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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Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: A Guide from a 2019 Supreme Court Ruling
When direct evidence is absent, circumstantial evidence can convict in rape with homicide. Learn the rules from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Illegal Dismissal of OFWs: Full Contract Pay Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reaffirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to their full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap.
Psychological Incapacity Proving Marital Nullity Beyond Personality Traits
Supreme Court clarifies that personality flaws alone do not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36; evidence must show grave, incurable, rooted disorder.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Dismissal of Managerial Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing managerial employees, and what happens when due process is not observed.
Distinguishing Theft From Robbery The Element of Violence in Property Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when snatching a necklace is theft, not robbery, and explains the key role of violence or intimidation.
When Snatching Is Theft, Not Robbery: Proving Conspiracy and the Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court clarifies when snatching amounts to theft rather than robbery, and how conspiracy is proven in Philippine criminal law.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing Section 21 witnesses. Learn the rules.
Onerous Donations: When Failure to Fulfill Conditions Leads to Revocation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to fulfill onerous donation conditions justifies revocation, and the prescriptive period for such actions.
Workplace Violence and Serious Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Valid Dismissal
When does an employee's single infraction justify termination? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of serious misconduct as a just cause for dismissal.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Officers Are Solidarily Liable
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally and solidarily liable with the corporation, and when they cannot.
Robbery with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secures a Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Mancao on robbery with homicide, circumstantial evidence, and the presumption of guilt from possession of stolen property.
Upholding Land Rights: Possession as a Shield Against Prescription in Reconveyance Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how actual possession of disputed land can defeat the defense of prescription in reconveyance actions.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Demotion and Diminished Responsibilities Amount to Illegal Dismissal
When a reorganization demotes an employee in rank, duties, and salary, it can amount to constructive dismissal. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Strict Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Handling Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke the chain of custody. Learn the four links and why strict compliance matters.
Emergency vs Employment: Gauging Just Cause for Dismissal in the Philippines
When can an employee be validly dismissed? The Supreme Court explains the elements of just cause and why a single emergency absence was not enough.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Drug Cases Hinges on Strict Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of innocence prevails.
Sheriff Dismissed for Soliciting Sexual Favors in Exchange for Duty Performance
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff who solicited sexual favors to implement a writ, underscoring ethical standards for court personnel.
Disbarment for Misleading the Court: Candor as a Lawyer's Highest Duty
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for misleading the court and breaching candor, reaffirming that honesty is the foundation of legal practice.
When Laws Change Mid-Case: Mootness Doctrine and Insurance Capital Rules
How the Supreme Court applied the mootness doctrine when a new law superseded the challenged insurance capitalization orders.
Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction of Uncle Despite Defense Claims of Inconsistent Testimony
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, relying on the victim's credible testimony and medical evidence over the defense's claims of inconsistency.
Chain of Custody Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police failed to mark, inventory, and photograph seized marijuana, breaking the chain of custody.
Coddler or Co-Conspirator: The Fine Line of Liability in Drug Manufacturing Conspiracies
Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer becomes a co-conspirator, not just a coddler, in drug manufacturing under RA 9165.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Third-Doctor Rule Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when the mandatory third-doctor referral rule in seafarer disability claims does not apply, protecting seafarers' rights.
Conspiracy and Intent in Robbery with Homicide: Liability and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, intent to rob, and due process in robbery with homicide convictions.