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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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.
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.
Land Registration Proof: Beyond DENR Certification and the Burden of Incontrovertible Evidence
A DENR certification alone won't secure land title. The Supreme Court clarifies the strict proof required for judicial confirmation of title.
Safeguarding Independence: Presidential Disciplinary Power Over Deputy Ombudsman Declared Unconstitutional
The Supreme Court strikes down Section 8(2) of RA 6770, affirming the Ombudsman's constitutionally guaranteed independence from presidential disciplinary control.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Loss of Owner's Duplicate Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies evidence needed to reconstitute a lost or destroyed certificate of title under Republic Act No. 26.
When Property Appraisal Cannot Delay Foreclosure: Sycamore Ventures v. Metrobank
Supreme Court rules mortgaged property appraisal value is not a prejudicial question that can suspend extrajudicial foreclosure proceedings under Act No. 3135.
Buy-Bust Operations: Minor Inconsistencies Won't Save Drug Sellers From Conviction
The Supreme Court explains why minor inconsistencies in police testimony do not destroy a buy-bust case, and why frame-up defenses rarely succeed.
Condominium Corporation Disputes: When Are They Intra-Corporate Controversies?
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes between condominium corporations and unit owners are intra-corporate controversies under the jurisdiction of special commercial courts.
Upholding Justiciable Controversy: The Human Security Act and Limits of Declaratory Relief
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may hear constitutional challenges to the Human Security Act, emphasizing the need for actual, ripe controversies.
Eyewitness Credibility: When Testimonial Inconsistencies Do Not Destroy a Homicide Conviction
The Supreme Court explains why minor inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony do not automatically destroy credibility in homicide cases.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: When Courts Can Restore Destroyed Land Records
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Corporate Control vs Government Sequestration: Defining Jurisdiction in Intra-Corporate Disputes
When a sequestered corporation faces an intra-corporate dispute, which court has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Delayed Justice Determining Fair Compensation FOR Government Land Seizure
When the government takes property without expropriation, what value controls? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on just compensation.
Employer-Employee Relationship: The Control Test and SSS Coverage for Farm Workers
When does a farm worker become a regular employee entitled to SSS coverage? The Supreme Court explains the control test and its implications.
Habeas Corpus and Libel: Limits of Retroactive Application of Favorable Penalties
When can a convict seek habeas corpus and demand retroactive application of a favorable penalty rule? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Security of Tenure and CES Appointments: Lessons from De Castro v. Carlos
Explaining when a government position belongs to the Career Executive Service and what security of tenure really means for presidential appointees.
Local Autonomy vs State Control: DENR's Authority Over Small-Scale Mining Permits
The Supreme Court upholds DENR's power to review and cancel small-scale mining permits issued by provincial governors, clarifying limits of local autonomy.
Ballot Image Integrity and Electronic Evidence in Philippine Election Protests
Supreme Court ruling on ballot images as electronic evidence in election protests under RA 9369 and the Rules on Electronic Evidence.
Ballot Images in Electoral Protests: The Evidentiary Value of Electronic Evidence
The Supreme Court held that scanned ballot images are the functional equivalent of original paper ballots in electoral protests under the Rules on Electronic Evidence.
Demand Letters as Evidence in Lease Disputes: Castro v. Palenzuela
A lessee's own evidence can cap rental liability. Learn the rule from Castro v. Palenzuela.
Contempt of Court: Interpreting Restraining Orders and the Limits of Enforcement
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TRO binds government agencies and what acts constitute contempt in agrarian reform cases.
Claims Against a Deceased's Estate: Quasi-Contracts and Rule 86 Explained
When must a claim against a deceased person's estate be filed in estate settlement proceedings? The Supreme Court clarifies in Metrobank v. Absolute Management.
Reconstitution of Title: The Critical Requirements of Loss and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles under RA 26.
Redundancy Programs Balancing Business Needs AND Employee Rights IN THE Philippines
Understand Philippine redundancy rules through Morales v. Metrobank: valid termination requires good faith, fair criteria, proper notice, and separation pay.