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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Piercing the Corporate Veil: Employer Liability for SSS Contributions Despite Officers' Acquittal
A corporation cannot escape SSS contribution liability merely because its officers were acquitted in the criminal case. The Supreme Court explains why.
Defining the Limits of Medical Assessment Periods for Seafarer Disability Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's delay in assessing a seafarer's disability results in permanent total disability benefits.
When Is a Seafarer Entitled to Total Disability Benefits: A Guide to Maritime Claims
Learn when a seafarer may claim permanent total disability benefits under the POEA contract, based on a 2017 Supreme Court ruling.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Compensation Claims: Work Conditions and Illness Causation
Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is work-related and how delayed disability ratings affect permanent total disability claims.
Prior Physical Possession Decides Forcible Entry Cases, Not Ownership Claims
In forcible entry cases, prior physical possession matters more than ownership. The Supreme Court explains why in Sambalilo v. Llarenas.
When Attorney's Fees Are Reasonable: The Duty to Avoid Unconscionable Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees stipulations are valid, and why courts must strike down unconscionable ones.
Accountability in Government: When Good Faith Does Not Excuse Negligence in Public Fund Disbursements
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers approving disallowed disbursements remain personally liable despite claims of good faith.
Death of Accused Extinguishes Criminal Liability and Abates Criminal Action
Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death extinguishes criminal liability and abates the criminal action, citing the Revised Penal Code.
Conspiracy and Rape: When Bystanders Become Co-Principals in Group Sexual Assault
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that a person who aids or abets rape through acts like recording or preventing rescue can be liable as a co-principal.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Conviction in Child Sexual Abuse Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for two counts of rape, clarifying conspiracy liability and the weight given to a minor victim's credible testimony.
Check Fraud Liability: When a Drawee Bank Can Recover From a Collecting Bank
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a drawee bank can avoid liability for unauthorized check payments and how drawers can recover directly from negligent collecting banks.
Delivery vs Sale in Drug Cases: When a Courier Becomes a Seller
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between illegal sale and illegal delivery of dangerous drugs under RA 9165, and the importance of consideration.
Judicial Accountability vs Vexatious Litigation: Balancing Rights in Administrative Complaints
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be held administratively liable and when complainants cross the line into contempt.
Customs Law: Abandonment of Goods Requires Due Notice Despite Importer's Delay
Supreme Court rules that ipso facto abandonment of imported goods under the Tariff and Customs Code requires due notice, absent fraud.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and the Floating Status of Security Guards in the Philippines
When does a security guard's floating status become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the six-month rule.
Self-Defense Claim Fails: Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, ruling that a sudden bolo attack negates self-defense and constitutes treachery.
Defective Information Reduces Direct Assault Conviction to Homicide
A missing element in the information reduced a direct assault conviction to homicide, underscoring the constitutional right to be informed of charges.
Kidnapping for Ransom: When Illegal Detention Meets Extortion
The Supreme Court explains when detention becomes kidnapping for ransom and how continued demands for payment support a separate robbery charge.
Stockholder Rights to Corporate Records Survive SEC Revocation, SC Rules
Supreme Court affirms that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records continues even after SEC registration is revoked, upholding criminal liability of officers who refuse access.
The Limits of Self-Defense: Establishing Unlawful Aggression in Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a vague, uncorroborated claim of self-defense cannot overcome the prosecution's evidence of murder by treachery.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Can an Employer Validly Terminate an Employee
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on dismissing managerial and fiduciary employees for loss of trust and confidence under the Labor Code.
Security of Tenure vs Management Prerogative: Constructive Dismissal of Security Guards
When is a security guard on floating status constructively dismissed? The Supreme Court clarifies the six-month rule and the burden of proof.
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Philippine Courts Treat Buy-Bust Operations
A Supreme Court ruling in a Cebu buy-bust case explains why presenting the police informant is not required and how chain of custody is weighed in drug cases.
Upholding Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses in Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, ruling that minor chain of custody lapses do not automatically overturn a guilty verdict.