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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Upholding Employer Prerogative: Dismissal for Breach of Trust and Company Policy Violations
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of supervisor who used company equipment for private repairs, upholding management prerogative and loss of trust.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Led to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory. Learn the chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody Breach Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Crispo
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to unjustified lapses in the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Corporate Rehabilitation Stay Orders and Creditor Set-Offs: The Allied Banking v. SCP Ruling
When does a rehabilitation stay order bind creditors? The Supreme Court explains retroactivity, set-offs, and due process in Allied Banking v. SCP.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Cost of Skipping the Post-Employment Medical Exam
A seafarer who skips the company-designated post-employment medical exam forfeits disability claims. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Gaps in Evidence Led to an Acquittal
In People v. Año, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale accused because the prosecution failed to justify missing witnesses in the chain of custody.
Parental Authority vs Consent: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting
A father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape, and a daughter's long silence does not weaken her testimony, the Supreme Court ruled in Clemeno.
Retrenchment During Corporate Rehabilitation: When Audited Financial Statements Aren't Required
Supreme Court clarifies that employers under corporate rehabilitation may prove severe financial losses without audited financial statements in retrenchment cases.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: When Resignation Cannot Shield a Court Employee from Dismissal
The Supreme Court held that a court interpreter who incurred 133.5 unauthorized absences was guilty of habitual absenteeism and dismissed from service despite resigning.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Dismissal for Court Employee Who Abandoned Post
Supreme Court dismisses court interpreter for habitual absenteeism, forfeiting benefits and barring re-employment in government service.
Breach of Notarial Duty and Disrespect for Court Orders: Grounds for Disbarment
A lawyer's notarial violations and disrespect for court orders can result in disbarment. This article explains the Supreme Court's ruling.
When Lawyers Take Fees But Never File the Case: A Lesson in Professional Responsibility
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for collecting fees but failing to file a client's case, reaffirming lawyers' fiduciary duties.
Void Donations: Formal Requirements and the Right to Reclaim Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void donations, formal requirements under Article 749, and the right to recover property.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Proof of Force: Victim Testimony and Rights in Child Abuse Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction clarifies victim testimony standards, force requirements, and damages in child abuse cases.
Attorney Neglect and Failure to Account for Client Funds Warrants One-Year Suspension
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P30,000 in litigation fees.
Credible Testimony Alone Sufficient for Rape Conviction Despite Lack of Physical Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a rape conviction can rest on credible victim testimony alone, even without medical or physical evidence of penetration.
Drug Use Conviction Requires Arrest Protecting Rights Under R A 9165
The Supreme Court rules that a conviction for drug use under Section 15, R.A. 9165 requires an arrest or apprehension, safeguarding constitutional rights.
Perfecting Stock Transfers: Why Recording Matters in Third-Party Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that unrecorded stock transfers are not binding on third parties, including creditors levying on corporate property.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Mentally Retarded Woman Is a Heinous Crime Regardless of Consent
The Supreme Court affirms that carnal knowledge of a mentally retarded woman is rape, even if consensual or without knowledge of her condition.
Timely Transcription of Court Notes: Balancing Efficiency and Fairness in Administrative Duty
A Supreme Court ruling on a court stenographer's delayed transcripts clarifies the line between simple and gross neglect of duty.
Judicial Discretion vs the Judicial Affidavit Rule: Striking the Right Balance
A judge's extra requirement under the Judicial Affidavit Rule led to an administrative penalty. Learn the limits of judicial discretion.
Apparent Authority: When a Bank Is Liable for Employee Fraud
The Supreme Court explains when a bank is solidarily liable for a branch manager's fraud under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Judicial Accountability Correcting Legal Errors AND THE Limits OF Disciplinary Action
When a judge errs but corrects the mistake, disciplinary action may not follow. The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial accountability.
Upholding Marital Sanctity When Procedural Technicalities Give Way to Substantial Justice in Annulment Cases
The Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to protect marriage's sanctity, allowing the State to appeal an annulment ruling despite technical lapses.