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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Nepotism in Government: Designation of Relatives Is a Prohibited Appointment
The Supreme Court ruled that designating a relative to government duties—even unpaid or off-plantilla—violates the ban on nepotism.
Dismissal for Neglect: Court Stenographers Must Submit Transcripts on Time
A stenographer who repeatedly fails to submit transcripts on time may be dismissed for gross neglect of duty, the Supreme Court ruled.
Retroactive GCTA: Supreme Court Upholds Inmates' Right to Good Conduct Time Allowance
The Supreme Court struck down the IRR's prospective application of R.A. 10592, affirming inmates' right to retroactive good conduct time allowance credits.
Employer Liability and Proving Negligence in Employee Conduct: The Ondevilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability rules, constructive dismissal, and retirement age in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Compromised Evidence Safeguarding Rights In Drug Cases Through Strict Chain OF Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break the chain of custody, underscoring why strict evidence handling protects the innocent.
Seafarers Disability Claim Strict Compliance With Reporting Requirements
A seafarer's disability claim fails when he skips the mandatory post-employment exam within three working days from repatriation.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Ensuring Due Diligence in Small Claims Cases
A Supreme Court ruling holds court personnel and judges accountable for lapses in serving notices of hearing in small claims cases.
Notice Requirements for SPV Asset Transfers: Protecting Borrowers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements for SPV asset transfers under RA 9182, balancing borrower protection with valid assignments.
UP Tax Exemption: Balancing Public Benefit and Local Revenue
Supreme Court rules UP exempt from real property tax on land leased to Ayala Land under RA 9500, balancing public benefit and local revenue.
When SEC Authority Prevails: Jurisdiction and Real Party in Interest in Corporate Debt Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction and real party in interest rules in corporate debt disputes under SEC authority.
Qualified Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Child Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's clear testimony outweighs a father's denial and alibi.
Safeguarding Rights: Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Procedures in Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict, stressing that police must strictly follow Section 21 of RA 9165 and prove justifiable grounds for any lapse.
Just Compensation Beyond Zonal Value: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies that BIR zonal valuation is not the sole basis for just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting property owners' rights.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Reporting Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing the mandatory three-day reporting requirement under the POEA-SEC.
Speedy Disposition Right Is Not a Shield for Delaying Justice: People v. Diaz
The Supreme Court clarifies that the right to speedy disposition is not violated by mere delay, especially when the prosecution explains the reasons.
Finality of Judgment and Why Attempts to Circumvent Liquidation Proceedings Fail
The Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments cannot be attacked through procedural technicalities, ensuring that liquidation proceedings move forward.
Seafarers' Rights: When Late Disability Assessments Mean Total Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a company doctor's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment entitles seafarers to total disability benefits.
Just Compensation: Fair Market Value, Not Zonal Valuation, in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is based on fair market value, not BIR zonal valuation alone.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case for Lack of Direct Evidence
Supreme Court acquits father of rape charges, ruling that hearsay and circumstantial evidence cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Treachery Unproven: Conviction Reduced from Murder to Homicide for Lack of Clear Evidence
Supreme Court reduces murder conviction to homicide when treachery is not proven by clear and convincing evidence, explaining the required standard.
Chain of Custody Imperative Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to secure required witnesses during inventory, underscoring the chain of custody rule.
Abuse of Rights in Contractual Dealings: Upholding Freedom to Contract and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate rehabilitation, contractual penalties, and the limits of judicial interference in contracts.
Upholding Company No-Gift Policies: Employee Dismissal and Management Prerogative
Supreme Court upholds dismissal of employee who accepted gifts in violation of company's no-gift policy, affirming management prerogative.
Road Lots and HLURB Jurisdiction: What Subdivision Owners Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision road lots, public access rights, and the need to exhaust administrative remedies.