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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Upholding Academic Freedom: The Limits of State Power in Legal Education
The Supreme Court strikes down the PhiLSAT requirement, affirming academic freedom and the Court's exclusive power over legal education.
PhilHealth Personnel Are Public Health Workers: Longevity Pay Case
Supreme Court rules PhilHealth personnel are public health workers under the Universal Health Care Act, entitling them to longevity pay.
Legislative Reapportionment: When New Districts Take Effect and Voters' Rights Prevail
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's suspension of South Cotabato's 1st District elections, clarifying when legislative reapportionment takes effect.
Involuntary Loss of Office Interrupts Term Limit: Tallado v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules that executing an Ombudsman dismissal order interrupts an official's term, even if appealed, preventing the three-term limit from applying.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects after police fail to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects due to the prosecution's failure to comply with the chain of custody rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Flaws in Drug Evidence Chain of Custody and Rights in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects when police fail to strictly follow Section 21 chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: Third-Party Claims in Philippine Mortgage Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writ of possession in mortgage foreclosures, explaining when third-party adverse claims can block eviction.
Diminished Liability When Forewarning Reduces Murder TO Homicide
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a victim forewarned of danger negates treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Definitive Disability Assessments: Protecting Seafarers' Right to Full Compensation
The Supreme Court ruled that a company doctor's tentative or unclear disability rating does not bar a seafarer from claiming permanent total disability benefits.
Prior Public Use and the Power of Expropriation: The NGCP Case
When can a private franchise holder expropriate property already devoted to public use? The Supreme Court clarifies in this 2019 ruling.
Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer: Proving Consent for Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere silence or inaction is not tolerance; owners must prove positive acts of consent in unlawful detainer cases.
Unlawful Arrests and Drug Possession: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over a broken chain of custody, underscoring constitutional safeguards in buy-bust operations.
Flaws in Drug Evidence Handling Lead to Acquittal: Strict Chain of Custody Vital
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody and illegal arrest, stressing strict Section 21 compliance.
Eminent Domain and Private Property: Clarifying Expropriation Powers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when state-owned land is private property subject to expropriation, and the limits of delegated eminent domain.
Superior Strength in Criminal Law: Weapon Disparity and Victim Vulnerability
When does killing with a gun become murder? Philippine Supreme Court clarifies treachery, weapon disparity, and victim vulnerability.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached the chain of custody rule, underscoring the need for strict evidence handling.
Incestuous Rape: When Moral Ascendancy Substitutes for Force
The Supreme Court explains how a father's moral ascendancy can substitute for force in incestuous rape cases, and clarifies the distinction between rape by sexual intercourse and sexual assault.
Wealth Cannot Be a Test for Candidacy: The Marquez v. COMELEC Ruling
The Supreme Court rules that lack of proof of financial capacity alone cannot justify declaring a senatorial aspirant a nuisance candidate.
Death Does Not Erase Misconduct: Forfeiture of Judge's Benefits Affirmed
Supreme Court rules a judge's death does not dismiss administrative cases; forfeiture of benefits stands for grave misconduct.
Wealth vs Right: Financial Capacity Cannot Bar Senate Candidacy
Supreme Court rules COMELEC cannot disqualify Senate aspirants as nuisance candidates solely for lacking proof of financial capacity to campaign nationwide.
Falcis v. Civil Registrar General: Why the Supreme Court Declined to Rule on Same-Sex Marriage
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition seeking to legalize same-sex marriage in the Philippines, ruling on procedural grounds without deciding the constitutional merits.
Defining Marriage: The Falcis Case and LGBTQ+ Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's 2019 Falcis ruling on same-sex marriage in the Philippines, explained in plain language with practical takeaways.
Disbarment for Immorality Upholding Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court underscores that lawyers must uphold the highest ethical standards, with immorality as a ground for disbarment.