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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When Can a Judge Dismiss a Prosecutor's Case for Lack of Probable Cause?
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between a prosecutor's and a judge's power to determine probable cause in criminal cases.
Enforcing Money Judgments Against Local Government Units: Mandamus and the COA Route
The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus cannot compel an LGU to pay a final judgment; claims must first go through the Commission on Audit.
Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody—explaining marking, inventory, and photo requirements under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Lapses in Drug Cases: When Acquittal Becomes the Only Option
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Unraveling Implied Trusts Protecting Family Interests in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains implied resulting trusts in family property disputes, clarifying prescription, parol evidence, and ownership rights.
Challenging Drug Convictions THE Importance OF Chain OF Custody IN Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Self Defense Under Scrutiny: Establishing Credible Threat in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense claims fail in homicide cases, requiring credible threat and unlawful aggression.
Accrued Wages and Reinstatement: Employer's Obligation Despite Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must pay accrued wages when they delay reinstatement pending appeal, even if the dismissal is later upheld.
Judicial Independence and the Court's Power to Review Probable Cause for Arrest
When can a judge dismiss a case for lack of probable cause despite the prosecutor's finding? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review.
Protecting Children Parental Abuse AND THE Boundaries OF Family Rights IN THE Philippines
Grenade Attack and Complex Crimes: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for murder and frustrated murder from a single grenade attack, explaining complex crimes and the weakness of alibi against positive identification.
Redundancy vs Retrenchment: Protecting Employees From Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between redundancy and retrenchment, and the rules employers must follow to avoid illegal dismissal.
When Do Government Employees Lose Their Right to Allowances After Integration
Explaining when COLA and other allowances are deemed integrated into basic salary under the Salary Standardization Law, citing Land Bank v. Naval.
When Customary Law Meets Final Judgments: IPRA Jurisdiction and the Limits of Mandamus
The Supreme Court clarifies when customary laws apply under IPRA and why mandamus cannot overturn a final ejectment judgment.
Double Compensation Prohibited: Disability Benefits vs. Loss of Future Earnings in Maritime Claims
Supreme Court rules a seafarer cannot recover both disability benefits and loss of future earnings, as disability compensation already covers lost earning capacity.
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.
Tax Refund vs Tax Credit: Execution Requirements in Local Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of execution is needed for tax refunds or tax credits in local tax disputes.
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.
The Vital Chain Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts treat lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs, explained through People v. Yable.
Conditional Sale vs Contract to Sell: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell, and why buyers must pay the full price to own property.
Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantial Justice When a Lawyer’s Error Affects Your Case
When police skip procedural steps in drug cases, courts weigh technical lapses against the integrity of evidence and the accused’s rights.
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.
Finality of Judgments: The Binding Effect of Unchallenged Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on how an unchallenged labor decision becomes final, binding, and bars re-litigation of the same issues.
Redundancy vs Replacement: Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
When is a redundancy dismissal valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on redundancy and protects employees from disguised termination.