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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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.
Family Employment and Public Office: Understanding RA 3019 Violations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when hiring a spouse in a private firm with pending official business violates the Anti-Graft law.
Redundancy and Union Busting Claims: What Aboitiz v. Unions Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court upholds a valid redundancy program and clarifies what evidence is needed to prove union busting as unfair labor practice.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Agrarian Reform Disputes: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction over agrarian reform disputes in Land Bank v. Heirs of Divinagracia, a key Philippine property law case.
Understanding Double Jeopardy Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal of a criminal case does not trigger double jeopardy, using the Anti-Hazing Law case of Castañeda v. People.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal in OFW Rape and Harassment Cases: Insights from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal for OFWs facing sexual harassment and abuse, emphasizing totality of evidence over waivers.
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.
The Best Evidence Rule in Disciplinary Proceedings: Lessons from Basagan v. Espina
A disbarment complaint fails when complainants submit only photocopies. The Supreme Court explains why the Best Evidence Rule applies to lawyer discipline cases.
Protecting Seafarers From Sexual Harassment and the Right to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal of an OFW household worker who faced sexual harassment and maltreatment abroad.
Public Bidding Violations and Accountability: Lessons from the QUEDANCOR Swine Program Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government credit programs fall outside RA 9184's procurement rules, and how administrative liability attaches.
Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions: Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Learn how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony in murder cases, from credibility rules to appellate review standards.
Property Rights in Cohabitation: Actual Contributions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in adulterous cohabitation, only actual joint contributions create co-ownership of property.
The Critical Role of Notarization in Property Transactions: Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A notary public who notarized a deed of sale involving parties who had long been dead was suspended and perpetually disqualified. Here's why notarization matters.
Mandatory SSS Coverage for Filipino Seafarers: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory SSS coverage of Filipino seafarers under RA 11199, ruling it constitutional and valid.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow the chain of custody rule. Learn the requirements.
Immediate Inventory and Witness Presence: The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to conduct immediate inventory with required witnesses present.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Estoppel and the OIC's Power to Issue Formal Charges
When can an employee challenge a defective formal charge? The Supreme Court explains estoppel, due process, and OIC authority in administrative cases.
When Does Government Bidding Apply to Credit Programs? A Procurement Law Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies that government procurement rules do not apply to credit programs where the agency merely facilitates loans, not purchases.
Foreign Bank Foreclosures in the Philippines: Lessons from Parcon-Song v. Parcon
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when foreign banks may foreclose on Philippine property and why the timing of the foreclosure matters.
Understanding Workplace Sexual Harassment Insights From A Landmark Philippine Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of workplace sexual harassment under RA 7877, emphasizing abuse of power by superiors over subordinates.
Mortgage Validity and Damage Claims: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on mortgage validity despite notarization flaws and when damages are improperly awarded.
Extrajudicial Ejectment in Philippine Leases: What the CJH v. Aniceto Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrajudicial ejectment clauses in lease agreements are valid and enforceable in the Philippines.
Medical Concealment and Seafarer Disability Claims: Lessons from Clemente v. Status Maritime
The Supreme Court denies disability benefits to a seafarer who concealed a pre-existing shoulder condition, clarifying the rules on medical disclosure and PEME.
Due Process and Conjugal Property Rights in Philippine Legal Disputes
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on due process, conjugal property, and annulment of judgment in Spouses Hofer v. Yu.