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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When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Cases: The Chain of Custody Rule
Explaining the Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Cordova and Eguiso for police failure to follow the chain of custody rule under Section 21, RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials
The Supreme Court acquits drug offenders where police breached chain of custody rules, underscoring the need to preserve evidence integrity.
Prescription and Probable Cause: Protecting Public Officials From Stale Charges
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of behest loan charges, clarifying prescription periods and probable cause requirements under RA 3019.
Lawyer Suspended for Gross Immorality: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for an illicit affair, explaining the evidence rules in administrative cases against attorneys.
Tax Credit Transfers: Protecting Transferees in Good Faith and Upholding Due Process
The Supreme Court shields innocent transferees of tax credit certificates from reassessment, affirming due process in tax collection.
Ethical Boundaries: Upholding Respect and Dignity in Legal Advocacy
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that even forceful arguments must remain respectful, citing Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Regular Employment in Poultry Farms: Length of Service and Necessity of Work
Supreme Court clarifies when maintenance workers in poultry farms become regular employees under Philippine labor law.
Ancestral Land Rights Prevail: Registration Allowed Despite Forest Reserve Status
Supreme Court rules ancestral lands occupied since time immemorial may be registered even if located inside a forest reserve, applying IPRA Law.
Probable Cause in Trafficking Cases: The Two Kinds of Determination Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the difference between executive and judicial probable cause in trafficking cases, and why judges should not dismiss cases prematurely.
Regular Employment and Labor-Only Contracting: Lingat v. Coca-Cola Bottlers
Supreme Court clarifies when agency-hired workers are regular employees of the principal employer, and the limits of labor contracting.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Tolerance Is Key to a Successful Ejectment
Philippine Supreme Court explains why owners must prove tolerance to win an unlawful detainer case, and what happens when they fail.
Willful Disobedience as Just Cause for Termination: Mamaril v. The Red System Company
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's repeated violation of safety rules justifies dismissal for willful disobedience under the Labor Code.
Third Doctor's Opinion Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying Conflict Resolution Under POEA-SEC
Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's disability grade is determined by the company-designated physician's assessment, unless a third doctor's opinion is obtained.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Bermudo
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and conspiracy establish guilt in murder cases, using the Bermudo case as a guide.
Upholding Watershed Preservation When Ancestral Land Claims Clash With Environmental Protection In Baguio
The Supreme Court rules that pending ancestral land claims do not justify injunctions against demolition in the Busol Watershed, prioritizing environmental preservation.
Protecting Childhood Statutory Rape AND THE Irrelevance OF Consent
The Supreme Court affirms that in statutory rape, consent is irrelevant; mere touching of the labia by the penis constitutes carnal knowledge.
Regular Employee Status: Distinguishing Independent Contractors From Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers are regular employees despite agency transfers, distinguishing independent contractors from labor-only contracting.
When Lawyers Fall Short: Negligence and Client Funds in Philippine Legal Ethics
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, missed deadlines, and mishandled client funds—and what it means for clients.
Mandanas Ruling: LGUs' Just Share Must Come From All National Taxes
The Supreme Court expands the base for computing LGUs' just share in national taxes, clarifying the scope of fiscal autonomy under the Constitution.
When the Court Reduces a Lawyer's Fine: Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Ethics Cases
In Domingo v. Revilla, the Supreme Court cut a disbarred lawyer's P100,000 ethics fine to P50,000 after he cited illness, remorse, and loss of livelihood.
Disbarment for Forging Court Decisions: A Lesson in Legal Ethics
When a lawyer faked a court decision to deceive a client, the Supreme Court imposed the ultimate penalty: disbarment.
Government Employee Benefits: BIR Authority and the Limits of Compromise
The Supreme Court rules on BIR's power to tax government employee benefits and the limits of taxing allowances under RMO No. 23-2014.
Senate Contempt Powers: When Legislative Inquiry Detention Must End
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Senate contempt detention limits during legislative inquiries, balancing legislative power and individual rights.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Disbarment for Faking a Court Decision
A lawyer who notarized without the client present and fabricated a court decision was disbarred by the Supreme Court.