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 President's Authority to Sign Demand Letters and Verification in Unlawful Detainer
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president may validly issue demand letters and sign pleadings without a board resolution.
Double Taxation and Refund of Erroneously Paid Local Business Taxes in Manila
Supreme Court clarifies when a taxpayer can refund local business taxes after protesting an assessment and paying under protest in Manila.
Challenging Drug Convictions: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Illegal Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows how broken chain of custody and flawed inventory can lead to acquittal in drug possession cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
When a Bus Driver's Sabbatical Becomes a Retirement Claim: The Macuray Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's break from work is abandonment, sabbatical, or retirement—and what benefits are due.
Electricity Disconnection: Utility's Duty to Inspect and Provide Notice
When can a distribution utility disconnect electric service? The Supreme Court clarifies the duty to inspect meters and give proper notice.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability Ex Delicto
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
When Death Extinguishes Criminal Liability: The Antido Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
Chain of Custody Breach Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Crispo
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to unjustified lapses in the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Dismissal for Court Employee Who Abandoned Post
Supreme Court dismisses court interpreter for habitual absenteeism, forfeiting benefits and barring re-employment in government service.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Post-Employment Medical Exam
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers who fail the 3-day post-employment medical exam rule forfeit disability benefits, even if illness is work-related.
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.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule
When a seafarer's doctor and the company physician disagree on disability, the POEA-SEC's third-doctor rule is mandatory. Hernandez v. Magsaysay explains why.
Mining Rights Due Process Prevails Over Automatic Abandonment in Philippine Mining Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mining claims cannot be automatically abandoned for failure to file work obligation reports; due process must first be observed.
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.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Key Lessons from a Philippine Homicide Case
When does self-defense hold in Philippine homicide cases? The Supreme Court explains the crucial element of unlawful aggression.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: Ben Line v. Madson
The Supreme Court ruled that procedural rules must yield to substantial justice when a party rectifies defects, as in Ben Line v. Madson.
Revival of Judgment: Why It Must Be Filed with the RTC, Not the Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that actions to revive a judgment must be filed with the Regional Trial Court, not the Court of Appeals.
Falsifying Time Records and Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court disciplines court personnel for falsified DTRs and habitual absenteeism, reaffirming strict ethical standards in the judiciary.
Burden of Proof in Murder Cases: When a Single Eyewitness Suffices
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on a single eyewitness's positive identification, explaining the burden of proof and the limits of the alibi defense.
Finality of Court Orders and the 3-Day Notice Rule: Ti v. Diño
The Supreme Court clarifies that defective motions do not toll the appeal period, and personal service is mandatory when practicable.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: When "Exclusive" Means Exclusive in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual venue stipulations are binding and enforceable, and when courts must dismiss cases filed elsewhere.
Curfew Laws and Minors' Rights: Balancing State Protection and Individual Freedoms
The Supreme Court upholds juvenile curfew ordinances in Quezon City, Manila, and Navotas, balancing state protection with minors' rights.
Insurance Subrogation: Establishing Insurer's Rights Against Third-Party Carriers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when insurers can recover from carriers via subrogation, and when presenting the insurance policy is required.