production and sales.
Management Prerogative vs Diminution of Benefits: The Coca-Cola Saturday Work Dispute
When can a company stop Saturday work without violating the non-diminution rule? The Supreme Court clarifies in this Coca-Cola case.
Quantum Meruit Claims Against the Government: Payment for Services Without a Written Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government on quantum meruit even without a written contract.
Territorial Boundaries vs. Resource Sharing: Defining LGUs' Share of National Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may claim a share of national wealth, using the Palawan-Camago-Malampaya dispute as the benchmark case.