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.
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Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Crucial Role of Proper Procedure in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in Section 21 procedure, underscoring the need for strict compliance in buy-bust operations.
Understanding Disability Benefits for Seafarers: A Guide to Legal Rights and Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarer disability benefits, appeal periods, and the difference between CBA accident claims and POEA-SEC compensation.
Tenant Rights and Succession in Agricultural Leasehold: The Arines-Albalante Case
The Supreme Court clarifies tenant succession rights and security of tenure under agrarian law in Arines-Albalante v. Reyes.
Navigating Permanent Disability Claims: Key Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when seafarers can claim permanent disability benefits under the POEA-SEC, the CBA, and appeal periods.
Understanding the Prohibition on Fringe Benefits for COA Personnel: Insights from a Landmark Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why COA personnel cannot accept fringe benefits from audited agencies, based on Section 18 of RA 6758.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Burden of Proof and Reasonable Linkage
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on seafarer disability claims, burden of proof, and the reasonable linkage test under the POEA-SEC.
Witness Presence in Drug Seizures: The Chain of Custody Rule Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule and witness requirements in drug seizures, and the scope of Section 13, RA 9165.
Understanding the Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining why Section 21 compliance matters in Philippine drug cases.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Seizure Cases: The Crucial Role of Chain of Custody
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to follow Section 21 of RA 9165's chain of custody rules.
Why Insulating Witnesses Matter in Drug Seizure Cases: People v. Balbarez
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, stressing the critical role of insulating witnesses under Section 21.
Why Witness Presence in Drug Seizures Matters: People v. Abueva
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during seizure and inventory. Learn the rules.
Right to Repurchase Homestead Land: Key Supreme Court Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court reaffirms a homesteader's right to repurchase sold land within five years under Section 119 of the Public Land Act.
Understanding Regular Employment: How the Nature of Work Determines Employee Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not merely project-based hires.
Ensuring Chain OF Custody THE KEY TO Successful Drug Related Prosecutions IN THE Philippines
Public Procurement and the Anti-Graft Law: Lessons from Coloma v. People
A police official's conviction for violating Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019 shows how flawed procurement and bad faith lead to graft liability.
Balancing Speedy Trial Rights With the State's Right to Prosecute: Castañeda v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for delayed prosecution violates double jeopardy and the limits of the right to speedy trial.
Navigating Seafarers Rights Understanding Work Related Illnesses AND Disability Compensation IN the Philippine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's pre-existing condition becomes a compensable work-related illness under the POEA-SEC.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Your Rights as an Employee
Learn what constructive dismissal means in Philippine labor law, how "floating status" affects security guards, and your rights as an employee.
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.
Ensuring Integrity: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Drug Offense Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Probable Cause and Estafa Elements: Lessons from a Dismissed Certiorari Petition
A look at when courts may overturn a prosecutor's probable cause finding, and why the elements of estafa must be clearly alleged.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Pre-Existing Condition Does Not Bar Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, work-relatedness, and pre-existing conditions under the POEA-SEC.
Probable Cause in Public Procurement: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies that procurement violations do not automatically establish probable cause for graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Insulating Witnesses Can Lead to Acquittal
A buy-bust conviction was reversed because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory. Learn the chain of custody rule.