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.
Probable Cause Required Before Customs Seizure: Commissioner of Customs v. Singson
Philippine Supreme Court rules customs forfeiture requires probable cause first, not mere suspicion or certification.
Probable Cause and Customs Seizure: Protecting Due Process in Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause must precede customs seizure and forfeiture, protecting claimants from arbitrary government action.
Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Murder Convictions
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, explaining treachery, witness credibility, and damages in Philippine criminal law.
Upholding Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses: Chain of Custody Preserves Drug Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses, ruling that an unbroken chain of custody preserves the integrity of seized evidence.
Finality of Judgment vs Probable Cause: Balancing Justice in Trademark Infringement Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a final judgment quashing search warrants binds courts, but probable cause for prosecution may still stand.
Jurisdiction Over Real Property Disputes: The Importance of Assessed Value
The Supreme Court explains why the assessed value of property in a complaint determines which court has jurisdiction over real actions.
Real Actions and Jurisdiction: Why Assessed Value Determines the Correct Philippine Court
In real actions, the property's assessed value determines which court has jurisdiction. Omitting it can doom the case.
Good Faith VS Fencing: When A Notarized Affidavit Protects Purchasers
The Supreme Court acquits a buyer of a Komatsu grader, ruling that a notarized affidavit of ownership can overcome the presumption of fencing under PD 1612.
Cooperative Debt Collection: Jurisdiction, Authority, and Interest Rates Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on cooperative debt collection, officer authority, and interest rate reductions in Fausto v. Multi Agri-Forest.
MERALCO Rate Case: Supreme Court Upholds ERC’s Shift to Performance-Based Regulation
Supreme Court affirms ERC’s shift to PBR for setting MERALCO rates, barring collateral attacks on administrative regulations.
Fixed-Term Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure Under the Labor Code
Explaining Oyster Plaza Hotel v. Melivo on when fixed-term and probationary workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Reinstatement Orders Are Immediately Executory: What Employers Must Know
A dismissed employee must be reinstated even while appeal is pending; failure to do so means paying accrued wages.
ERC v. Meralco: Only the Supreme Court Can Enjoin EPIRA Implementation
The Supreme Court rules that only it can enjoin EPIRA implementation, clarifying limits on RTC injunctive power over energy regulations.
Unlawful Arrest Invalidates Drug Possession Conviction Protecting Constitutional Rights
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted an accused due to an unlawful arrest and broken chain of custody in drug cases.
Corporate Records Access: Stockholder Rights and Officer Duties After Dissolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records survives corporate dissolution and continues during liquidation.
Conditional Employment Offers and When No Employer-Employee Relationship Exists
The Supreme Court clarifies when a conditional job offer, subject to background checks, does not create an employer-employee relationship.
Intervention in Criminal Cases: Protecting Property Rights of Third Parties
When may a third party intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention and legal interest.
Beyond the Road: Field Personnel Status and Overtime Rights for Bus Employees in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that bus drivers and conductors are not field personnel, entitling them to overtime and service incentive leave pay.
Equitable Title Prevails: Understanding Ownership Through Deeds of Sale and Possession
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that equitable title, not just a deed, determines ownership in quieting of title cases.
Valid Notice in Corporate Meetings: Mailing vs Receipt in the Philippines
Learn when termination notices are valid in the Philippines—mailing vs receipt, and the 30-day rule under the Labor Code.
Demolition and Due Process: Balancing Property Rights and Public Projects in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when demolitions may proceed without a court order under RA 7279, using the BCDA JUSMAG case.
Dual Citizens Barred From Local Office: Void Candidacy and Next-Placer Rule
Dual citizens who fail to renounce foreign citizenship are disqualified from local office. Their votes are void, and the next eligible candidate wins.
Passenger Duty of Diligence in Verifying Flight Details: Manay v. Cebu Air
The Supreme Court ruled that passengers must exercise ordinary diligence in checking flight details on tickets, even as airlines owe extraordinary diligence.
Seafarers Death After Repatriation Ensuring Compensation FOR Work Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on death benefits for seafarers who die shortly after repatriation from work-related illnesses.