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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Marital Fidelity and Fatal Consequences: Establishing Guilt in Parricide Cases
When jealousy turns deadly, Philippine law holds spouses accountable. This case clarifies parricide, penalties, and why infidelity never justifies violence.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Defining Total and Permanent Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer with a partial disability grade is deemed totally and permanently disabled under the POEA-SEC.
Admissibility of Evidence and Witness Credibility in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at People v. Opiniano, where the Supreme Court weighed an inadmissible confession against circumstantial evidence and witness credibility.
Bail and Res Judicata: Why an Interlocutory Order Does Not Bar a Second Bail Petition
The Supreme Court clarifies that res judicata does not apply to interlocutory orders like bail denials in criminal cases.
Preventive Suspension by the Ombudsman: The Purisima Case and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's power to preventively suspend officials and the limits of due process in administrative cases.
Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
In People v. Segundo, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody over a sachet of shabu.
SEC v. Price Richardson: Probable Cause in Securities Fraud Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutors' probable cause findings in securities regulation violations.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Timing and Evidence Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when just compensation is reckoned and why courts cannot rely on arbitrary or stale comparable sales.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Timing and Evidence Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when just compensation is reckoned and what evidence trial courts must consider in expropriation cases.
When a Seafarer Is Deemed Totally and Permanently Disabled Under the POEA-SEC
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer is deemed totally and permanently disabled and how attorney's fees are computed in disability claims.
Tax Assessment Waivers Must Strictly Comply With BIR Rules or Prescription Applies
Learn how defective tax waivers fail to extend the BIR's three-year assessment period, from the Supreme Court's ruling in CIR v. Systems Technology Institute.
Unauthorized Absences and Dismissal: The Medical Certificate Requirement in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court upheld a dismissal for unauthorized absences, ruling that a vague medical certificate cannot excuse habitual absenteeism.
Judicial Conduct: Moral Standards and Accountability in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a judge for immorality and gross misconduct, reaffirming that judges must uphold the highest moral standards.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for CARP-acquired land is valued at the time of taking, guided by Section 17 factors and DAR formulas.
Judicial Conduct: Moral Integrity and Public Trust in the Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a judge for immorality and gross misconduct, reaffirming that judges must uphold moral integrity.
Fair Price OR Land Grab Determining Just Compensation IN Agrarian Reform
Inheritance Limits: Heirs' Liability in Property Disputes Clarified
The Supreme Court rules that heirs impleaded in property cases are liable only up to their inherited shares, not beyond.
Seafarers Disability Claims Proving Entitlement AND THE Role OF Company Designated Physicians
Constructive Dismissal Claim Fails Without Proof of Overt Dismissal Act
Supreme Court clarifies that employees alleging constructive dismissal must prove actual dismissal, not just claim it.
Buy-Bust Operations: Entrapment vs Instigation in Illegal Drug Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between entrapment and instigation in buy-bust operations, affirming a drug sale conviction.
Ownership Disputes: When a Lawyer Cannot Acquire a Client's Property in Litigation
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for acquiring property in litigation and selling client land without authority—key rules for family property disputes.
Annulment of Free Patents vs. Reversion: Real Party in Interest Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between annulment of free patents and reversion, and who may file each action.
Dismissal of Falsification Charges in Disbarment Case Highlights Burden of Proof for Lawyers
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment charges against Atty. Bigay for lack of preponderant evidence, but reprimands notary Atty. Siapno for negligence.
Easement Rights and Property Development: Clarifying Limits and Obligations in Construction Projects
Understand how the Supreme Court distinguishes reversion from annulment of titles, and what this means for property owners and developers.