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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Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing Section 21 witnesses. Learn the rules.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Dismissal of Managerial Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing managerial employees, and what happens when due process is not observed.
Onerous Donations: When Failure to Fulfill Conditions Leads to Revocation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to fulfill onerous donation conditions justifies revocation, and the prescriptive period for such actions.
Implied Trust and Property Reconveyance: Ensuring Equitable Distribution Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies implied trust rules and property reconveyance among heirs in a family dispute over a Manila lot.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases Overcomes Defense of Denial
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, holding that a victim's credible, positive testimony prevails over the accused's bare denial.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Work-Related Injury Under the CBA Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, work-related injuries, and CBA vs POEA-SEC compensation rules.
The Limits of Mandamus: When Courts Can Compel Government Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts can compel government action, explaining the limits of mandamus in government contract negotiations.
Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Assessed Value of the Whole Lot Controls
Philippine Supreme Court rules that in property disputes, jurisdiction is determined by the assessed value alleged in the complaint, not the disputed portion's value.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug accused over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project and regular employment, and the security of tenure rights of employees.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale With Right to Repurchase: Redemption Rights and Prescription
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when redemption periods apply in equitable mortgages versus sales with pacto de retro.
Contract Termination Expiration CAN Trigger Restrictive Covenants
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "terminationin the event of terminationin the event of Termination,terminationterminationearlier terminatedterminationterminationearlier terminated" elsewhere in th
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Reporting Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing the mandatory three-day reporting requirement under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarers' Rights: When Late Disability Assessments Mean Total Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a company doctor's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment entitles seafarers to total disability benefits.
Just Compensation: Fair Market Value, Not Zonal Valuation, in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is based on fair market value, not BIR zonal valuation alone.
Abuse of Rights in Contractual Dealings: Upholding Freedom to Contract and Good Faith
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate rehabilitation, contractual penalties, and the limits of judicial interference in contracts.
Redefining Family Driver Civil Code Rules In The Absence Of Labor Code Coverage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that family drivers are governed by Civil Code rules, not Labor Code, after the Kasambahay Law's repeal.
When Can a Landlord Claim Unpaid Rent: Lessons from Booklight v. Tiu
Learn when landlords can claim unpaid rent and why tenants must present evidence at pre-trial, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Public Trust: Negligence in Permitting Construction Without Proper Clearance
Philippine Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of Intramuros Administrator for gross inexcusable negligence under RA 3019 for allowing construction without permits.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land Under RA 6657
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must value agrarian reform land under RA 6657, not just market price.
Arson and Homicide: How the Primary Motive Determines Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a fire is absorbed by arson or punished separately, based on the offender's main objective.
Redundancy Dismissal Requires Fair Criteria, Not Just Business Downturn
Philippine Supreme Court rules that redundancy dismissal is illegal unless employers apply fair and reasonable criteria in selecting positions to abolish.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Father-Daughter Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a father's moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and why conviction stands.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Obligations: Understanding Novation and Continuing Guarantees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan restructuring extinguishes a surety's obligation and the binding effect of continuing guarantees.