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.
Establishing Land Ownership: The Imperative of Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
Original registration of land requires open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession since June 12, 1945 or earlier. The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements.
Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Illegal Drug Sale Case
A broken chain of custody and lapses under Section 21 of RA 9165 led the Supreme Court to acquit an accused in an illegal drug sale case.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused due to unjustified gaps in the chain of custody, reaffirming the presumption of innocence.
Histrionic Personality Disorder as Ground for Nullity: Understanding Marital Obligations and Psychological Inc
The Supreme Court affirms that histrionic personality disorder can be psychological incapacity under Article 36, explaining the standards for declaring a marriage void.
Right to Preliminary Investigation: When the Ombudsman's Failure to Serve the Complaint Violates Due Process
The Supreme Court rules that withholding the complaint affidavit during preliminary investigation violates the accused's constitutional right to due process.
Condominium Foreclosure: When Does a Corporation Have Authority to Foreclose?
Supreme Court clarifies when a condominium corporation may extra-judicially foreclose a unit for unpaid assessments under the Condominium Act.
Ombudsman Appeals and Procedural Rules: When Technicalities Yield to Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that procedural lapses should not defeat the merits of an administrative appeal, especially when a government employee's dismissal is at stake.
Good Faith Belief in Ownership Defeats Qualified Theft Charge
Supreme Court acquits spouses of qualified theft, ruling that honest belief in ownership negates intent to steal.
Prescription and Probable Cause: Protecting Public Officials From Stale Charges
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges, clarifying prescription periods and probable cause requirements under RA 3019.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials
The Supreme Court acquits drug offenders where police breached chain of custody rules, underscoring the need to preserve evidence integrity.
Probable Cause in Trafficking Cases: The Two Kinds of Determination Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between executive and judicial probable cause in trafficking cases, and why judges should not dismiss cases prematurely.
Third Doctor's Opinion Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying Conflict Resolution Under POEA-SEC
Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's disability grade is determined by the company-designated physician's assessment, unless a third doctor's opinion is obtained.
Immediate Execution of Ombudsman Decisions: Protecting Public Service Integrity
Learn why Ombudsman dismissal orders take effect immediately despite pending motions for reconsideration, and what this means for public officers.
Regular Employment and Labor-Only Contracting: Lingat v. Coca-Cola Bottlers
Supreme Court clarifies when agency-hired workers are regular employees of the principal employer, and the limits of labor contracting.
Protecting Childhood Statutory Rape AND THE Irrelevance OF Consent
The Supreme Court affirms that in statutory rape, consent is irrelevant; mere touching of the labia by the penis constitutes carnal knowledge.
Regular Employee Status: Distinguishing Independent Contractors From Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers are regular employees despite agency transfers, distinguishing independent contractors from labor-only contracting.
Willful Disobedience as Just Cause for Termination: Mamaril v. The Red System Company
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's repeated violation of safety rules justifies dismissal for willful disobedience under the Labor Code.
Assurance Fund Claims: When the Prescriptive Period Starts for Defrauded Landowners
The Supreme Court clarifies when the six-year period to claim the Assurance Fund begins for landowners defrauded under the Torrens system.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Proper Identification in Legal Documents
A lawyer's notarial commission revoked and practice suspended for notarizing a deed using only a community tax certificate as identification.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause: Balancing Employer Rights and Due Process in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when employers still owe employees procedural due process.
Taming Unconscionable Interest: Reassessing Loan Obligations and Attorney's Fees in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts temper unconscionable loan interest rates and when attorney's fees may be awarded in foreclosure cases.
When a Corporate President Can Act Without Board Approval: Key Lessons from Colegio Medico v. Lim
A corporate president may act without board approval in ordinary business matters. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Conjugal Property Rights: When a Forged Donation and Sale Divide Ownership
A forged donation of conjugal property leads to co-ownership between the buyer and the innocent spouse, each holding an undivided half.