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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Second Chance Appeals: COMELEC's Duty to Allow Correction of Election Fee Payments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for a corporation's unpaid obligations under the Corporation Code.
Corporate Officer Liability for Bad Faith Under Section 31 of the Corporation Code
When can corporate officers be personally liable for corporate obligations? The Supreme Court explains bad faith and gross negligence under Section 31.
Dismissal for Absence Without Leave: Upholding Public Service Integrity
Court stenographer dropped from rolls for prolonged AWOL and unauthorized foreign travel. Learn the rules on absences without leave in Philippine public service.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Philippine Judiciary: What the Supreme Court Says
Explore how the Supreme Court treats habitual absenteeism among judges and court personnel, and the disciplinary consequences under Philippine law.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape Conviction Upheld for Abuse of a Mentally Retarded Woman
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a man who sexually abused a mentally retarded woman, clarifying rules on witness credibility and insanity defenses.
Supreme Court on Sandiganbayan Appeals: Credibility Findings Bind Review
Learn how the Supreme Court limits appeals from the Sandiganbayan to questions of law, and why witness credibility findings are conclusive.
Temperate Damages in Construction Breach: When Proof of Loss Falls Short
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts award temperate damages instead of actual damages in construction contract breaches.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Substantial Compliance Suffices for Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Rusiana on chain of custody, substantial compliance, and conviction for illegal sale of drugs.
Minor Defects in Election Returns Do Not Justify Exclusion from Canvass
The Supreme Court rules that minor defects in election returns are not grounds for exclusion in a pre-proclamation controversy.
Gender Equality in Retirement: Challenging Discriminatory Collective Bargaining Agreements
When can a flight attendant challenge a discriminatory retirement age in court? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over CBA provisions.
Final Judgments Are Immutable: Withdrawal of Complaint and Property Dispute Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a final judgment from modification in a property dispute, and what this means for your rights.
When Illness Leads to Dismissal: Proving Abandonment in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, abandonment of work, and employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
Safeguarding the Electorate's Will: Evidence in Election Result Exclusion
The Supreme Court ruled that while procedural lapses may be excused in pre-proclamation cases, the exclusion of election returns must rest on substantial evidence.
Speedy Trial vs Demurrer to Evidence: Protecting the Accused's Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a motion to dismiss for speedy trial violation and a demurrer to evidence, protecting accused rights.
Possession vs. Sale: Proving the Distinction in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies why illegal sale and illegal possession of drugs are separate crimes requiring distinct proof, acquitting on one charge.
Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure: Attaching Creditors, Notice, and the Equity of Redemption
When a chattel mortgage is foreclosed, who must receive notice of the sale? The Supreme Court clarifies the rights of attaching creditors.
Cashier's Failure to Report Time Card Tampering Justifies Dismissal for Breach of Trust
Supreme Court ruling on cashier dismissal for failing to report time card tampering, explaining breach of trust and due process in Philippine labor law.
Certiorari Not a Substitute for Lost Appeal: Lessons from Republic v. Yang Chi Hao
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, even in naturalization cases where the government seeks to question a trial court's ruling.
Mitigating Circumstances and Indeterminate Sentences: Balancing Justice and Individual Factors in Robbery Case
A Supreme Court ruling on how analogous mitigating circumstances and the Indeterminate Sentence Law shape penalties in robbery convictions.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case Built on Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome reasonable doubt, emphasizing rigorous scrutiny of complainant's testimony.
Breach of Contract Assignees Rights and Developer Liability for Erroneous Construction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on developer liability for erroneous construction and the rights of lot buyers as assignees.
Naturalization Denied: Understanding Grave Abuse of Discretion in Citizenship Petitions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when certiorari is proper in naturalization cases and why appeal, not certiorari, is the correct remedy.
Compromised Evidence Acquittal in Drug Cases Due to Procedural Lapses in Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
VAT Credits for Real Estate Dealers: The Transitional Input Tax Rule
The Supreme Court ruled that real estate dealers may claim 8% transitional input tax credit on land inventory, not just improvements.