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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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.
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.
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.
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.
Finality of Judgments: Why Failing to Appeal on Time Can Uphold a Conviction
A procedural lapse—filing the wrong appeal—can make a conviction final and immutable. Learn the doctrine of immutability of judgment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: SC Upholds Ethical Standards for the Bench and Bar
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for an extramarital affair and child, imposing a three-year suspension from law practice.
Estate vs Individual Liability: Who Can Be Sued in Debt Recovery Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an estate can be sued and the limits of dismissing cases against individual defendants.
Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation: Stepfather's Abuse of Authority in Rape Cases
Stepfather's moral ascendancy can substitute for force or intimidation in rape, explains the Supreme Court in People v. Austria.
Untangling VAT Refund Claims Navigating Deadlines for Zero-Rated Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the mandatory deadlines for VAT refund claims on zero-rated sales, and why missing them is fatal.
Can Employees Get Attorney's Fees Even If Represented By PAO? Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: employees represented by the Public Attorney's Office can still receive attorney's fees in labor cases.
Maintaining Decorum: Workplace Altercations and the Duty of Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fined two court employees for a workplace altercation, reaffirming that decorum and professionalism are non-negotiable in the judiciary.
Independent Judicial Assessment Required in Estafa Case Withdrawals
Supreme Court clarifies that judges must independently assess evidence before granting motions to withdraw information in estafa cases.
Reclassification of Public Land: Executive Action and Burden of Proof in Reversion Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclassifying public land requires executive action, and the State bears the burden of proof in reversion cases.
Statutory Rape: Why Prosecutors Must Investigate All Alleged Incidents
The Supreme Court reminds prosecutors to investigate every alleged incident of statutory rape, not just one count, in People v. Pagamucan.
Abandonment Requires Clear Intent Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment of work requires clear intent to sever employment, not mere absence from work.
Circumstantial Evidence and Treachery: When a Conviction for Murder Stands
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence alone can convict for murder, and when treachery qualifies the killing of a child.
Workplace Conduct: Upholding Decorum Among Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reminds court personnel that professionalism and decorum are non-negotiable, fining two employees for a workplace altercation.
PAO Representation Does Not Bar Attorney's Fees Award in Labor Cases
Supreme Court rules that employees represented by the Public Attorney's Office can still recover attorney's fees from employers who unlawfully withheld wages.