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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Management Prerogative vs Diminution of Benefits: The Coca-Cola Saturday Work Dispute
When can a company stop Saturday work without violating the non-diminution rule? The Supreme Court clarifies in this Coca-Cola case.
Chain of Custody Rule: Why Missing Media Witness Led to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted drug suspects due to unjustified non-compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
When Police Lapses in Drug Seizures Lead to Acquittal: The Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules. Learn the requirements.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Protects Individual Rights
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for unjustified failure to secure a media witness during inventory, reaffirming strict chain of custody rules.
Quitclaims and Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Employee Rights and Waivers in the Philippines
When is a quitclaim valid? The Supreme Court explains the rules on waivers and illegal dismissal in Vergara v. CDM Security Agency.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How One Missing Witness Led to Acquittal
In People v. Dela Cruz, the Supreme Court acquitted two drug accused because the prosecution failed to justify the absence of a media witness during inventory.
VAT Exemption for Agricultural Cooperatives: Protecting Farmers' Collective Interests
The Supreme Court affirms VAT exemption for agricultural cooperatives, protecting farmers' collective interests in sugar production and sales.
Upholding Arbitration Philippine Courts Enforce Foreign Awards Despite Domestic LAW Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms enforcement of a Singapore arbitral award, clarifying narrow grounds for refusal under the New York Convention.
Speedy Disposition vs Double Jeopardy: Balancing Rights in Preliminary Investigations
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in preliminary investigation violates speedy disposition rights and triggers double jeopardy protection.
Treasury Warrants, Election Ban, and Double Jeopardy: Key Lessons from People v. Ting
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing treasury warrants violates the election ban and why acquittals stand under double jeopardy.
Treachery's Shadow: Redefining Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder instead of homicide? The Supreme Court clarifies the role of treachery in bail hearings and criminal liability.
Election Offenses and Double Jeopardy: The Limits of Prosecutorial Power in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal in an election offense case is final, and why the prosecution cannot appeal it without violating double jeopardy.
Territorial Boundaries vs. Resource Sharing: Defining LGUs' Share of National Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may claim a share of national wealth, using the Palawan-Camago-Malampaya dispute as the benchmark case.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Lawyers Must Avoid Harassment and Respect Colleagues: A.C. No. 7088
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for harassing opposing counsel and ignoring court orders. Learn the ethical rules.
Quantum Meruit Claims Against the Government: Payment for Services Without a Written Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government on quantum meruit even without a written contract.
Deposition Notice Timeliness and Waiver in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on deposition notice requirements, waiver of defects, and the distinction between admissibility and weight of evidence.
Due Process and the Chain of Custody Rule: Protecting the Accused in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to comply with the three-witness rule under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Lingnam Restaurant Case: Labor-Only Contracting Makes Principal the Employer
Supreme Court clarifies when a manpower agency is a labor-only contractor, making the client the true employer liable for illegal dismissal.
Chain of Custody Breaches in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached Section 21's chain of custody rules. Learn the required safeguards.
Regular Seasonal vs Regular Employment: What the Supreme Court Says About Worker Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when "regular seasonal" workers become regular employees, protecting their rights under Philippine labor law.
Ombudsmans Discretion Respecting Independence IN Graft Case Findings
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's wide discretion in graft preliminary investigations, respecting prosecutorial independence absent grave abuse.
Unregistered Sale vs Registered Levy: Who Wins Under Philippine Property Law
A buyer who fails to register a sale may still defeat a later levy on execution if ownership had already passed, explains a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Private Land vs Public Grant: Upholding Possessory Rights Over Defective Free Patents
When a free patent covers private land, the title is void. The Supreme Court explains why possession prevails.