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.
Tax Treaty Benefits vs. BIR Rules: The Deutsche Bank Ruling on Prior Application
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to comply with the BIR's prior application rule does not automatically bar tax treaty relief.
Private Prosecutors in Perjury Cases: Upholding the Offended Party's Rights
Explaining when a private prosecutor may intervene in perjury cases, citing the Supreme Court's ruling in Lee Pue Liong v. Chua Pue Chin Lee.
Regulated vs. Prohibited Goods: The Limits of Agency Discretion in Customs Seizures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when customs authorities may hold seized goods and the distinction between regulated and prohibited imports.
Business Closure vs Retrenchment: Protecting Workers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between business closure and retrenchment under Philippine labor law, and when separation pay is required.
Shared Responsibility: Apportioning Liability Between Carriers and Arrastre Operators for Cargo Damage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when carriers and arrastre operators share liability for damaged cargo, and the rules on subrogation and prescription.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
Mistake vs Misconduct in Employee Dismissal: Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
When is an employee's honest mistake a valid ground for dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between error and misconduct.
Airline Breach of Contract of Carriage: Nominal Damages for Flight Disruptions
When do flight disruptions give rise to nominal damages? The Supreme Court clarifies airline and travel agent liability for breach of contract of carriage.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 suffices when the drug's integrity and evidentiary value are preserved.
Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Protection When Personal Use Justifies Eviction
Explore how Philippine courts balance a landlord's need to repossess property for personal use against a tenant's rights under urban land reform laws.
Upholding the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, emphasizing the need for unbroken evidence integrity.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The Necessity of an Unbroken Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, underscoring the strict evidentiary standard.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Shortage Claims: When Arrastre Operators Escape Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on cargo shortage claims, the burden of proof, and when arrastre operators may avoid liability.
Challenging Residency Claims: The Supreme Court on Election Eligibility
A candidate's one-year residency requirement for local office demands clear proof of domicile, not just property ownership or voter registration.
Protecting Seafarers: Upholding Disability Claims Despite Company Doctor's Assessment
Supreme Court rules seafarers can dispute company-designated physician's fitness assessment with independent medical evidence, protecting their disability claims.
Dying Declarations and Eyewitness Testimony Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how eyewitness testimony and dying declarations establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases.
Hotel Liability After Huang v. Philippine Hoteliers: When a Guest’s Own Negligence Bars Damages
A guest’s own negligence can defeat a hotel injury claim. Learn the quasi-delict rules from Huang v. Philippine Hoteliers, Inc.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from People v. Robelo
The Supreme Court upholds a drug conviction, clarifying buy-bust legality, conspiracy, and the limits of belated chain-of-custody objections.
Fresh Period Rule Expanded to Criminal Appeals: Equal Rights for Accused
The Supreme Court extends the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get the same 15-day window as civil litigants.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Rodriguez v. People Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, giving accused persons 15 days from denial of reconsideration to appeal.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Key Lessons
A Supreme Court ruling explains why strict compliance with chain of custody rules matters—and when minor lapses won't defeat a drug conviction.
Treachery Defined When A Defenseless Victim Becomes THE Target IN Murder Cases
When a victim is down and defenseless, the attack is treacherous. This case explains how Philippine courts define treachery in murder.
Failure to Prove Actual Possession Dooms Unlawful Detainer Claim
In unlawful detainer cases, the plaintiff must prove actual possession by preponderance of evidence. The Supreme Court explains why.
CBA Loan Benefits vs Bank Policy: When Management Rules Violate the Agreement
SC rules on when a bank's "no negative data bank" policy for employee loans violates the existing CBA. Learn the limits of management prerogative.