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.
Speedy Trial Rights When Prolonged Detention Justifies A Writ Of Habeas Corpus IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when prolonged detention violates speedy trial rights and justifies a writ of habeas corpus.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Nelson Sia, Jr.
Understand treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Nelson Sia, Jr.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: Evidence From Illegal Arrests Inadmissible
Supreme Court acquits accused after ruling that evidence seized from invalid warrantless arrests is inadmissible under the exclusionary rule.
GSIS Loan Penalties: When Are They Unconscionable?
The Supreme Court ruled that compounded GSIS loan penalties can be unconscionable and subject to reduction. Learn the rules.
Libel Conviction Upheld for Posting Carnapping Complaint on Bulletin Board
SC upholds libel conviction for posting a carnapping complaint on a jeepney terminal bulletin board, ruling publication and malice were proven.
Libel in the Philippines: When Posting a Complaint Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of libel, including publication and malice, in a case involving posted criminal complaints.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence From Seizure to Trial
The Supreme Court explains when minor deviations in the chain of custody rule for seized drugs are excused, using a 2022 cocaine case.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Evidence and Upholding Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court explains when minor deviations from Section 21's chain of custody rule are justified in buy-bust operations.
Adultery and Administrative Liability: When a Court Employee's Private Misconduct Becomes a Career Issue
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a married court employee's illicit affair constitutes gross immorality and administrative liability.
Finality of Labor Judgments: DMCI vs Bernadas on Land Registration and Execution
Supreme Court affirms that final labor judgments are immutable and registrable, and that appeals must be filed on time.
Co-Ownership vs. Partition: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
A co-owner may sell only his undivided share; buyers become co-owners, and the proper remedy is partition, not annulment.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Resolving Territorial Conflicts Between LGUs
The Supreme Court settles the Makati-Taguig territorial dispute, explaining how boundary conflicts between local governments are resolved.
Rehabilitation Courts and Tax Disputes: The Power to Resolve Claims Tied to the Rehabilitation Plan
The Supreme Court clarifies when a rehabilitation court may resolve claims involving local tax disputes, distinguishing incidental claims from those requiring separate actions.
Reasonable Doubt and Acquittal: Inconsistent Testimonies in Philippine Homicide Cases
How inconsistent prosecution testimonies can create reasonable doubt and lead to acquittal in Philippine homicide cases, as shown in Balina v. People.
Understanding Disbarment in the Philippines: Identity Fraud and Professional Misconduct Consequences
A look at how the Supreme Court handles disbarment cases involving identity fraud and grave misconduct by lawyers in the Philippines.
State Immunity and Construction Disputes: PTRI v. E.A. Ramirez Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when state agencies can be sued and why construction disputes must go to the CIAC.
Chain of Custody Breakdown When Drug Evidence Fails the Test
When police skip required witnesses in drug busts, the evidence fails—and the accused walks free. A look at People v. Balderrama.
Land Title Registration: Proving Government Approval and Continuous Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable, plus continuous possession for registration.
Co-Ownership Disputes: How Inheritance and Sales Affect Land Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when administrative orders on land disputes become final and how co-ownership, inheritance, and sales affect property rights.
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.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery and evident premeditation in murder cases, affirming a conviction based on a sudden, unexpected attack.
Res Judicata and Litis Pendentia: Ending Endless Property Litigation in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court applied res judicata and litis pendentia to bar a second property case, preventing endless litigation over the same land.
When Signing Without Reading Backfires: The Diampoc v. Buenaventura Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that signing a deed without reading it binds the signer, even if notarization was defective.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: What the Zamora Case Teaches Litigants
Learn how the Supreme Court defines and penalizes forum shopping, and what the Zamora ruling means for litigants filing multiple cases.