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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Chain of Custody and Damages: Lessons from the Sprite Bottle Case
A Supreme Court ruling on product liability, chain of custody of evidence, and when moral and exemplary damages may be awarded in quasi-delict cases.
Burden of Proof in Murder Cases: When a Single Eyewitness Suffices
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on a single eyewitness's positive identification, explaining the burden of proof and the limits of the alibi defense.
Mortgagee in Good Faith: Protecting Lenders in Real Estate Transactions
Learn how the Supreme Court protects mortgagees in good faith who rely on Torrens titles, and what this means for lenders.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape Conviction Affirmed for Abuse of Intellectually Disabled Victim
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that mental age—not chronological age—determines a victim's capacity to consent.
Contempt of Court and the Limits of Reconsideration: Lessons from Fortune Life Insurance v. COA
The Supreme Court penalizes a litigant and counsel for disrespectful language in pleadings and clarifies the strict rules on second motions for reconsideration.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Simple Neglect in Delayed Appeal Transmittal
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for simple neglect of duty over delayed case records transmittal, but clears court stenographer.
MWSS Benefits Disallowance: Retroactive Effect of Judicial Rulings on Government Compensation
Supreme Court rules judicial interpretations of law apply retroactively, not prospectively, in government benefits disallowance cases.
Disrespecting the Court: Fine for Counsel Who Blamed Justices for Own Errors
The Supreme Court fined a lawyer and his client for contempt after they accused the Court of negligence over their own procedural lapses.
Retirement Benefits and Retroactivity: PITC v. COA on Judicial Interpretation
When a Supreme Court ruling interprets a law, it applies retroactively. PITC learned this in a dispute over retirement benefits.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
When Is an Illness Compensable? GSIS v. Tañedo on Work-Connection Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to prove work-connection for non-occupational diseases under the Employees' Compensation Law.
Varicose Veins and Workers' Compensation: Proving the Link Between Work and Illness
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in GSIS v. Tañedo on when varicose veins qualify for compensation under PD 626.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Clear and Convincing Evidence in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict evidentiary standard for reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Just Compensation for Easement of Right of Way: Key Lessons from NPC v. Marasigan
When the government takes an easement over private land, what must it pay? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on just compensation, valuation date, and consequential damages.
Probationary Faculty Rights: Constructive Dismissal and Fixed-Term Contracts in Philippine Education
The Supreme Court clarifies probationary faculty rights, constructive dismissal, and fixed-term contracts in Philippine private higher education institutions.
Statutory Rape vs. Rape by Sexual Assault: What Child Victims' Cases Teach Us
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between statutory rape and rape by sexual assault in cases involving child victims.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Illness Under POEA-SEC and CBA
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the burden of proof for seafarers' death benefits under the POEA-SEC and CBA in Maersk-Filipinas v. Malicse.
Lawyer’s Accountability in Governance Conspiracies: Negligence and the Limits of Reliance
The Supreme Court clarifies lawyer accountability in governance conspiracies, negligence, and the limits of relying on judicial authority in administrative cases.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Drug Conviction Overturned Due to Flawed Chain of Custody
In People v. Calibod, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale suspect after police failed to follow the chain of custody rules under Section 21 of RA 9165.
When Evidence Is Tainted: Marking Seized Drugs and the Chain of Custody Rule
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to mark seized drugs immediately can break the chain of custody and lead to acquittal.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Compromised Chain of Custody: Illegal Drug Conviction Overturned Due to Procedural Lapses
The Supreme Court acquitted an illegal drug suspect after police failed to follow the chain of custody requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165, compromising evidence integrity.
Territorial Jurisdiction vs Ownership: Nullifying Land Titles and Resolving Boundary Disputes in the Philippin
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies why territorial jurisdiction claims cannot nullify land titles, and how boundary disputes should be resolved.
No Illegal Dismissal Without Proof Employee Must First Establish Dismissal Before Employers Burden Arises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving dismissal in illegal dismissal cases.