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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Seafarer Disability Claim Denied: When a Gym Injury Is Not Work-Related
Supreme Court denies seafarer's disability claim for a gym injury, explaining why work-relatedness is essential under POEA rules.
Faulty Identification When Police Suggestion Undermines Justice In Carnapping Cases
Supreme Court overturns carnapping convictions where police show-up was tainted by improper suggestion, applying the totality of circumstances test.
Piece-Rate Workers Are Regular Employees Entitled to Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that piece-rate payment does not negate regular employment, and abandonment requires proof of intent.
Dropping from the Rolls for AWOL: A Court Employee's Duty of Accountability
The Supreme Court explains when a government employee may be dropped from the rolls for absence without official leave (AWOL) under the 2017 RACCS.
Safeguarding Rights Chain OF Custody AND Drug Case Acquittals IN THE Philippines
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to follow Section 21's witness requirements during inventory.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Zonal Value Is Not the Sole Basis
The Supreme Court affirms that BIR zonal value is only one factor in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Lodging Liability When Hotel Owners Promote Human Trafficking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hotel owner liability for promoting trafficking under RA 9208, based on circumstantial evidence.
Insurance Rescission: Proving Fraudulent Intent in False Representations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when insurers may rescind policies for false representations versus concealment, requiring clear proof of fraudulent intent.
Insurance Rescission: Proving Fraud in False Representations vs Concealment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when insurers can rescind for concealment versus false representations, and what evidence proves fraud.
When Doubt Prevails in Rape Cases: The Importance of Credible Testimony and Prompt Reporting
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, stressing that doubtful testimony and unexplained delay in reporting can defeat the prosecution's case.
CLOA Cancellation and Indefeasibility of Titles in Agrarian Reform Cases
When can a Certificate of Land Ownership Award be cancelled? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of DAR jurisdiction and the indefeasibility of agrarian titles.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Decides Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 preserves drug evidence integrity and sustains convictions.
Exclusionary Rule and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Primer
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug case for the prosecution's failure to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the chain of custody rule.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: The Right to a Fair Hearing and Protection Against Gross Neglect of Duty
A mayor's dismissal for grave misconduct was reversed by the Supreme Court, which clarified the rule on prior authorization for local contracts.
Ejectment vs. Expropriation: When a Supervening Event Does Not Stop Execution
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pending expropriation case can suspend execution of an ejectment judgment, and when it cannot.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drugs: Safeguarding Rights and Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug case because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, underscoring the strict chain of custody rule.
When an Appropriation Ordinance Is Enough: Mayor's Consultancy Contracts Upheld
Supreme Court clarifies when a line-item in an appropriation ordinance suffices as prior authorization for a mayor's contracts.
Upholding the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, explaining how strict compliance with the chain of custody rule preserves the integrity of seized evidence.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Intent and Deprivation of Liberty Explained
The Supreme Court explains what constitutes kidnapping for ransom, including the intent to extort and how deprivation of liberty is proven.
Distinguishing Robbery From Theft The Necessity of Violence or Intimidation in Taking Personal Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a snatching is theft, not robbery, and what the prosecution must prove.
Rape Penetration Without Hymenal Rupture: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration and hymenal rupture are not required for rape conviction under Philippine law.
Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases Are Immediately Executory
The Supreme Court confirms that Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases are immediately executory, even pending appeal, unless a court issues a TRO or preliminary injunction.
Fixed Term vs Project Employment: Protecting Workers' Security of Tenure
Philippine law on fixed-term and project employment, and how the Supreme Court protects workers' security of tenure against circumvention.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine Resolving Conflicting Land Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction in reversion suits versus annulment of judgment, and what this means for land title disputes.