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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Breach of Trust: Defining the Boundaries of Qualified Theft in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of qualified theft and the proper penalty, emphasizing grave abuse of confidence in a cashier's pilferage case.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Chain of Custody and Regular Performance of Duty in Narcotics Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, clarifying that minor lapses in Section 21 procedure do not automatically invalidate seizures when evidence integrity is preserved.
Supreme Court Upholds Ombudsman’s Dismissal of Criminal Complaint Against Labor Officials
The Court affirms the Ombudsman’s discretion to dismiss criminal complaints, finding no grave abuse in the labor officials’ challenged orders.
When Police Rely on Tips Instead of Observation: The Cogaed Ruling on Warrantless Searches
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect after police acted on a driver's tip, not their own observations—clarifying limits on warrantless searches.
The Duty of Disclosure: Honesty in Seafarer Employment Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling on how concealing a pre-existing illness in a seafarer's PEME can bar disability claims, even when the 3-day reporting rule is excused.
Correcting Errors in Arbitration Awards: The Finality Principle in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when errors in arbitration awards can be corrected without violating the finality principle.
Breach OF Trust Establishing Conspiracy IN Qualified Theft Among Government Employees
Breach of Trust Establishing Conspiracy in Qualified Theft Cases in the Philippines
How a cashier's breach of trust led to 30 counts of qualified theft, and what the Supreme Court ruled on penalties.
Double Taxation: Manila's Local Tax Ordinance and the Limits of Revenue Power
When a city taxes the same business twice under the same ordinance, courts will step in. Learn the double taxation rule from this Supreme Court case.
The Fine Line Between Entrapment and Instigation in Philippine Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies entrapment vs. instigation in drug busts, and why informants' tips remain valid.
Upholding Real Estate Mortgage Validity Forgery Claims AND DUE Diligence IN Banking Transactions
Loss of Trust and Confidence as a Just Cause for Dismissal: When Employers Can Terminate
Learn when Philippine employers may validly dismiss employees for loss of trust and confidence, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Medical Negligence and the Standard of Care: Physician Liability in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a doctor's failure to operate constitutes reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, and when it does not.
Customs Broker Accreditation Struck Down: Redundant Licensing Under the Customs Brokers Act
Supreme Court nullifies BOC accreditation requirement for customs brokers, affirming PRC's exclusive regulatory power under RA 9280.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder Cases
How eyewitness identification, not motive, seals convictions for murder and frustrated murder under Philippine law.
Writ OF Possession Establishing Actual Possession FOR Third Party Intervention
Habeas Corpus and Child Custody: Where to File and When a Court Has Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that a habeas corpus writ for child custody is enforceable across the entire judicial region, not just the city where filed.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Supreme Court Clarifies Penalty and Damages
Supreme Court modifies kidnapping conviction to special complex crime of kidnapping for ransom with homicide, affirming reclusion perpetua and awarding damages.
Upholding Professional Integrity Lawyers Association With Questionable Individuals Leads TO Suspension
Dishonesty IN THE Workplace Severity OF Misconduct AND Proportionality OF Dismissal
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: What People v. Fang Means for Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying buy-bust operations, chain of custody rules, and the weight of police testimony under RA 9165.
Unlawful Drug Testing Protecting Constitutional Rights Against Unreasonable Intrusion
Buy-bust drug sale conviction upheld; the Court clarifies when non-compliance with Section 21 inventory rules is excusable.
Divorce AND Property Rights Protecting Marital Unions IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on divorce and property rights, protecting marital unions under Philippine law.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Legality and Admissibility of Evidence in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on buy-bust operations, evidence admissibility, and chain of custody in drug cases under RA 9165.