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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Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Unilateral Interest Rate Adjustments in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts.
When Private Individuals Cannot Be Charged Under Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law
Explaining Go v. Sandiganbayan: why private persons cannot be charged with conspiracy under Section 3(g) of RA 3019.
Subleasing Prohibitions: Joint Venture vs Lease Agreement Distinctions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sublease violates a lease contract's prohibition, and why labeling an agreement a "joint venture" may not save it.
Ejectment and Sublease Violations: Service of Notices and Counsel of Record Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on ejectment, sublease prohibitions, and why notices must be served on counsel of record in Philippine cases.
Distinguishing Employees From Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains the control test for distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor law disputes.
Upholding the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: People v. Pringas
The Supreme Court clarifies that non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is not fatal if the integrity of seized drugs is preserved.
Upholding Arbitration Ciac Jurisdiction Over Construction Disputes Despite Contractual Nuances
Proof Beyond Suspicion: Upholding Due Process in Administrative Dishonesty Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative charges like dishonesty require substantial evidence, not mere speculation. Learn the standard of proof.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Non-Compliance with RA 9165 Is Not Fatal
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in Section 21 custody rules won't invalidate drug evidence, and why objections must be raised at trial.
Withdrawal of Appeal in Reclusion Perpetua Cases: Discretion and Executive Clemency
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua cases are not subject to mandatory review, allowing appellants to withdraw their appeals.
Stock Transfer Obligations Ministerial Duty VS Corporate Discretion
Shared Intent Shared Liability Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how conspiracy works in Philippine criminal law, when co-accused share liability, and what the Supreme Court says about proving a common design.
Sheriffs Must Follow Auction Sale and Redemption Rules Strictly
A sheriff's failure to follow Rule 39 procedures on auction sales and property redemption constitutes simple neglect of duty, warranting suspension.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Redemption and the Privilege to Practice Law
The Supreme Court grants a disbarred lawyer's plea for reinstatement after 15 years, explaining the standards for return to the bar.
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Perfecting Land Titles THE Burden OF Proof AND Attorneys Duty IN Land Registration Cases
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Reorganizing Government Agencies in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the President's power to reorganize executive agencies, clarifying the limits of executive authority under the Constitution.
Entrapment VS Instigation Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Cases 3
Finality of DAR Decisions: Balancing Due Process and Timeliness in Agrarian Reform
When do DAR decisions become final? The Supreme Court clarifies the balance between due process and the 15-day appeal period in agrarian cases.
Gambling in the Workplace: Defining Ethical Conduct for Public Servants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when gambling during office hours becomes a dismissible offense for public employees and sets ethical standards.
Compassionate Justice: When Mitigating Circumstances Reduce Penalties in Attorney Discipline Cases
Explaining how the Supreme Court reduced a lawyer's suspension to a fine by considering mitigating circumstances in disciplinary proceedings.
Estafa by Misappropriation of Goods Held in Trust: The Ceniza-Manantan Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains when failing to return jewelry or goods received on commission becomes estafa, and why a lawyer's mistakes rarely win a new trial.
Unraveling Favored Contracts: The Imperative of Specificity in Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that bare allegations and conclusions of law cannot substitute for specific facts in ill-gotten wealth cases.
Indefeasibility of Title: Why Land Ownership Can't Be Attacked Decades After Registration
A Torrens title becomes incontrovertible after one year. Learn why a collateral attack on a 1973 title failed in Ingusan v. Heirs of Reyes.