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.
Party List Nominee Substitution Rules: Safeguarding Electoral Integrity
The Supreme Court clarifies post-election party-list nominee substitution rules, emphasizing mandatory deadlines and the electorate's right to choose.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How a Broken Link Leads to Acquittal
A broken chain of custody can overturn drug convictions. Learn the strict rules under RA 9165 and what the Cordova ruling means.
Court Sheriff Misconduct Handling Funds and Abuse of Authority: A.M. No. P-23-111
Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for simple and gross misconduct for receiving and misappropriating litigant funds without judicial approval.
When Death Ends a Case: Exhumation Dispute and the Rules on Party Substitution
A family exhumation dispute ends without a merits ruling after the petitioner dies and heirs decline substitution, clarifying Rule 3, Section 16.
Chain of Custody and the Saving Clause in Philippine Drug Cases
When a flawed drug bust still stands: the saving clause under Section 21, RA 9165, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Payment Agreement Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court ruled that a new payment schedule cannot erase criminal liability for trust receipt violations, which are malum prohibitum.
Solidary Liability and Interest Rates in Philippine Partnerships: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability, novation, and unconscionable interest rates in business loans and partnerships.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Terms: Asian Construction vs Mero Structures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when letters between parties create novation, and when an obligation remains unchanged.
Novation in Philippine Estafa Cases: When Settlements Prevent Criminal Liability
Learn when amicable settlements can extinguish criminal liability for estafa under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sorongon v. People.
Seafarer Claims and Agency Transfers: What the Supreme Court Ruled
Learn how agency transfers affect seafarer liability claims, including the original manning agency's continuing responsibility under Philippine law.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and insulating witness rules under RA 9165.
Client’s Death and Counsel’s Duty: The 30-Day Notification Rule Under Section 16, Rule 3
A lawyer must notify the court within 30 days of a client’s death and name the legal representatives—or face disciplinary action.
Transferee Pendente Lite in Trademark Assignments: The Sunfire Trading Case
Learn how the Sunfire Trading ruling clarifies that buying a trademark during litigation binds the buyer to the case's outcome.
Prolonged Preliminary Investigation and Speedy Disposition: What the Supreme Court Said
A dismissed criminal case for failure to prosecute raises the question: when does delay violate the right to speedy disposition of cases?
Notice Requirements for SPV Asset Transfers: Protecting Borrowers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements for SPV asset transfers under RA 9182, balancing borrower protection with valid assignments.
Strict Compliance with Chain of Custody Rules in Drug Cases: People v. Acub
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to strictly comply with Section 21, RA 9165, on chain of custody.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Every Link Matters After People v. Tumangong
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police broke chain of custody rules. Learn the four links and why compliance is critical.
Authority to File Suit: When a Missing SPA Defeats Court Jurisdiction
A complaint filed by an attorney-in-fact without a Special Power of Authority is invalid, depriving the court of jurisdiction over the case.
Just Compensation for Improvements in Expropriation: The Replacement Cost Rule
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must value improvements in expropriation cases, requiring evidence of replacement cost under RA 8974.
When Evidence Is Tainted: Marking Seized Drugs and the Chain of Custody Rule
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to mark seized drugs immediately can break the chain of custody and lead to acquittal.
Insurance Subrogation: Establishing Insurer's Rights Against Third-Party Carriers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when insurers can recover from carriers via subrogation, and when presenting the insurance policy is required.
When Can an Agent Delegate Authority? The Rule on Substitution Under Philippine Law
Philippine law presumes an agent may appoint a substitute unless prohibited. Learn the rules, limits, and risks from a Supreme Court ruling.
Surety’s Liability: The Extent and Limits Under Philippine Law
Understand the scope of a surety’s obligations in the Philippines, including liability limits, defenses, and key legal principles.
Substitution of Parties: Due Process Prevails Despite Procedural Lapses in Estate Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to formally substitute deceased parties is not fatal when heirs actively participate in the case.