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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Employee Rights to Overtime, Holiday, and Service Incentive Leave Pay in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers are "field personnel" and their rights to overtime, holiday, and service incentive leave pay.
Submitting Altered Evidence in Court: A Lawyer's Duty to Verify Documents
A lawyer who pre-marks altered evidence without verifying it faces discipline. The Supreme Court explains the duty of candor.
When a Bank Fails: Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Banks Under Liquidation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on which court hears claims against a bank placed under PDIC liquidation, voiding orders from a court without jurisdiction.
Notarial Responsibilities and Lawyer Ethics: Lessons from Rivera v. Dalangin
A lawyer's duty to refuse notarizing unlawful documents and uphold honesty, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Bail and Recognizance Rules: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies bail, recognizance, and prisoner release during emergencies—key insights for criminal law.
Property Title Disputes and Notarial Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Administrative Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies notarial duties in property transactions, showing why proper identity verification matters in land disputes.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in Philippine Law: Insights from a Landmark Ruling
A look at the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases and how the Supreme Court applied it in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
Understanding Tax Compromise Agreements: Validity and Implications for Taxpayers
The Supreme Court affirms the validity of tax compromise agreements under the NIRC, protecting good-faith settlements with the BIR.
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.
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.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When a Judge's Delay Draws Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court fined a judge for undue delay in rendering a decision, clarifying when judicial delay becomes administratively actionable.
Illegal Dismissal and Union Busting: What SPC Power v. Santos Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal becomes illegal, focusing on union busting and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
Notarial Negligence and Property Rights: Lessons from De Guzman v. Venzon
A notary's failure to verify identity can cost you your land. Learn the rules and penalties from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantive Justice in Criminal Appeals
The Supreme Court recalls an entry of judgment and reinstates a drug conviction appeal, showing when procedural lapses yield to substantive justice.
Upholding Public Trust Disciplinary Actions for Tardiness and Undertime in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court reminds court employees that tardiness and undertime violate the constitutional canon that public office is a public trust.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Consent and Vulnerability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how consent does not negate trafficking when victims are vulnerable minors recruited for sexual exploitation.
Maritime Liability in Vessel Collisions: Fault, Insurance Claims, and the Code of Commerce
When vessels collide, determining liability depends on the cause of action—contract or tort. The Supreme Court clarifies the governing rules.
Understanding Drug Transportation and Chain of Custody Rules From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a buy-bust case clarifies when lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can lead to acquittal.
Illegal Dismissal and Wage Claims: Lessons from Lusabia v. Super K Drug Corporation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies abandonment of employment, the employer's burden of proof in wage disputes, and remedies for illegally dismissed workers.
Proving Zero-Rated Sales: Key Lessons from Deutsche Knowledge Services VAT Refund Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof needed for VAT refunds on zero-rated sales to foreign clients, citing Deutsche Knowledge Services case.
Navigating Title Reconstitution: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict jurisdictional requirements for reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles under R.A. No. 26.
Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Protecting Minor Victims in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a bar manager for qualified trafficking in persons involving a minor victim.
Understanding Unlawful Detainer When Tolerance Must Be Proven in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when an owner cannot use unlawful detainer to evict occupants without proving clear tolerance or permission.
Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer: Lessons from Collao v. Albania
The Supreme Court clarifies who may sue for unlawful detainer and why procedural technicalities should not delay eviction cases.