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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Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Possession Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and clarifies penalties for illegal possession of shabu.
Just Compensation Interest Rates and Payment Delays in Agrarian Reform
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on interest for delayed agrarian reform compensation, including the reckoning date and applicable rates.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Due Process and Contract Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule and monetary awards for illegally dismissed seafarers under Philippine law.
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.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Seizure Cases: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules, reaffirming that procedural lapses can destroy a case.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder, the need for specific allegations in an Information, and proper damages awards.
Regular vs Fixed-Term Employment: Know Your Rights as a Philippine Employee
Understand the difference between regular and fixed-term employment in the Philippines, and learn how courts protect employees from illegal dismissal.
Understanding Redundancy In Employment Legal Grounds And Employer Obligations In The Philippines
Learn the legal grounds for redundancy in the Philippines, employer obligations, and how courts review these dismissals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Administrative Misconduct, Transparency, and Due Process in Philippine Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be liable for simple misconduct, emphasizing transparency, due process, and the importance of sworn evidence in administrative cases.
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.
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.
When Courts Overlook Procedural Lapses: The Cordero Case on Substantial Justice
Philippine courts may relax procedural rules to serve substantial justice. Learn the limits from Spouses Cordero v. Octaviano.
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.
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.
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.
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.