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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Bargaining in Good Faith: The Fine Line Between Firm Positions and Unfair Labor Practices
When does a company's hardline stance in CBA talks become bad faith bargaining? The Supreme Court clarifies the line.
Loss of Earning Award Deleted: Final Decisions and Double Recovery in Philippine Seafarer Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments bind parties, but double recovery for loss of earning capacity is barred when disability compensation already paid.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Do Not Break the Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when minor lapses in Section 21 procedures do not break the chain of custody in drug cases.
Breach of Public Trust: Official Position Cannot Shield Criminal Acts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for graft and estafa, ruling public office cannot shield criminal acts.
Judicial Conduct on Trial: Balancing Online Presence and Ethical Duties
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Friendster photos and courtroom conduct clarifies ethical boundaries for magistrates online and offline.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Testimony and Immateriality of Pregnancy
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's pregnancy does not negate rape and that court testimony prevails over affidavits.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Shifting Defenses: The Importance of Victim Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, ruling that credible victim testimony prevails over denial, ill motive claims, and pregnancy timing arguments.
Challenging the Sweetheart Defense: Consensual vs Forced Intimacy in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the "sweetheart defense" fails in rape cases, and how courts weigh consent against force and intimidation.
Due Process Prevails When Land Registration Cases Cannot Disguise Revocation of Donation Claims
The Supreme Court nullified a land registration case that was actually a disguised claim for revocation of donation, upholding due process.
Seafarers Disability Timely Assessment IS KEY To Benefits Entitlement
A seafarer's disability claim hinges on the company doctor's timely assessment. Learn the 120/240-day rule from a Supreme Court case.
Prolonged Floating Status Equals Illegal Dismissal for Security Guards
Security guards on floating status beyond six months are constructively dismissed. Learn the rule and your rights from this Supreme Court case.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 and when minor deviations do not break the prosecution's case.
Probationary Employment in Philippine Private Schools: Teacher Rights and Tenure
A Supreme Court ruling explains how probationary periods work for private school teachers, when tenure is acquired, and what schools must prove to validly terminate.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Duty vs Employee's Obligation
Who must prove what in illegal dismissal cases? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the burden of proof for employers and employees.
Sweetheart Defense in Rape Cases: Why the Supreme Court Rejected It in People v. Dioquino
The Supreme Court affirms seven rape convictions, explaining why the sweetheart defense fails without corroborating evidence and how damages are computed.
Certification vs Receipts: Reimbursing Expenses in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that certifications alone cannot support EME reimbursement claims in GOCCs under COA Circular No. 2006-01.
Breach of Bar Exam Instructions: Simple Misconduct vs Gross Misconduct
When does violating bar exam rules amount to simple misconduct rather than gross misconduct? The Supreme Court explains in this administrative case.
Possession Follows Ownership When a Writ of Execution Implies Possession of Land
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a writ of execution may place a winning party in possession of land even if the judgment does not expressly say so.
Land Ownership State Title Prevails Over Squatters Rights IN Fort Bonifacio Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that when ownership of land is finally adjudicated, the writ of execution may include placing the winning party in possession, even if not expressly stated. This princ
Perfecting Appeals in Labor Disputes: The Mandatory Bond Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employer's appeal in labor cases with monetary awards requires a mandatory bond, or the Labor Arbiter's decision becomes final.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: What Drug Cases Require
The Supreme Court clarifies what makes buy-bust operations legal and how chain of custody rules apply in drug cases under RA 9165.
Co-Ownership Rights Selling Your Share Without Consent Philippines
Can a co-owner be forced to sell their share? The Supreme Court explains Article 493 rights and the remedy of partition.
Falsifying Time Records: A Breach of Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
Court interpreter suspended six months for falsifying daily time records to attend law school. The Supreme Court rules on dishonesty, due process, and public accountability.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: When Company Policies Justify Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on falsified daily time records as dishonesty, and when company policies justify dismissal for grave offenses.