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.
Execution Pending Appeal in Ejectment Cases: Immediate Judgment Enforcement in the Philippines
Learn how execution pending appeal works in Philippine ejectment cases, including the mandatory rule and key Supreme Court rulings.
Judicial Integrity and Procedural Rules in Marriage Annulment Cases: A Cautionary Tale
When a judge ignores procedural rules in annulment cases, the consequences are severe. Learn from a Supreme Court decision on judicial accountability.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, applying the Cagang guidelines.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and insulating witness rules under RA 9165.
Understanding Abuse of Rights When Legal Actions Cross Ethical Boundaries
When does the right to speedy disposition become a shield against inordinate delay? The Supreme Court clarifies in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Correcting Birth Certificate Errors: Why Impleading Indispensable Parties Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why correcting birth certificate errors requires impleading all affected parties under Rule 108.
Civil Registry Corrections: Why Impleading All Interested Parties Matters
The Supreme Court explains why correcting a birth record requires impleading all affected parties, not just publication.
Late Judicial Affidavits in Philippine Courts: When Late Submission Is Allowed
Learn when Philippine courts may allow late judicial affidavit submission under the Judicial Affidavit Rule, citing Say v. Dizon.
Navigating Public Convenience and Local Traffic Regulations: A Landmark Ruling on Jeepney Routes
The Supreme Court clarifies that certificates of public convenience do not override local traffic regulations, affirming local governments' power.
The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Insulating Witnesses Matter
A look at People v. Flores, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused due to a broken chain of custody under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Bad Faith Dismissals: PBAC Members Liable for Irregular Government Procurement
A provincial legal officer's dismissal for grave misconduct shows how PBAC members face liability for bad faith in government procurement.
Proving Inheritance The Burden OF Evidence IN Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a certificate of title existed before reconstitution is granted.
Tax-Free Share Swaps in the Philippines: The Co Ruling and CGT Exemptions
The Supreme Court's Co ruling clarifies when share swaps are tax-free under (C)(2) of the NIRC, saving businesses millions.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogatives in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action for illegal dismissal accrues, and the limits of management prerogative in terminating overseas employment contracts.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Ramos
A buy-bust conviction reversed for broken chain of custody. Learn the Section 21 rules and practical compliance tips.
Due Process vs Economic Realities: Navigating Termination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action accrues and what valid termination requires under POEA-SEC.
Vicarious Liability and Common Carrier Duties: The Mendoza Case Explained
Learn how the Mendoza ruling clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the obligations of common carriers in the Philippines.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Serious Misconduct: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn when an employee's public statements can be valid grounds for dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.
Direct Assault vs. Resistance to Authority: The Mallari Case Explained
The Supreme Court in Mallari v. People clarifies when force against a police officer is direct assault or merely resistance to authority.
Directors' Liability for SSS Contributions: When Courts May Deny Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on directors' liability for unpaid SSS contributions and the trial court's discretion in criminal cases.