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.
Constructive Dismissal: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Not Voluntary at All
The Supreme Court clarifies when a signed resignation letter is actually constructive dismissal, protecting employees from forced resignations disguised as voluntary acts.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case Based on Improbable Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a rape victim's testimony is too general to convict, and when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction.
Homeowners Rights vs Church Construction: Open Space Donation Validity
Supreme Court rules on open space donations in subdivisions, homeowners association rights, and church construction in Casa Milan case.
Election Contests and the 15-Day Rule: Eizmendi v. Fernandez on Corporate Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies that indirect attacks on corporate elections violate the 15-day reglementary period for election contests under the Interim Rules.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Tax Declarations as Evidence of Ownership: Protecting Possessory Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax declarations, while not conclusive, are strong evidence of possession in the concept of owner when coupled with continuous possession.
Real Property Tax: Who Pays When Ownership and Possession Differ
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies real property tax liability when the registered owner is not in possession, citing Herarc Realty v. Provincial Treasurer of Batangas.
The High Cost of Homicide: Establishing Liability in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at how Philippine courts convict in robbery with homicide, from proving intent to the price of damages.
Treachery Unveiled: When Sudden Attack Does Not Mean Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attack alone does not prove treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Guanzon
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
When a Car Purchase Goes Wrong: Establishing Liability in Sales Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a person who receives payment and issues a receipt in a car sale can be held liable as a seller.
Estafa Under Trust Receipt Agreements: The Osental Case and PD 115
Failure to comply with a trust receipt agreement can lead to estafa charges. Learn the rules from the Osental case.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Drug Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to police lapses in the chain of custody, reinforcing the protection of individual rights.
Breach of Trust: How Philippine Law Punishes Theft by Domestic Servants
The Supreme Court explains qualified theft by domestic servants, intent to gain, and penalties under RA 10951.
AWOL and Dropping from the Rolls: Employee Rights Under Philippine Law
Learn the rules on AWOL in the Philippine civil service, including the 30-day rule, non-disciplinary separation, and employee rights.
Free Patent Land and Road Projects: When the Government Must Pay Just Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when the government must pay just compensation for right-of-way easements over free patent lands under the Public Land Act.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Strict Compliance or Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the chain of custody rule.
Law Firm Partnerships Have Legal Personality: Saludo v. PNB Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that law firm partnerships are juridical entities with legal personality, separate from their partners.
Oral Sales Agreements Transfer Property and the Limits of Rescission
When does an oral deal to sell land transfer ownership? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between a sale and a contract to sell, and when rescission is allowed.
Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Church Property Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, physical possession—not ownership—determines who has the better right to church property.
Surety Bonds in Replevin: When Does a Bond Really Expire?
A surety bond in a replevin case remains valid until the case is finally terminated, even if the stated period has lapsed.
Work-Related Injury: Defining Course of Employment in Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, work-related illness presumption, and employer duties under POEA-SEC.
Upholding Contractual Freedom: Injunctive Relief and the Limits of Exclusivity in Lottery Operations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when injunctive relief fails absent a clear legal right, using the PCSO-PGMC lottery lease dispute.
Overlapping Land Titles: Prior Certificate Prevails in Philippine Law
When two land titles cover the same property, the earlier certificate generally prevails. Learn the rule and its limits.