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.
Corporate Rehabilitation Stay Orders: What They Mean for Property Claims
The Supreme Court explains how a stay order in corporate rehabilitation suspends all claims, including demands for specific performance of property sales.
Judicial Affidavit Rule and Contempt: Good Faith in Complying with Court Orders
When does using a corporate name violate an injunction? The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith compliance defeats indirect contempt.
Denial of Child Support as Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Key Lessons from Melgar v. People
The Supreme Court rules that withholding child support is economic abuse under RA 9262, even without proof of psychological anguish.
Breach of Public Trust: Defining Misconduct and Dishonesty in Government Service
The Supreme Court affirms penalties against a former PCGG chairman for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Grave Misconduct in Government Service: When Dismissal Is the Only Penalty
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of immigration officer for extortion and grave misconduct, ruling first offense cannot mitigate penalty.
Supreme Court on Land Registration Decree Re-Issuance: No Prescription for Old Titles
The Supreme Court clarifies that land registration decrees do not prescribe, allowing re-issuance of old decrees and issuance of OCTs even decades later.
Bail vs Demurrer: Why Different Evidence Standards Apply in Provisional Liberty and Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies why bail hearings use a lower evidence standard than demurrers to evidence, which can lead to acquittal.
Martial Law Extension: Balancing Public Safety and Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the one-year martial law extension in Mindanao, affirming that public safety and constitutional safeguards can coexist.
Notarial Duty and Administrative Liability: Upholding Integrity in Court Services
A branch clerk of court was suspended for notarizing documents without following the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice. Learn the rules and risks.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody over seized marijuana, explaining the strict rules under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
A drug conviction requires an unbroken chain of custody. Learn what gaps in evidence handling can lead to acquittal.
Corporate Quorum Conundrums: How Disputed Shares Impact Philippine Stockholder Meetings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that disputed shares still count toward quorum in stockholder meetings, and unrecorded transfers are not recognized.
Contempt of Court for Ignoring Immediate Suspension Orders in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must comply with suspension orders marked "effective immediately" upon receipt, or face contempt.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and their rights to wages and benefits.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Is Required for Valid Convictions
The Supreme Court explains why strict adherence to Section 21 chain of custody rules is essential for valid drug convictions.
Dismissal for Habitual Absenteeism: Upholding Public Trust in the Judiciary
Court employee dismissed for habitual absenteeism, AWOL, and insubordination. Learn the rules on unauthorized absences and public service standards.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanagement of Judiciary Funds
Supreme Court rules on accountability of judges and court personnel for tampered receipts and overwithdrawals from judiciary funds.
Rent Suspension and Earnest Money: Balancing Rights in Lease and Sale Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when lessees may suspend rent and when earnest money in a contract to sell may be forfeited.
Earnest Money in a Contract to Sell: When Buyers Lose Their Deposit
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money in a contract to sell may be forfeited and when lessees may suspend rent under Article 1658.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify deviations from Section 21, RA 9165, highlighting the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Upholding Buy-Bust Operations When Minor Deviations Don't Nullify Drug Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that minor deviations in buy-bust operations, like delayed marking, do not automatically invalidate drug convictions.
Bank's Failure to Release Loan Funds Nullifies Foreclosure of Mortgage
Philippine Supreme Court rules a bank's breach of a credit agreement bars foreclosure, explaining borrower's reciprocal obligation to pay only arises after full release of loan proceeds.
Finality of Labor Decisions: When a Seafarer's Dismissal Case Cannot Be Reopened
A seafarer's illegal dismissal case was reinstated because the employer failed to timely appeal. Learn why final judgments stick.