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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Buy-Bust Operations in Drug Cases: Legality and Constitutional Rights Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court in People v. Sy upheld the legality of buy-bust operations while stressing that courts must closely scrutinize how such operations are carried out.
Upholding Equity When Fraud Nullifies Land Titles Obtained Through Deceit
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fraudulent acquisition of land titles can be nullified and how equity protects rightful owners.
Balancing Right to Work and Employer Prerogative: Absences and Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when excessive absences justify dismissal, emphasizing proportional penalties and employer burden of proof.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Does It Warrant a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence justifies a new trial and when it does not, in Elpidio S. Uy v. First Metro Integrated Steel Corp.
Lawyer Misconduct Outside Professional Duties: When Private Acts Lead to Suspension
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's private misconduct, like road rage and firing a gun, warrants suspension from the practice of law.
Presidential Approval and Contract Validity: Limits of Executive Power in Philippine Procurement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when presidential approval is required for government contracts and the limits of executive discretion in procurement.
Gross Receipts Tax: Final Withholding Tax Included in Bank's Tax Base
Supreme Court rules 20% final withholding tax on bank passive income forms part of gross receipts for computing 5% gross receipts tax.
Substantial Compliance in Appellate Procedure: Balancing Technical Rules and Justice
The Supreme Court relaxes technical rules in labor cases, allowing substantial compliance with Rule 65 and Rule 13 requirements.
Tenancy Claims and Forcible Entry: How Philippine Courts Resolve Jurisdictional Conflicts in Agrarian Disputes
When a tenant is sued for forcible entry, which tribunal has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the interplay between agrarian and civil courts.
Loss OF Remedies When Failure TO Appear IN Court Costs YOU More Than Just A DAY
CARP Coverage and Tenancy: Resolving Land Disputes Amidst Conflicting Claims and Vested Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how pending DARAB tenancy cases affect forcible entry jurisdiction and CARP coverage.
Breaking Down Land Ownership Disputes When Hearsay Clouds Real Estate Claims
A Supreme Court ruling explains why hearsay evidence fails in property disputes, and how Torrens titles protect registered owners.
Witness Credibility in Qualified Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Gloria
How Philippine courts weigh a child victim's testimony in qualified rape cases, and why credibility often decides the outcome.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: When Moral Damages Are Not Automatic in Sales Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere breach of contract does not justify moral damages absent proof of bad faith or fraud.
Injunctive Relief and Status Quo in Foreclosure Disputes: The Dela Cruz Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how pending agrarian tenancy cases affect forcible entry jurisdiction and the principle of status quo.
Upholding Land Titles When Government Reversion Claims Fail
When can the government cancel a free patent and revert land to the public domain? The Supreme Court explains the limits of reversion actions.
Separate Crimes for Separate Drugs: Possessing Shabu and Marijuana Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: possessing shabu and marijuana at the same time and place constitutes two separate crimes, requiring two separate Informations.
Gross Receipts TAX THE Inclusion OF Final Withholding TAX IN Banks Taxable Income
When the Government Must Prove Its Case: Reversion, Free Patents, and the Regalian Doctrine
A Supreme Court ruling on when the government can cancel a free patent and revert land to the public domain.
Reversion Suits: When the State Must Prove Forest Land Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the State's burden in reversion cases, protecting vested rights over land titles issued before forest classification.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Proximate Cause and the Weight of Victim Testimony
Explore how Philippine courts assess reasonable doubt in rape cases, focusing on victim credibility, alibi, and the rule on proximate cause.
Employer Liability for Negligent Employee: Quasi-Delict vs Subsidiary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face direct liability for employee negligence under Article 2180, Civil Code, distinct from subsidiary criminal liability.
Unjust Vexation Mayors Cannot Enforce Laws BY Depriving Citizens OF Livelihood Without DUE Process
Tolerance Ends Ownership Rights Prevail In Unlawful Detainer Disputes
SC ruling: mere tolerance of occupation ends when property is sold; new owner may eject occupants via unlawful detainer.