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.
Unlawful Detainer: Tenant Rights and Obligations in the Philippines
A tenant cannot deny the landlord's title, and procedural rules in ejectment cases must be strictly followed.
Proving Adultery in the Philippines: The Valencia Case and the Burden of Proof
Understand the high standard of proof for adultery in the Philippines through the Valencia case, including evidence rules and practical implications.
Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Learn why authenticated arbitration agreements are jurisdictional requirements for enforcing foreign arbitral awards in Philippine courts, as ruled in Manis Shipping.
Supreme Court Clarifies Good Faith Defense in PDAF NGO Contract Irregularities
SC ruling clarifies when failure to conduct public bidding in PDAF-funded NGO projects constitutes grave misconduct versus simple misconduct.
Navigating Appeals in Estate Proceedings: The Necessity of a Record on Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appeals in special proceedings require both a notice of appeal and record on appeal within 30 days.
Serious Misconduct and Illegal Dismissal: When a Petty Quarrel Isn't Grounds for Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when a workplace fight constitutes serious misconduct justifying dismissal, and when it amounts to illegal termination.
Illegal Dismissal and Substantial Evidence: The Padsing v. Lepanto Case
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Padsing v. Lepanto underscores that employers must prove just cause for dismissal with substantial evidence.
Navigating Labor Disputes: The Importance of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Employment Law
A look at Luces v. Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils., Inc., where the Supreme Court clarified labor-only contracting rules and the need for procedural compliance.
Proper Search Procedures in Drug Possession Cases: Insights from Quilet v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict due to irregular strip search, flawed marking, and missing witnesses under RA 9165.
Correcting Birth Certificate Errors: Why Impleading Indispensable Parties Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why correcting birth certificate errors requires impleading all affected parties under Rule 108.
Late Judicial Affidavits in Philippine Courts: When Late Submission Is Allowed
Learn when Philippine courts may allow late judicial affidavit submission under the Judicial Affidavit Rule, citing Say v. Dizon.
Timely Filing of Motions: Why Service on Counsel Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that notice to counsel, not the party, determines the timeliness of motions in Philippine litigation.
When Procedural Lapses Yield to Substantial Justice: The Latogan Doctrine
The Supreme Court in Latogan v. People relaxed procedural rules to prevent a grave injustice, protecting a defendant's right to appeal a murder conviction.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case due to the police's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165, emphasizing the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.
Unlawful Detainer The Jurisdictional Tightrope of Ejectment Cases in the Philippines
Understand the jurisdictional rules in unlawful detainer cases and why getting the wrong court can cost you your 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.
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.
Chain of Custody Breaches Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: People v. Lim Ching
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules under Section 21, RA 9165, safeguarding the accused's right to proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Client Bound by Counsel's Negligence? SC Relaxes Rules in Pontillas Construction Dispute
Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules serve justice, not hinder it, in a case involving counsel's lapses.
Dismissal With Just Cause Still Requires Procedural Due Process: Ortiz v. DHL
A valid dismissal needs both substantive and procedural due process. Learn the twin notice and hearing rules from Ortiz v. DHL.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Procedural Compliance in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for qualified rape, underscoring the weight of credible victim testimony and the importance of procedural compliance.
Pre-Trial Attendance Is Key: Consequences of Absenteeism in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require strict compliance with pre-trial rules. Learn the consequences of absence and the rules on reconstitution of titles.
Public Space vs Private Gain: When Loan Agreements Undermine Public Land Rights
Supreme Court rules loans secured by public plaza are void; public dominion property cannot be collateralized for commercial ventures.