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 Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining strict Section 21 requirements.
Ejectment Actions Beyond Lease Agreements: The Contract to Sell Rule in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ejectment cases cover contract to sell violations, not just lease agreements or forcible entry.
Security of Tenure in Career Executive Service: Rank Appointment Is Essential
Supreme Court clarifies that Career Executive Service officers hold security of tenure only in their rank, not in specific positions.
The Right to Intervene: Protecting Ownership in Criminal Proceedings
When can a property owner intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention under Rule 19.
Dismissal Due to Failure to Present Corpus Delicti: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring the need to preserve corpus delicti in drug cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Uneasy Weight of Recanted Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite the victim's affidavit of desistance, explaining why recanted testimony is viewed with suspicion.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Denial in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction of Judge Velasco's killer, ruling that the victim's wife's positive identification prevails over alibi and denial.
Subrogation and Compensation When Payment of Another's Debt Extinguishes Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal subrogation and compensation when a business buyer pays the seller's unpaid bills.
Beyond the Road: Field Personnel Status and Overtime Rights for Bus Employees in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that bus drivers and conductors are not field personnel, entitling them to overtime and service incentive leave pay.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects when police fail to follow Section 21 inventory and photograph rules, underscoring evidence integrity.
Syndicated Estafa and Corporate Liability: When Public Solicitation Pierces the Veil
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation's real estate sales to the public trigger syndicated estafa liability under P.D. 1689.
PhilHealth Premium Hikes Upheld: When Courts Respect Agency Discretion
The Supreme Court upheld PhilHealth's 2014 premium increases, explaining the limits of judicial review over administrative agencies' policy decisions.
Coca-Cola Route Helpers: Regular Employees Despite Agency Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court rules route helpers remain regular Coca-Cola employees despite transfers to labor contractors, applying stare decisis.
Rehabilitation OR Liquidation Evaluating Financial Feasibility IN Corporate Distress
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate rehabilitation should be denied in favor of liquidation, requiring material financial commitments and liquidation analysis.
Clarifying Debt Liability When Personal Obligations Meet Family Debts
Supreme Court clarifies when assuming a parent's debt creates novation and when interest is due under Philippine law.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Appeals to the Commission on Audit
The Supreme Court clarifies that a client is bound by counsel's negligence in COA appeals, absent diligent follow-up.
Upholding PhilHealth's Authority: Balancing Public Health and Financial Sustainability
The Supreme Court upholds PhilHealth's premium rate increases, affirming the state insurer's authority to set contributions for financial sustainability.
Receivership in Intra-Corporate Disputes: When Courts May Take Over a Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for appointing a receiver or management committee in intra-corporate disputes under the Interim Rules.
Right of Way Ownership: Servient Estate and Easement Acquisition Rules
Supreme Court clarifies who owns a road right of way and how easements are acquired under Philippine law.
Employer's Duty to Bargain and the Consequences of Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer's duty to bargain with the certified union and the consequences of unfair labor practices.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice and Payment Requirements Under Agrarian Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies agricultural lessee's right of redemption, written notice requirements, and tender payment obligations under R.A. 3844.
OGCC Authority Over GOCC Legal Representation Clarified in Land Bank Replevin Case
Supreme Court clarifies OGCC's authority over GOCC legal representation, allowing LBP Legal Services to participate with OGCC consent in replevin cases.
Tenant Redemption Rights: Tender of Payment Required in Agrarian Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian tenants must tender or consign the redemption price to validly exercise their right of redemption.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Conviction Upheld for Rape of a Minor
Supreme Court affirms rape convictions of two men against a 13-year-old, clarifying rules on victim testimony, resistance, and damages.