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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Notarizing a Spouse's Document: When Prior Law Allowed It
A lawyer notarized his wife's affidavit in 2002. The Court explains why no misconduct under the then-applicable notarial law.
Family Home Exemption Claim Must Be Proven, Not Just Asserted
A bare claim that property is a family home cannot stop execution of a final judgment. The claimant must prove it.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody over seized marijuana, explaining the strict rules under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
A drug conviction requires an unbroken chain of custody. Learn what gaps in evidence handling can lead to acquittal.
Corporate Quorum Quandary: Disputed Shares and the Validity of Stockholder Meetings
The Supreme Court rules that disputed shares still count toward quorum in stockholder meetings, and unrecorded transfers don't affect voting rights.
Upholding Regulatory Authority: LTFRB Power to Suspend Certificates of Public Convenience for Public Safety Vi
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling affirming the LTFRB's authority to suspend certificates of public convenience for public safety violations.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Post-Employment Medical Exam
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers who fail the 3-day post-employment medical exam rule forfeit disability benefits, even if illness is work-related.
Philippine Piracy Law: Jurisdiction and Positive Identification in Maritime Crimes
A look at how Philippine courts establish jurisdiction and rely on positive identification in piracy cases under PD 532.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and their rights to wages and benefits.
When a Crime Becomes More Than the Sum of Its Parts: Complex Crimes in Philippine Law
A drug case acquittal shows how the Supreme Court treats procedural lapses in buy-bust operations, and what that means for criminal liability in the Philippines.
Contractor Relationships and the Test for Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer liability in contractor relationships, and the duties of lawyers and notaries.
Upholding Honesty: Lawyer Suspended for Falsifying Document Ages
A lawyer's suspension for indicating minors were of legal age in a deed of donation, and for improper notarization, underscores the duty of truthfulness.
Deceptive Recruitment Safeguarding Filipinos From False Promises OF Overseas Work
Just Compensation When Government Takes Property Without Formal Expropriation
When the government takes private land without expropriation proceedings, owners can still claim just compensation. The Supreme Court explains how.
AWOL in Government Service: Supreme Court Upholds Dropping Employee From Rolls
Learn when Philippine government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL, based on a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Reasonable Doubt: Drug Evidence Procedure Failures Lead to Acquittal
Explaining how failure to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules in drug cases can lead to acquittal, citing People v. Que.
Contempt of Court for Ignoring Immediate Suspension Orders in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must comply with suspension orders marked "effective immediately" upon receipt, or face contempt.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Familial Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that a child rape victim's testimony, corroborated by medical evidence, can sustain a conviction even when relatives are the accused.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Is Required for Valid Convictions
The Supreme Court explains why strict adherence to Section 21 chain of custody rules is essential for valid drug convictions.
Safeguarding Rights: Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Unjustified Chain of Custody Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming strict compliance standards.
Upholding Protection for Victims of Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Safeguarding Migrant Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, protecting Filipino migrant workers from fraudulent recruiters.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanagement of Judiciary Funds
Supreme Court rules on accountability of judges and court personnel for tampered receipts and overwithdrawals from judiciary funds.
Dismissal for Habitual Absenteeism: Upholding Public Trust in the Judiciary
Court employee dismissed for habitual absenteeism, AWOL, and insubordination. Learn the rules on unauthorized absences and public service standards.