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 Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the mandatory presence of insulating witnesses under RA 9165.
Mandatory SSS Coverage for Filipino Seafarers: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory SSS coverage of Filipino seafarers under RA 11199, ruling it constitutional and valid.
Understanding Judicial Efficiency: The Impact of Timely Case Decisions in the Philippine Judiciary
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on a Palawan judge fined for gross inefficiency, highlighting the mandatory 90-day case decision rule.
Seafarers Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Referral and Compensability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim fails for skipping the mandatory third-doctor referral under the POEA-SEC.
Mandatory Retirement vs. Reappointment Rights in Philippine State Universities
Supreme Court clarifies that mandatory retirement age does not automatically end a valid reappointment term of a state university president.
Mandatory Witness Rule in Drug Cases: Safeguarding Evidence Integrity
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to secure DOJ representative during inventory, reinforcing chain of custody rules.
Plain View Doctrine and Warrantless Arrests: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, underscoring the mandatory rules on warrantless arrests, chain of custody, and presumption of innocence.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate in a drug possession case, stressing the mandatory witness requirements in the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Third-Doctor Rule Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when the mandatory third-doctor referral rule in seafarer disability claims does not apply, protecting seafarers' rights.
Why Witness Presence in Drug Case Inventories Can Make or Break a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to secure an elected official during inventory, explaining the mandatory witness rule.
Seafarers Disability Claim Strict Compliance With Reporting Requirements
A seafarer's disability claim fails when he skips the mandatory post-employment exam within three working days from repatriation.
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.
Proof in Tax Refund Claims: Annual ITR Suffices, Quarterly Returns Not Mandatory
The Supreme Court clarifies that presenting quarterly ITRs is not required to prove a claim for refund of excess creditable withholding taxes.
Notarial Law Personal Appearance Requirement and Consequences of Non-Compliance
The Supreme Court explains why personal appearance before a notary public is mandatory, and the penalties for violating the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice.
Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service: Why a Second Offense Means Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that a second finding of conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service carries the mandatory penalty of dismissal.
Judicial Accountability: Strict Adherence to Court-Annexed Mediation Rules
A judge's deviation from mandatory court-annexed mediation rules leads to administrative liability, clarifying the distinction between gross ignorance and rule violations.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Protects the Accused
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the mandatory safeguards under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Foreclosure Voided: Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Supreme Court voids foreclosure sale for lack of republication and reposting of rescheduled sale notice, affirming mandatory rules under Act No. 3135.
Compromised Evidence Acquittal Due to Unjustified Deviations in Drug Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify deviations from the mandatory chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Seafarers' Rights: Employer's Duty to Provide Post-Repatriation Medical Care
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on a seafarer's disability claim, the mandatory third-doctor rule, and the employer's duty to provide post-repatriation medical care.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule and Compensation
Learn how the mandatory third doctor rule under the POEA-SEC affects seafarer disability claims and compensation in the Philippines.
Lawyers Barred From Lupon Proceedings: A Reminder on Barangay Justice Integrity
SC reprimands lawyer for appearing in barangay conciliation proceedings, affirming the mandatory ban on counsel under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law.
Preliminary Mandatory Injunction: The Clear Right Imperative in Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a preliminary mandatory injunction may issue in lease disputes, requiring a clear legal right.
Safeguarding Rights: The Supreme Court's Stance on Drug Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 of RA 9165, stressing that strict compliance with the chain of custody rule is mandatory, not optional.