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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Treachery and Conspiracy: Distinguishing Multiple Murder From Complex Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when killing several victims is separate murder counts, not a complex crime, despite treachery and conspiracy.
Unliquidated Claims When Repair Costs Cannot Offset Rental Payments IN Lease Agreements
When can a lessee offset repair costs against unpaid rent? The Supreme Court explains the rule on legal compensation in lease disputes.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Control in Insurance Agency Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an insurance agent becomes an employee, applying the four-fold test and control standard.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Valuation and Judicial Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies just compensation in agrarian reform, balancing Land Bank valuations with judicial discretion in eminent domain cases.
Insanity Plea in Parricide: Burden of Proof and the Limits of Jealous Rage
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability, and why jealous rage falls short.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility Determining Guilt in Murder Cases
Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, alibi, conspiracy, and treachery in multiple murder convictions.
Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: When a Written Resignation Is Not Voluntary
When is a resignation letter not a true resignation? The Supreme Court explains constructive dismissal and employer liability.
Fresh Period Rule in Administrative Cases: Panolino v. Tajala Explained
When does the Neypes fresh period rule apply? The Supreme Court clarifies it does not govern DENR administrative appeals.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Timely Medical Assessment and Permanent Disability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, the role of company-designated physicians, and the importance of timely medical assessment.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to establish the chain of custody of seized shabu, underscoring strict evidence rules.
PAGCOR v. Fontana: Contracts Bind Government Agencies Too
Supreme Court rules PAGCOR must honor its casino MOA with Fontana, affirming that contracts bind government agencies.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
Philippine Supreme Court explains when non-compliance with Section 21 RA 9165 is excused and why evidence integrity matters most.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Justice Despite Fugitive Status and Evidentiary Challenges
Supreme Court affirms kidnap-for-ransom conviction, dismisses fugitive's appeal, and clarifies damages awards under Philippine law.
Personal Liability of Corporate Officers: Limits on Altering Final Labor Judgments
When can corporate officers be personally liable in labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies limits on modifying final judgments.
When a Client Relieves Counsel: Withdrawal of Appeal and Compromise Agreements
A look at Bautista v. Seraph Management Group, Inc. on withdrawal of appeals, relieving counsel, and the validity of compromise agreements.
Client’s Right to Terminate Counsel and Withdraw Appeal: Bautista v. Seraph Management
Supreme Court affirms a client’s absolute right to fire counsel and withdraw an appeal, even if the lawyer doubts the client’s decision.
Limits of DARAB Jurisdiction: Certiorari Power and Agrarian Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction limits, certiorari power, and the finality of agrarian dispute decisions in just compensation cases.
Seafarers' Rights: Employer Liability for Illness Manifesting During Employment Despite Post-Contract Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits when illness manifests during employment but death occurs after contract term.
Common Carrier Defined: Resort Ferry Service Under Passenger Safety Rules
Supreme Court ruling that resort ferry services are common carriers, bound by extraordinary diligence for passenger safety.
Trust and Tax: Protecting Pension Funds Through Beneficial Ownership
How the Supreme Court protected a pension fund's tax-exempt income by recognizing beneficial ownership under Article 1452 of the Civil Code.
Accretion vs Public Domain: Private Land Rights Along Waterways in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accreted land along creeks belongs to private owners and when prescription applies.
Drug Use and Dismissal: Upholding Judicial Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for drug use and defiance of court orders, affirming strict standards for judiciary employees.
PEZA Authority Over Building Permits Prevails Over Ancestral Land Claims in Economic Zones
Supreme Court clarifies that PEZA, not local building officials, issues building permits within ecozones; CALC holders cannot build without PEZA permits.
Breach of Trust Estafa Conviction Affirmed for Failure to Return or Account for Jewelry
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction under Article 315(1)(b) when a jeweler fails to return or account for entrusted jewelry.