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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Enforceability of Incentive Bonuses When Promises Become Obligations
When do employer promises become enforceable obligations? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over training reimbursement claims and unpaid salary disputes.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Abola Bio Teaches
The Supreme Court explains why minor lapses in drug evidence handling do not automatically mean acquittal under RA 9165.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Landowner Rights and Property Isolation
The Supreme Court explains when a compulsory easement of right of way may be granted, and why mere inconvenience does not justify imposing a burden on a neighbor's property.
Bank Deposit Secrecy: Upholding Depositor Rights in Insolvency Proceedings
The Supreme Court rules that a corporation's bank deposits stay confidential in insolvency unless the depositor gives written consent to waive secrecy.
Bank Deposit Secrecy in Insolvency: Creditors Cannot Waive a Debtor's Rights
Supreme Court rules creditors cannot waive an insolvent debtor's bank deposit secrecy rights without the debtor's written consent or receiver's conformity.
Speedy Trial vs Provisional Dismissal: Balancing Rights in Criminal Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a case dismissal for denial of speedy trial becomes final, and how provisional dismissal works.
Proving Conspiracy in Estafa: When Mere Presence Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court acquits a co-accused in estafa, clarifying that conspiracy must be proven beyond reasonable doubt and cannot exist after the crime is consummated.
Unbroken Chain: Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when procedural lapses in drug evidence custody do not defeat a conviction under RA 9165.
Judicial Competence: A Judge's Duty to Uphold Basic Laws and Procedures
The Supreme Court suspends a judge for six months for gross ignorance of the law, emphasizing that judges must apply basic legal rules with competence.
Indigency and Access to Courts: Balancing Constitutional Rights with Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when counsel's negligence binds clients and why procedural rules on appeals remain jurisdictional.
Expiration of Redemption Rights: Upholding Property Rights After Failure to Redeem
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redemption period expiration, property rights, and consequences of failing to redeem within statutory period.
Reinstatement Rights Absence DUE TO Unproven Charges Does NOT Equal Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an employee's absence due to unproven criminal charges is not abandonment. Learn the two elements of abandonment.
Negligence of Counsel and Due Process: Lessons from People v. Tapugay
How the Supreme Court balanced procedural lapses in drug evidence handling against the accused's right to due process in People v. Tapugay.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Presence Does Not Equal Conspiracy in Estafa Cases
Mere presence during a transaction does not prove conspiracy in estafa. The Supreme Court acquits a co-accused on reasonable doubt.
Healthcare Allowances for Government Employees: Defining a Health Program Under the Law
The Supreme Court disallowed TESDA's P5,000 healthcare allowance, ruling that a health program under CSC rules cannot be converted into cash without presidential approval.
Parental Authority vs Child's Rights: Defining Intimidation in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court clarifies intimidation in incestuous qualified rape, affirming father's conviction for three counts against minor daughter.
Self-Defense vs. Criminal Intent: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery qualifies killing as murder, not homicide.
Protection Orders and Marital Discord: Balancing Rights and Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how permanent protection orders under RA 9262 operate amid marital disputes, custody battles, and claims of compromise.
Public Use Prevails: Water System Properties Cannot Be Seized for Private Debts
Supreme Court rules water works systems devoted to public use are property of public dominion, exempt from levy and auction sale.
Public Dominion Property Cannot Be Levied on Execution: Water District Wins
Supreme Court rules water works systems are public dominion property, exempt from execution and auction sale in labor cases.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Failure to Pay Just Debts as a Breach of Public Trust
Court stenographer reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debts; the Supreme Court clarifies the definition under civil service rules.
Upholding Honesty in Legal Practice: Consequences for Submitting False Affidavits
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for submitting a falsified affidavit in court, reaffirming the duty of candor and integrity in legal practice.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian reform just compensation must be valued at the time of taking, not at later dates.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Overcomes Delay and Apparent Inconsistencies
Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed report and acceptance of money do not destroy her credibility.