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.
Unraveling Implied Trusts Protecting Family Interests in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains implied resulting trusts in family property disputes, clarifying prescription, parol evidence, and ownership rights.
Chain of Custody Lapses in Drug Cases: When Acquittal Becomes the Only Option
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Finality of Judgments: The Binding Effect of Unchallenged Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on how an unchallenged labor decision becomes final, binding, and bars re-litigation of the same issues.
Bargaining in Good Faith: The Fine Line Between Firm Positions and Unfair Labor Practices
When does a company's hardline stance in CBA talks become bad faith bargaining? The Supreme Court clarifies the line.
Challenging the Sweetheart Defense: Consensual vs Forced Intimacy in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the "sweetheart defense" fails in rape cases, and how courts weigh consent against force and intimidation.
Judicial Conduct on Trial: Balancing Online Presence and Ethical Duties
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Friendster photos and courtroom conduct clarifies ethical boundaries for magistrates online and offline.
Probationary Employment in Philippine Private Schools: Teacher Rights and Tenure
A Supreme Court ruling explains how probationary periods work for private school teachers, when tenure is acquired, and what schools must prove to validly terminate.
Breach of Public Trust: Official Position Cannot Shield Criminal Acts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for graft and estafa, ruling public office cannot shield criminal acts.
Breach of Bar Exam Instructions: Simple Misconduct vs Gross Misconduct
When does violating bar exam rules amount to simple misconduct rather than gross misconduct? The Supreme Court explains in this administrative case.
Upholding Integrity: Court Personnel's Duty Against Tampering of Official Records
Supreme Court rules on loafing and case-fixing charges against court personnel, emphasizing integrity and strict observance of official time.
Private Rights vs State Reservations: When Long Possession of Public Land Cannot Ripen Into Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unclassified public land cannot be privately owned without positive government act declaring it alienable and disposable.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Due Process and Judicial Authority
Explore how the Supreme Court balances due process with judicial authority in contempt cases, ensuring fairness and order.
Stored Goods Destroyed by Fire: When Negligence Overrides Fortuitous Events
Learn when storage facilities are liable for goods destroyed by fire, and how the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur in ICTSI v. Chua.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Banks vs Unregistered Land Sales in the Philippines
When does a bank lose protection as a mortgagee in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on unregistered land sales.
When Can the Ombudsman Issue Preventive Suspension: Safeguarding Public Trust
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Ombudsman's preventive suspension power and when courts may intervene to protect public officials.
Constructive Dismissal: When Unpaid Wages Force an Employee to Resign
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, unpaid wages, and when resignation is actually illegal dismissal.
Upholding Conviction In Drug Sale Ensuring Chain OF Custody IN Evidence Handling
A drug sale conviction reversed because broken chain of custody cast doubt on the identity of seized shabu.
Continuing Suretyship in the Philippines: Liability for Future Debts Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a surety's liability for future debts under a Continuing Suretyship, and when courts may reduce attorney's fees.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence and Conflict of Interest in Client Matter
A lawyer who neglected a client's case for five years and appeared against the client without consent was suspended for six months.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Land Titling Case for Five Years
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting a client's land titling case for five years, violating Canons 17 and 18 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Medical Negligence: Establishing the Standard of Care in Anesthesia
The Supreme Court clarifies when res ipsa loquitur applies in medical negligence cases and why expert testimony on the standard of care remains essential.
Attachment Liens Priority AND Protection IN Real Property Disputes
A prior attachment lien survives title cancellation and transfers, binding the property and subsequent purchasers until the debt is paid.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Free Speech and Judicial Integrity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when criticism crosses the line into contempt, using a lawyer's letter to a Court Administrator as the cautionary example.
Excise Tax Refunds for Petroleum Sold to International Carriers: Shell Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when domestic petroleum manufacturers can claim excise tax refunds for fuel sold to international carriers.