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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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.
Public Space vs Private Gain: When Loan Agreements Undermine Public Land Rights
Supreme Court rules loans secured by public plaza are void; public dominion property cannot be collateralized for commercial ventures.
Security of Tenure and CES Appointments: Lessons from De Castro v. Carlos
Explaining when a government position belongs to the Career Executive Service and what security of tenure really means for presidential appointees.
Security of Tenure vs AWOL: Protecting Employee Rights in Contested Elections
Supreme Court ruling on dropping employees from rolls for AWOL during contested mayoralty elections, upholding security of tenure.
Security OF Tenure Illegal Dismissal AND THE Rights OF Security Guards
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity Over Strict Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 suffices when the drug's integrity and evidentiary value are preserved.
Lawyers Must Personally Sign Pleadings: Ethics Rules on Delegating Legal Work
A lawyer who lets a secretary sign pleadings violates legal ethics. The Supreme Court explains why delegation to non-lawyers is prohibited.
When Can Courts Dismiss a Case for Failure to Prosecute? A Land Registration Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for dismissing a case for failure to prosecute, using a land registration dispute as the backdrop.
Seafarers' Hyperthyroidism and Disability Benefits: The Disputable Presumption of Work-Relatedness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' hyperthyroidism claims, the disputable presumption of work-relatedness, and disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Seafarer Wins Disability Benefits for Non-Work-Related Illness Under POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers can claim disability benefits for illnesses not listed as occupational diseases under the POEA-SEC, if work contributed.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: How Philippine Courts Protect Borrowers
A Supreme Court ruling shows that a deed of sale used to secure a loan may be treated as an equitable mortgage, not a transfer of ownership.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The Necessity of an Unbroken Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because the prosecution failed to prove an unbroken chain of custody, underscoring the strict evidentiary standard.
Corporate Reorganization, Presidential Alter Ego Doctrine, and Security of Tenure Limits
Supreme Court clarifies when government corporate boards may reorganize, reassign officers, and drop employees for poor performance without violating tenure.
Dual Office Holding: Constitutional Limits on Executive Appointments
Supreme Court rules Cabinet members cannot hold concurrent offices, even temporarily, under Section 13, Article VII of the Constitution.
Retrenchment Validity: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites for valid retrenchment and when quitclaims bar illegal dismissal claims in Pepsi-Cola v. Molon.
Trust Receipt vs. Loan: When a Security Agreement Becomes a Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trust receipt arrangement is actually a loan, affecting liability and criminal exposure.
Shareholder Rights Demanding Corporate Transparency Through Inspection Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on stockholder inspection rights under Section 74 of the Corporation Code and the limits of judicial review of prosecutorial findings.
Airport Security vs Personal Rights: Striking the Balance in Drug Possession Cases
How the Supreme Court reconciled airport security searches with constitutional rights in a drug possession case, and what it means for travelers.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Nacua Teaches About Safeguarding Evidence
In People v. Nacua, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug accused because police failed to follow the chain of custody rules under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Probable Cause vs Evidentiary Weight: The DOJ Secretary’s Review Power Delineated
The Supreme Court clarifies when the DOJ Secretary oversteps by weighing evidence in a preliminary investigation, not just determining probable cause.
Second Chances: Reinstating Disbarred Attorneys Through Judicial Clemency in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court reinstated a disbarred lawyer through judicial clemency, and the guidelines for seeking a second chance.
Falsification and Probable Cause: Protecting Individuals From Baseless Criminal Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutors' findings and what probable cause requires in falsification cases.
Falsification of Documents: Probable Cause and Presumptions of Regularity
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when allegations of falsification are enough to warrant prosecution, and the weight given to notarized documents.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
A 2012 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that substantial compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 suffices when the drug evidence's integrity remains intact.