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.
Relaxation of Procedural Rules Ensures Substantial Justice Prevails Over Technicalities in Certiorari Petition
Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to resolve merits of case involving memorial lot purchase, affirming RTC decision annulling contract.
Acquittal in Drug Case Highlights Strict Chain of Custody and Witness Rules
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect, stressing strict compliance with chain of custody and required witnesses under RA 9165.
Non-Payment of Debts and Insubordination in Court Employment: A Cautionary Tale
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee's failure to pay debts and defiance of Court orders can lead to dismissal from service.
Malicious Mischief in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when destroying property in a dispute becomes malicious mischief, and why claims of ownership do not justify taking the law into one's own hands.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance with Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 witness requirements, stressing the need for strict chain of custody compliance.
Compromised Chain of Custody A Blow to Drug Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when inventory lacked DOJ representative, stressing strict chain of custody compliance under RA 9165.
Government Procurement and Financial Accountability: Lessons from the Talisay City COA Disallowance Case
The Supreme Court upheld COA disallowances against Talisay City officials for procurement violations, clarifying rules on competitive bidding, budget realignment, and personal liability.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Sets Social Media Evidence Rules
The Supreme Court affirms that Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, setting guidelines on proving social media authorship and raising penalties for ICT use.
Acquittal for Broken Drug Chain of Custody: Grefaldo v. People Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows why police must strictly follow drug evidence rules, or face acquittal.
Acquittal in Drug Case: When Police Lapses in Chain of Custody Lead to Freedom
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused after police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, explaining the chain of custody rule.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Is Not Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery cannot be presumed from suddenness alone, reducing a murder conviction to homicide in People v. Bulutano.
Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms that public Facebook posts causing mental anguish constitute psychological violence under RA 9262, with higher penalties for ICT use.
Deed Restrictions CAN Homeowners Associations Extend Their Term
Can homeowners associations extend deed restrictions beyond their original term? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on extending deed restrictions.
Security of Tenure vs Qualification Standards Resolving Employment Disputes in Philippine Higher Education
Supreme Court clarifies retirement age rules, security of tenure, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in Philippine schools.
Upholding Client Confidentiality Limits On Revealing Information After Termination OF Employment
A lawyer's duty of confidentiality survives termination of employment, but the burden of proving a breach rests on the complainant.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case due to the police's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165, emphasizing the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Shareholder Rights Navigating Derivative Suits IN Philippine Corporate LAW
Understand when Philippine courts allow derivative suits, the requirements under the Interim Rules, and why majority shareholders cannot bypass the board of directors.
Broken Chains: Strict Evidence Rules and Estoppel in Drug Case Bail Forfeitures
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's silence on an agent's unauthorized bail bond can bar claims of invalidity through estoppel.
Double Sales and Defective Notarization: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
Explains when double sale rules apply, the effect of defective notarization on deeds, and limits on attacking Torrens titles.
How the Agricultural Free Patent Reform Act Changed Land Ownership Rules in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how RA 11231 removed restrictions on agricultural free patents, affecting reversion suits and property rights.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause: When Presence Alone Does Not Imply Guilt in Fraud Cases
Mere presence at a meeting does not prove conspiracy in estafa cases. The Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed.
Local Fiscal Autonomy vs National Film Development: The Operative Fact Doctrine in Tax Cases
The Supreme Court balances local fiscal autonomy and national film development in the FDCP amusement tax case, applying the operative fact doctrine.
Falsifying MCLE Compliance Numbers: A Supreme Court Lesson in Professional Integrity
Learn how a lawyer's use of a fictitious MCLE number led to disbarment, and what it means for every Philippine practitioner.
Navigating Firearms Regulation in the Philippines: The Supreme Court's Ruling on RA 10591
The Supreme Court upheld most of RA 10591 but struck down the PNP's warrantless home inspection consent requirement for firearm license applicants.