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.
Hot Pursuit Arrests and Drug Evidence: What Adoma v. People Teaches Law Enforcement
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, clarifying the rules on hot pursuit arrests and the chain of custody of seized evidence.
Intelligence and Confidential Funds: Limits on Local Government Spending
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may use intelligence and confidential funds, and the liability of officials who misuse them.
What a Notarized Deed Must Have: Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling on notarization requirements in a family property dispute, and what it means for heirs and property owners.
Ultra Vires Acts and Contract Validity: The SSS Loan Case Explained
When government agencies exceed their powers, contracts may be void. The Supreme Court explains ultra vires acts and their impact on Philippine contracts.
Intellectual Disability in Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when intellectual disability must be proven by clinical evidence in rape prosecutions, and why it matters.
Chain of Custody Integrity Key to Successful Drug Possession Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug possession accused due to unjustified non-compliance with Section 21 witness requirements under RA 9165.
Child Sexual Abuse Under RA 7610: Key Ruling on Section 5(b) vs. 10(a)
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual abuse of a child falls under Section 5(b) rather than 10(a) of RA 7610, affecting penalties and prosecution.
Understanding Estafa in Trust Receipt Transactions: Key Lessons from Barlin v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estafa under Article 315(1)(b) to trust receipt violations, and what businesses should know.
Navigating Collective Negotiation Agreement Incentives in Philippine Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies when CNA incentives may be granted to managerial employees and who must refund disallowed amounts.
The Limits of Certiorari and the Finality of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an acquittal can still carry civil liability, and the procedural consequences of filing a demurrer to evidence.
The Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When a Civil Case Outcome Bars Criminal Prosecution
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the prejudicial question doctrine to dismiss falsification charges after a civil case settled the core issue.
Employer Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for unremitted SSS contributions, damages, and penalties under the Social Security Act.
Understanding Juridical Possession and Its Impact on Estafa Convictions in the Philippines
A branch manager's conviction for estafa was reversed because she lacked juridical possession of goods—explaining a key element of Article 315.
Local Business Tax Situs and Jurisdiction: Lessons from the Villanueva v. STEAG Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified local business tax situs and why appeals in local tax cases must go to the CTA, not the CA.
Navigating Employee Dismissal: Negligence, Reinstatement, and the Burden on Employers
A look at Asian Terminals v. Reyes on when negligence justifies dismissal, reinstatement rights, and the employer's burden of proof.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court upheld a conviction for lascivious conduct under RA 7610, clarifying how minors are protected from sexual abuse.
Res Ipsa Loquitur and Hearsay Evidence in Philippine Vehicular Accident Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when res ipsa loquitur can overcome hearsay objections to traffic accident reports in insurance subrogation claims.
Racist Behavior as Serious Misconduct: What Ocampo v. International Ship Crew Management Means for Philippine
The Supreme Court ruled that a ship captain's racist treatment of crew members justifies dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.
Navigating Work-Related Illnesses: Seafarer Compensation Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects seafarers' disability claims for work-related illnesses under the POEA-SEC, including key presumptions and employer responsibilities.
Understanding Judicial Clemency: A Guide to Reinstatement for Disbarred Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's 2021 ruling in Ricafort sets new guidelines for judicial clemency petitions by disbarred lawyers seeking reinstatement.
Understanding Qualified Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Key Insights from a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when rape of a mentally disabled adult is qualified statutory rape, and the role of DNA evidence.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Legal Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies how rape of a mentally disabled victim is classified and punished.
Trademark Cancellation: When Registration Does Not Guarantee Ownership
The Supreme Court explains when a trademark registration can be cancelled despite the prima facie presumption of ownership it grants.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Key Insights From a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when seafarers can claim total disability benefits, emphasizing the weight of company-designated physician assessments.