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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Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Protecting Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court upholds a drug conviction, clarifying buy-bust validity, chain of custody rules, and evidentiary standards under RA 9165.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: When Absence Is Not Enough to Fire an Employee
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employee absence is not abandonment, and what employers must prove to justify dismissal.
When a Deceased Defendant Is Named in a Collection Case: Jurisdiction and Solidary Liability Rules
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what happens when a defendant dies before a collection suit is filed, and how solidary obligations affect the case.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When no eyewitness exists, circumstantial evidence can convict. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in People v. De la Cruz.
When Company Benefits AND Legal Title Collide Establishing Ownership Through Resulting Trusts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that paying for an asset registered in another's name creates a resulting trust, even in employee benefits.
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.
Filing Deadlines on Weekends and Holidays: The Rule on Extended Periods in Philippine Courts
When an extended filing deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, Philippine courts allow filing on the next working day—here's the rule.
Solicitation and Impropriety: Disbarment for Lawyers Violating Professional Ethics
A labor arbiter who solicited money from a litigant and distorted a final ruling was disbarred for gross misconduct and immorality.
Military Retirement Credit for Civilian Service Under PD 1638: Reblora Case
Supreme Court clarifies how prior civilian government service counts toward military retirement under PD 1638, as amended.
Dismissal for Dishonesty Upheld: PAGCOR Dealers' Craps Fraud Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers for serious dishonesty in rigged craps game, clarifying administrative due process rules.
Upholding Dismissal for Dishonesty When Casino Employees Betray Public Trust
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers who declared void craps throws as good dice, defrauding the house.
Final Judgments and Supervening Events: When Execution Cannot Be Stopped
A sale of property after judgment finality does not automatically stop execution. The Supreme Court explains the limits of supervening events.
Civil Liability in BP 22 Cases: The Importance of Explicit Findings in Acquittal
An acquittal in a BP 22 case does not automatically extinguish civil liability. The Court explains when it does.
Acquittal Does Not Erase Civil Liability: B.P. 22 Case Clarifies Separate Civil Aspect
An acquittal in a B.P. 22 case does not automatically extinguish civil liability. The Supreme Court explains when civil claims survive.
Final Judgment vs Supervening Events: When Execution Can Be Stopped
The Supreme Court explains when a supervening event can stop execution of a final judgment, using a partition case as example.
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.
Protecting Trademarks: Unauthorized Refilling Constitutes Infringement And Unfair Competition
Unauthorized refilling of LPG cylinders bearing registered trademarks is trademark infringement and unfair competition, the Supreme Court ruled.
Challenging Buy-Bust Operations: Upholding Regularity and Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buy-bust operations are valid, how to rebut the presumption of police regularity, and limits of drug paraphernalia liability.
Double Insurance Claims: When CBA Hospitalization Benefits Exclude Other Insurer Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether CBA hospitalization benefits can be claimed alongside other health insurance payments. Key ruling explained.
Choosing the Right Appeal: Rule 41 vs. Rule 42 in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when to use an ordinary appeal versus a petition for review in property cases, emphasizing the importance of the correct mode of appeal.
Accountability in Homicide: Liability Beyond the Mortal Blow
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a co-assailant in a fatal mauling can be convicted of homicide even without delivering the fatal blow.
Employer-Employee Relationship: The Control Test and SSS Coverage for Farm Workers
When does a farm worker become a regular employee entitled to SSS coverage? The Supreme Court explains the control test and its implications.
DARAB Jurisdiction and Land Sale Nullification: Key Lessons from a 2013 Ruling
When can the DARAB nullify a land sale? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of its jurisdiction in this 2013 ruling.