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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Bouncing Checks and Due Process: Notice of Dishonor as a Shield Against Liability
The Supreme Court acquits a B.P. 22 accused because the prosecution failed to prove she received the notice of dishonor.
Fugitive From Justice Ruling: Intent to Evade Must Be Proven for Disqualification
Supreme Court explains what makes a candidate a "fugitive from justice" and why intent to evade prosecution must be proven.
Maritime Law Shipowner Liability and Seafarers Death Benefits: Insurance and Solidary Obligations Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies shipowner liability, POEA-SEC death benefits, insurance proceeds, and solidary obligations in Phil-Nippon Kyoei v. Gudelosao.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Security of Tenure in Career Executive Service: Rank Appointment Is Essential
Supreme Court clarifies that Career Executive Service officers hold security of tenure only in their rank, not in specific positions.
Security of Tenure Limited to Rank, Not Position, in the Career Executive Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that security of tenure in the Career Executive Service attaches to rank, not to a specific position, allowing reassignments without violating constitutional guarantees.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining strict Section 21 requirements.
Forum Shopping in Annulment Cases: A Lawyer's Suspension and the Integrity of Legal Processes
A prosecutor's suspension for filing two marriage dissolution petitions in different courts highlights the strict rule against forum shopping.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects when police fail to follow Section 21 inventory and photograph rules, underscoring evidence integrity.
Ombudsmans Discretion When Does Refusal TO Prosecute Amount TO Grave Abuse
Upholding Drug Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses: Chain of Custody and Section 21 Compliance
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses, explaining when procedural non-compliance does not affect guilt.
Union Security Clauses and Due Process: Yumang v. RPN 9
When can an employer terminate an employee expelled by a union? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process required under union security clauses.
Negligence on the Road: When Employer Liability Intersects With Employee Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on bus driver dismissals clarifies negligence as just cause, procedural due process, and the limits of settlement authority.
Dereliction of Duty and the Duty of Promptness in Resolving Cases Filed by Indigents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's delay in resolving an indigent's complaint amounts to gross neglect of duty.
Practicing Law While Suspended: When Disobeying a Suspension Order Leads to More Penalties
A lawyer who continued working as a prosecutor while suspended faced an additional six-month suspension. Learn the rules on complying with disciplinary orders.
Philippine Airlines v. Ligan: When Contracting Arrangements Hide Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court affirms that PAL illegally dismissed workers hired through a labor-only contractor, reinforcing security of tenure protections.
When Selling Another’s Property Is Not Estafa: The Ison Case
The Supreme Court explains when a false claim of ownership does not amount to estafa, and why the prosecution must prove deceit beyond reasonable doubt.
SEC Retains Oversight Power to Investigate Corporate Irregularities and Protect Stakeholders
The Supreme Court affirms the SEC's regulatory power to investigate corporate irregularities and create a management committee to protect stakeholders.
Eyewitness Testimony and Alibi Defense in Robbery with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when eyewitness identification prevails over alibi and denial in robbery with homicide prosecutions.
Death Benefits for Seafarers: Proving Work Relatedness Under the POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, work-relatedness, and the POEA-SEC compensability requirements.
Demotion by Assignment: Protecting Employees from Constructive Dismissal
When does a transfer become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains how demotion in rank, even without pay cut, violates security of tenure.
GSIS Survivorship Benefits: Secondary Beneficiaries Win in Laroco v. GSIS
Supreme Court strikes down GSIS rule barring secondary beneficiaries from survivorship benefits when a member dies with less than 15 years of service.
Standing to Sue: The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority in Criminal Appeals
Who may appeal a dismissed criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the Solicitor General's exclusive authority and the limits on private prosecutors.
The Burden of Proof in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying the Third Doctor Rule
A seafarer who disputes a company doctor's fit-to-work finding must follow the POEA-SEC third doctor rule and present solid medical evidence, the Supreme Court reminds.