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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Separate Convictions for Drug Sale and Possession: Protecting Public Safety and Upholding the Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that selling and possessing illegal drugs are distinct crimes, each carrying its own penalty under Philippine law.
Substitution of Evidence: Balancing Justice and Procedural Rules in Contract Disputes
When a bank filed a collection suit with an altered surety agreement, the Supreme Court ruled on substituting evidence and amending pleadings.
Breach of Trust and Misappropriation of Funds Justify Dismissal in Electric Cooperative
Supreme Court rules that misappropriating collections and gross negligence are valid causes for dismissing employees of an electric cooperative.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that positive identification by credible witnesses outweighs the defense of alibi in establishing guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape of a Minor: Upholding a Child Victim's Testimony in Statutory Rape Cases
In People v. Lazaro, the Supreme Court affirmed a statutory rape conviction, showing how child testimony, medical evidence, and settled doctrine sustain a guilty verdict.
Indigency Status Corporations Cannot Claim FEE Exemption Despite Aiding THE Poor
Philippine Supreme Court rules corporations cannot claim indigent litigant fee exemptions, even when serving the poor. Learn the legal basis.
Forum Shopping One Wrongful ACT One Legal Remedy Only
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forum shopping, one wrongful act, and the single legal remedy rule in civil procedure.
The Binding Nature of Counsel's Negligence: Upholding Procedural Rules in Labor Appeals
Explore how the Supreme Court addressed appeal bond requirements and procedural rules in labor cases, balancing technicalities with substantial justice.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Adherence to COMELEC Rules on Filing Fees
The Supreme Court underscores that failure to pay the correct appeal fee within the reglementary period is fatal to an election appeal before the COMELEC.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Law Protects Vulnerable Children
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for statutory rape of an 11-year-old girl, clarifying key rules on carnal knowledge and penalties.
When Heated Words Lead to Illegal Strikes: Balancing Free Speech and Order in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence, serious misconduct, and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
Management Prerogative vs Constructive Dismissal: When Transfer of Employees Is Valid
Supreme Court clarifies when a permanent transfer is valid management prerogative and not constructive dismissal, and when benefits may be reduced.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the need to immediately mark seized drugs.
Limits of Abuse of Superior Strength: Redefining Attempted Homicide in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when abuse of superior strength qualifies a crime, reducing a conviction from attempted murder to attempted homicide.
Mining Disputes and Contract Validity: When Courts Take Over From Arbitrators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining contract disputes.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Against Child Abuse Accusations
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a barangay tanod of child abuse, emphasizing that proof beyond reasonable doubt must anchor convictions.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Philippine Law
When police fail to mark seized drugs immediately and prove custody, the accused may be acquitted. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Can a Generic Term Like "Ginebra" Be Protected as a Trademark?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a generic word like "Ginebra" may acquire trademark protection through secondary meaning, and why preliminary injunctions demand a clear right.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: When the Government Takes Property Without Filing a Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation, consequential damages, and attorney's fees when government takes private property without expropriation proceedings.
Navigating Mining Disputes When Courts NOT Arbitrators Decide Contract Validity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining contract disputes.
Treachery Defined: How Surprise Attacks Determine Murder Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery, qualifying a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Court Personnel Extortion: Proving Guilt in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extortion by court personnel, explaining how guilt is proven in administrative cases and penalties.
Court Personnel and Immoral Conduct: When Private Acts Become Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how court employees' private immoral conduct can lead to administrative sanctions and suspension.
Guardianship for the Weak-Minded: Protecting Vulnerable Adults from Family Exploitation
Supreme Court affirms guardianship over mentally weak adult with vast estate, protecting her from relatives who dissipated her properties.