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.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Mistakes Dont Justify Firing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is illegal dismissal, requiring proof of losses and fair selection criteria.
Understanding Drug Transportation and Chain of Custody Rules From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a buy-bust case clarifies when lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can lead to acquittal.
Mandatory SSS Coverage for Filipino Seafarers: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory SSS coverage of Filipino seafarers under RA 11199, ruling it constitutional and valid.
Extrajudicial Ejectment in Philippine Leases: What the CJH v. Aniceto Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrajudicial ejectment clauses in lease agreements are valid and enforceable in the Philippines.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Duty to Return Client Funds in the Philippines
When a lawyer fails to render service and keeps client money, the Supreme Court imposes suspension and restitution. Learn the rules.
Late Judicial Affidavits in Philippine Courts: When Late Submission Is Allowed
Learn when Philippine courts may allow late judicial affidavit submission under the Judicial Affidavit Rule, citing Say v. Dizon.
Navigating Public Convenience and Local Traffic Regulations: A Landmark Ruling on Jeepney Routes
The Supreme Court clarifies that certificates of public convenience do not override local traffic regulations, affirming local governments' power.
The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Insulating Witnesses Matter
A look at People v. Flores, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused due to a broken chain of custody under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Serious Dishonesty in Civil Service Exams: The Dampilag Ruling on Impersonation
The Supreme Court affirms that impersonation in civil service exams constitutes serious dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from service.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Why Following the POEA-SEC Medical Process Matters
A Supreme Court ruling shows why seafarers must follow the POEA-SEC's three-doctor rule or risk losing disability claims entirely.
Understanding Lawyer Disbarment: Deceit and Disrespect to Legal Processes in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how issuing worthless checks and evading legal proceedings can lead to a three-year suspension from law practice.
Government Procurement and Financial Accountability: Lessons from the Talisay City COA Disallowance Case
The Supreme Court upheld COA disallowances against Talisay City officials for procurement violations, clarifying rules on competitive bidding, budget realignment, and personal liability.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case due to the police's failure to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165, emphasizing the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Sheriffs Must Follow Procedure in Writ Execution or Face Administrative Liability
A sheriff's duty in executing a writ is ministerial but must strictly follow procedural rules, including notice periods, or face administrative sanctions.
Sheriffs Must Give Due Notice Before Enforcing Writs of Execution
A sheriff who evicts a party without the required notice commits grave abuse of authority. Learn the rules on writ enforcement.
Speed Limits and Local Governance: When Public Safety Measures Fail Legal Scrutiny
The Supreme Court voids a municipal speed limit ordinance for non-compliance with publication and RA 4136, underscoring the rule of law in local governance.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity in the Philippines
Why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is crucial in drug cases, and how broken chains lead to acquittal.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing the rule that preserves evidence integrity.
Judicial Longevity Pay: Crediting Prior Government Service for Justices and Judges
The Supreme Court ruled that prior OSG service may count toward judicial longevity pay, affecting retirement and salary benefits.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate in a drug possession case, stressing the mandatory witness requirements in the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
Onerous Donations: When Failure to Fulfill Conditions Leads to Revocation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to fulfill onerous donation conditions justifies revocation, and the prescriptive period for such actions.
Strict Compliance Required for Expropriation of Private Lands for Socialized Housing
Local governments must strictly follow RA 7279 and the LGC before expropriating private land for socialized housing; failure voids the taking.
Pre-Existing Conditions and Seafarer Disability Claims: Employer Obligations
A seafarer's pre-existing hypertension claim for disability benefits fails when he fails to follow the POEA-SEC process.
MCLE Disclosure Failures: Cruz v. Onshore Strategic Assets and Case Dismissal
A lawyer's failure to disclose MCLE compliance in pleadings can lead to dismissal of the case, as Cruz v. Onshore Strategic Assets shows.