法律洞察

Res Ipsa Loquitur in Bus Accidents: When Negligence Is Implied Under Philippine Law

The Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur in a bus-motorcycle collision, explaining when negligence is presumed and employers are liable.

When Counsel's Negligence Costs the Appeal: Lessons from Dimaandal v. Ilagan

A client is bound by counsel's mistakes unless gross negligence deprives them of due process. The Supreme Court explains the rule.

Seafarers' Death Claims: Proving Work-Related Illness and Causation

SC clarifies what heirs must prove to claim death benefits for seafarers who die of illness after repatriation.

Treaty Obligations vs Domestic Law: Enforceability of UN Human Rights Committee Views in Philippine Courts

The Supreme Court rules that UN Human Rights Committee views are recommendatory, not enforceable through mandamus in Philippine courts.

Tax Evasion and Prescription: The Statute of Limitations in Philippine Tax Law

The Supreme Court clarifies when the three-year prescriptive period for tax assessment applies, and why fraud must be proven to trigger the ten-year rule.

Just Compensation When Government Takes Property Before Filing Expropriation

When government takes property years before filing expropriation, just compensation is valued at the time of taking, not at filing.

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.

Construction Contracts Default Rules and Unjust Enrichment in Equipment Leases

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies default rules on minimum contract amounts, quantum meruit, and unjust enrichment in construction equipment lease disputes.

Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Procedure

The Supreme Court clarifies that minor lapses in drug evidence procedure do not automatically acquit an accused if the evidence's integrity remains intact.

PDAF Scam: Hearsay Evidence and Probable Cause in Plunder Cases

The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's probable cause findings in the PDAF scam cases, clarifying that hearsay evidence can establish probable cause.

Breach of Trust Dismissal for Court Clerk's Dishonesty and Neglect of Duty

The Supreme Court dismissed a Shari'a District Court clerk of court for dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and grave misconduct over unremitted judiciary funds.

Local Autonomy vs Centralized Control: Who Appoints Metro Cebu Water District Directors

Supreme Court ruling on whether the Cebu City Mayor or the Provincial Governor appoints MCWD board members under P.D. 198.

Breach OF Trust Dismissal FOR Mismanagement OF Court Funds

Local Autonomy vs Centralized Power: Who Decides on Water Governance

Supreme Court ruling on who appoints water district boards when cities fail the 75% threshold, balancing local autonomy against centralized control.

Invalid Execution Sales: The Imperative of Proper Levy on Properties in the Philippines

A lawful levy is a prerequisite to a valid execution sale. Learn the rules from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.

Upholding Government Discretion in Public Bidding: The Mactan Cebu Airport Case

The Supreme Court affirms that courts cannot override the government's discretion in public bidding, absent grave abuse of discretion.

Accountability Under the Law: Determining Guilt in Kidnapping for Ransom With Homicide

How Philippine courts convict accused persons of kidnapping for ransom with homicide, explained through a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.

Illegal Dismissal and Corporate Liability: The People's Security, Inc. Case

Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules, abandonment defense, and when corporate officers may be held personally liable.

The Limits of Appellate Courts Introducing New Evidence on Appeal in Philippine Law

Philippine appellate courts generally cannot receive new evidence on appeal; review is limited to the trial record. This article explains the rule.

Accountability Under Conspiracy When Kidnapping Results in Death: All Involved Face the Homicide Charge

When kidnappers act together and the victim dies, conspiracy makes every participant equally liable for the special complex crime.

Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Substantial Compliance Is Enough for Conviction

The Supreme Court explains when substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules still supports a drug conviction.

Summary Judgment vs Trial: Protecting Rights in Contract Disputes

How the Supreme Court protects judgment debtors from irregular execution sales in contract disputes, and what it means for your rights.

Baguio Land Titles Validation Denied for Expanded Areas Despite Prior Resurvey Approval

Supreme Court rules resurvey approval doesn't validate expanded Baguio land titles under PD 1271, requiring strict compliance.

Masked Intent Identifying Perpetrators In Robbery With Homicide Cases

How Philippine courts convict masked robbers through familiarity with build, voice, and mannerism, not just facial identification.