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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The Weight of Testimony: Conviction on Credible Witness Accounts in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, rejecting alibi and denial defenses.
Breach of Trust in the Workplace: When Approving Authority Implies Culpability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's purchase of a client's property violates ethical rules, distinguishing business deals from fiduciary breaches.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies Survives Accreditation Transfer
A recruitment agency remains solidarily liable with the foreign principal for overseas workers' claims even after transferring accreditation to another agency.
Insubordination vs Due Process: Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may buy a client's property without violating ethics, and what this means for employee rights.
Rape of Persons with Intellectual Disability: Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a person with intellectual disability constitutes rape, as they cannot give valid consent.
Due Process in Club Membership Suspensions: The Ching v. QCSC Ruling
When can a club suspend a member without a hearing? The Supreme Court clarifies due process rules in Ching v. Quezon City Sports Club.
Work-Related Illness and Causation in Seafarer Disability Claims: Key Lessons
Learn how Philippine courts decide seafarer disability claims, focusing on work-related illness, causation, and the POEA standard of proof.
Emancipation Patents Under Voluntary Land Transfer: The Marinas Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when emancipation patents are valid under PD 27's Voluntary Land Transfer scheme, including co-owner consent and payment timing.
Reckless Brawls AND Fatal Blows Differentiating Homicide From Murder IN THE Heat OF THE Moment
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining the strict rules police must follow under RA 9165.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Union Officers Dismissed for Instigating Work Slowdown: What Labor Law Says
The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of union officers who instigated a work slowdown. Learn the legal rules on illegal concerted activities and due process.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Custody Protocols
When police break drug custody rules, the accused may walk free. The Supreme Court explains why procedure protects everyone.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring willful breach proven by substantial evidence.
Conflict of Interest: When Prior Judicial Roles Limit Future Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's prior judicial role creates a disqualifying conflict of interest in later practice.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Upholding Employee Rights Against Unsubstantiated Claims
Employers cannot dismiss on loss of trust without proof. Learn the legal requisites from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
When a "Retainership" Is Really Employment: The Control Test and Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a retainership agreement masks an employer-employee relationship, applying the control test to protect security of tenure.
Illegal Slowdowns and Union Officer Dismissal: The Polyson Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a work slowdown becomes an illegal strike and justifies dismissal of union officers under Philippine labor law.
Enforcement of Government Contracts: Recovery Allowed Despite Lack of Funds Certification
Supreme Court allows contractor recovery for government equipment leases despite missing funds certification, citing quantum meruit and equity.
Judicial Ethics: When a Judge's Private Conduct Costs the Bench
A judge's affair with a litigant led to dismissal. The Supreme Court clarifies judicial ethics standards for Philippine magistrates.
Possession by Tolerance: Key to Winning Unlawful Detainer Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how possession by tolerance works in ejectment cases and why it matters for property owners and occupants.
Due Process and Co-Ownership Rights in Non-Profit Organizations and Corporate Asset Transfers
Supreme Court ruling on void mortgages over deceased co-owner's share, good faith purchasers, and co-ownership rights in property transfers.
Upholding Procedural Rules: The Supreme Court on Proper Appeals in Legal Questions
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on appeals, emphasizing that only questions of law may be raised in a petition for review on certiorari.
Negligence in Supervision: Employer's Right to Terminate for Gross Neglect of Duty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supervisor's failure to oversee staff constitutes gross and habitual neglect, justifying dismissal.