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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Death Abates Criminal and Civil Liability: Understanding Extinguishment of Penalties in Philippine Law
When an accused dies pending appeal, both criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished under Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Company-Designated Physicians
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 240-day rule on seafarer disability claims and the binding weight of company-designated physician assessments.
Control Test Decides Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Charlie Jao v. BCC Products Sales Inc. explains the control test and four elements determining employer-employee relationship.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction After 31 Years of Service
Supreme Court rules repeated rehiring in construction projects can convert project employment into regular employment with security of tenure.
Supreme Court Clarifies Control Test in Proving Employer-Employee Relationship
The Supreme Court affirms that control over an employee's conduct is the decisive test in determining employer-employee relationships in labor disputes.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: HLURB Primary Jurisdiction in Land Use Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that land use permit disputes must first be filed with HLURB before courts can intervene.
Chain of Custody Is Key: How Mishandling Evidence Can Overturn Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody. Learn the rules under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Frequent Unauthorized Absences: Court Clerk Suspended for Six Months
A court clerk's repeated absences without leave led to a six-month suspension, clarifying the strict rules on leave and attendance for government employees.
Perfecting Land Titles THE Complexities OF Acquisitive Prescription Against THE State IN THE Philippines
Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Ison v. Crewserve
SC rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment prevails over belated, unsupported certifications from seafarer's own doctors in disability claims.
Treachery in Criminal Law: How Intent and Sudden Attack Shape Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies killing as murder, requiring deliberate, sudden attack leaving victim no defense.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Negligence and Misuse of Funds
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, client funds, and the duty of diligence in Philippine legal practice.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Attorney Negligence
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, client funds, and the duty to return unearned fees—key lessons for clients.
Guilt by Circumstance: Conviction in Rape-Homicide Through Indirect Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for rape with homicide, and how the composite crime is defined.
Treachery in Criminal Law: How Sudden Attacks Determine Murder Convictions in the Philippines
Explore how treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law, as explained in People v. Asilan.
Unlawful Possession and the Vital Role of Evidence in Drug Offenses
How the Supreme Court weighed search warrant evidence, witness credibility, and denial defenses in a drug possession conviction.
Double Sales and Fraudulent Misrepresentation in Property Sales: The Roman Catholic Church v. Pante Case
A Supreme Court ruling on when misrepresentation voids a sale and how double sales are resolved under Philippine law.
Sheriff Fined for Overstepping Authority in Writ Implementation and Expense Handling
A sheriff who gave occupants three months to vacate, delayed reports, and took unapproved fees was fined P20,000 for neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming.
Acquisitive Prescription and Double Sales: When Long-Term Possession Confirms Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on how prior possession and good faith determine ownership in double sales of land.
Estafa Liability of Lawyers for Falsified Loan Documents Under Philippine Law
When can a lawyer be held liable for estafa for signing off on falsified loan documents? The Supreme Court explains in Cruz v. Gonzalez.
BUY Bust Operations Legality AND THE Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases
Timeliness is Key: Understanding the 15-Day Rule for Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why landowners must file just compensation cases within 15 days of the DARAB decision, or lose their right.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that the victim's positive identification outweighs the accused's weak defense of alibi.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability FOR Clerks OF Court IN Handling Judiciary Funds
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's suspension for mishandling judiciary funds, emphasizing public accountability and strict compliance with deposit rules.