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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False Pretenses AND Corporate Liability Understanding Estafa IN Securities Sales
Union Security Clauses: Balancing Union Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on union security clauses, expulsion, due process, and unfair labor practice claims.
Jurisdictional Boundaries When Agrarian Disputes Fall Under DAR Secretarys Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB lacks jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases and why the DAR Secretary must resolve them.
Floating Status VS Illegal Dismissal Security Guards Rights IN THE Philippines
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: Reclassifying Public Positions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that Congress may reclassify public positions, and security of tenure follows the position's nature at the time of removal.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Defense of Alibi: Assessing Credibility in Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on how courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial and alibi in murder prosecutions, with practical guidance.
Independent Civil Actions and Criminal Liability: Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When does a civil case suspend a criminal prosecution? The Supreme Court clarifies the prejudicial question rule in estafa cases.
The Court's Duty of Independent Assessment in Dismissing Criminal Cases
When prosecutors move to withdraw an Information, trial courts must independently assess the merits—not just perfunctorily deny the motion.
Establishing Paternity Overcoming Denials AND Securing Child Support
Bigamy and Nullity of Marriage: When a Void Second Marriage Still Leads to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that a subsequent declaration of nullity of a second marriage does not erase criminal liability for bigamy.
Seafarers Disability Claims: POEA-SEC Governs Absent Proof of CBA Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies when POEA-SEC, not a CBA, governs seafarer disability pay; proof requirements for claiming superior CBA benefits.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Proper Procedure in Drug Cases
In People v. Oniza, the Supreme Court acquitted two accused of drug charges because police ignored the mandatory procedures under Section 21 of R.A. 9165.
Words Matter: Simple Misconduct and the Limits of Free Speech for Public Servants
A Sandiganbayan security guard's vulgar outburst at co-workers was simple misconduct, not grave. The ruling clarifies free speech limits for public servants.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Following POEA-SEC Dispute Procedures Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must follow the POEA-SEC third-doctor procedure in disability claims.
Ombudsman's Immunity Power Prevails in Protecting the State's Interest in Prosecuting Corruption
Supreme Court rules courts should defer to Ombudsman's grant of immunity to state witnesses in corruption cases, protecting prosecutorial discretion.
Court Employee's Vulgar Outburst: Simple Misconduct Under Civil Service Rules
When a Sandiganbayan security guard cursed co-workers, the Supreme Court ruled it was simple misconduct, not grave misconduct.
Security of Tenure Protection Against Forced Eviction for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries
The Supreme Court rules that forced eviction of agrarian reform beneficiaries is illegal, and threats can suspend the prescriptive period for filing claims.
Probable Cause and Conflicting Testimonies in Rape and Illegal Detention Cases
When may courts override prosecutors on probable cause? The Supreme Court clarifies in a case of rape, illegal detention, and conflicting testimonies.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
Fairness in Land Valuation: Ensuring Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts must value agrarian land under Section 17 of RA 6657, rejecting arbitrary formulas.
Defining Regular Employment Security Benefits FOR Seasonal Farm Workers IN THE Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal farm workers are regular employees entitled to SSS coverage and benefits under Philippine law.
Preserving Integrity Ensuring Drug Evidence Validity Despite Procedural Lapses IN Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused because police failed to follow Section 21 procedures, casting doubt on evidence integrity.
Unsatisfactory Performance: When Two Consecutive Bad Ratings Justify Dropping from the Rolls
The Supreme Court explains when two consecutive unsatisfactory performance ratings justify dropping a court employee from the rolls.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Criminal Prosecution
Supreme Court affirms conviction based on credible eyewitness identification, rejecting alibi and denial defenses in murder case.