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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Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody: Protecting Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to prove an unbroken chain of custody, reinforcing constitutional protections.
Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Corporate Officer Status and Jurisdiction in Illegal Dismissal Cases: North Star v. Balagtas
When is a dismissed executive a corporate officer whose case belongs to regular courts, not the Labor Arbiter? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Grave Misconduct in Government Service: When Dismissal Is the Only Penalty
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of immigration officer for extortion and grave misconduct, ruling first offense cannot mitigate penalty.
Unexcused Absence: Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal for Employees Absent Without Leave
The Supreme Court drops a court employee from the rolls for AWOL, explaining the rules on absences without approved leave in government service.
Breach of Trust in the Workplace: When an Employer's Dismissal of a Chief Accountant is Unjustified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employer's dismissal of a chief accountant for breach of trust is unjustified.
Unexcused Absence When Is Dropping From the Rolls Justified
When does an employee's absence become AWOL? The Supreme Court explains the rule on dropping from the rolls.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery in murder cases, and why evident premeditation requires more proof.
Dismissal for Defiance: Upholding the Court's Authority in Administrative Duties
A Supreme Court ruling suspends a branch clerk of court for notarizing documents without the required certification, underscoring strict compliance with court rules.
Bail vs Demurrer: Why Different Evidence Standards Apply in Provisional Liberty and Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies why bail hearings use a lower evidence standard than demurrers to evidence, which can lead to acquittal.
Martial Law Extension: Balancing Public Safety and Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the one-year martial law extension in Mindanao, affirming that public safety and constitutional safeguards can coexist.
Corporate Quorum Quandary: Disputed Shares and the Validity of Stockholder Meetings
The Supreme Court rules that disputed shares still count toward quorum in stockholder meetings, and unrecorded transfers don't affect voting rights.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody over seized marijuana, explaining the strict rules under RA 9165.
Upholding Regulatory Authority: LTFRB Power to Suspend Certificates of Public Convenience for Public Safety Vi
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling affirming the LTFRB's authority to suspend certificates of public convenience for public safety violations.
Corporate Quorum Conundrums: How Disputed Shares Impact Philippine Stockholder Meetings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that disputed shares still count toward quorum in stockholder meetings, and unrecorded transfers are not recognized.
Contractor Relationships and the Test for Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer liability in contractor relationships, and the duties of lawyers and notaries.
Contempt of Court for Ignoring Immediate Suspension Orders in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must comply with suspension orders marked "effective immediately" upon receipt, or face contempt.
Just Compensation When Government Takes Property Without Formal Expropriation
When the government takes private land without expropriation proceedings, owners can still claim just compensation. The Supreme Court explains how.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Post-Employment Medical Exam
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers who fail the 3-day post-employment medical exam rule forfeit disability benefits, even if illness is work-related.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Is Required for Valid Convictions
The Supreme Court explains why strict adherence to Section 21 chain of custody rules is essential for valid drug convictions.
Safeguarding Rights: Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
When a Crime Becomes More Than the Sum of Its Parts: Complex Crimes in Philippine Law
A drug case acquittal shows how the Supreme Court treats procedural lapses in buy-bust operations, and what that means for criminal liability in the Philippines.
Upholding Protection for Victims of Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Safeguarding Migrant Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, protecting Filipino migrant workers from fraudulent recruiters.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and their rights to wages and benefits.