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.
Holding Company vs Financial Intermediary: Local Business Tax on Dividends
Supreme Court clarifies that holding companies receiving dividends are not non-bank financial intermediaries subject to local business tax under the Local Government Code.
Regular vs Project Employment: Employer Must Prove Employee Status at Hiring
Supreme Court clarifies that employers bear the burden of proving project employment status, requiring clear notice at the time of hiring.
Public Bidding and Travel Permits: When Mayors Fall Under Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of two mayors for violating Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law over irregular medicine purchases and unauthorized travel reimbursements.
Falsification of Public Documents: Intent to Injure Not Required for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that intent to injure is not an element of falsification of public documents under the Revised Penal Code.
Safeguarding Rights: The Critical Role of Witness Presence in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, underscoring strict chain of custody rules.
When Can Prosecution Amend an Information? Formal vs Substantial Amendment Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when the prosecution may amend a criminal information after arraignment, distinguishing formal from substantial amendments under Rule 110.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Lone Witness Testimony Fails to Convict
Supreme Court acquits accused of illegal firearm possession where prosecution relied solely on a compromised lone witness, underscoring proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Upholding Land Rights: Possession as a Shield Against Prescription in Reconveyance Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how actual possession of disputed land can defeat the defense of prescription in reconveyance actions.
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.
Emergency vs Employment: Gauging Just Cause for Dismissal in the Philippines
When can an employee be validly dismissed? The Supreme Court explains the elements of just cause and why a single emergency absence was not enough.
Robbery with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secures a Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Mancao on robbery with homicide, circumstantial evidence, and the presumption of guilt from possession of stolen property.
Habeas Corpus and Due Process: When Counsel's Negligence Affects a Defendant's Rights
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence can—and cannot—justify habeas corpus relief after a criminal conviction.
Former Judge's Conflict of Interest: Ethical Limits After Leaving the Bench
Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former judges and government lawyers accepting cases they previously handled.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails
A look at Centennial Transmarine v. Sales on disability grading, the 120-day rule, and CBA vs POEA-SEC benefits.
Probable Cause vs Due Process: Independent Judicial Assessment in Arrest Warrant Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between executive and judicial probable cause in arrest warrant issuance, and the limits of due process in preliminary investigation.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Company Officers Face Personal Liability
A corporate officer can be held personally liable for labor awards if the judgment is final. Learn the risks and rules.
Supreme Court Upholds Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Charges Over Lahar Quarrying
The Court explains when it will not interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings, even where injury to a landowner may exist.
Ancestral Land Disputes: When Regular Courts, Not NCIP, Have Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that the NCIP's jurisdiction over ancestral land disputes is limited to parties from the same indigenous group.
Limits of Mandamus: DepEd Not Compelled to Collect Loan Payments for Private Lenders
Supreme Court rules DepEd cannot be compelled by mandamus to collect and remit teacher loan payments for private lenders.
Government Lawyer's Suspension for Neglect of Duty and Improper Conduct Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a government employee's oversight becomes simple neglect versus conduct prejudicial to the service.
The Limits of Mandamus: When Courts Can Compel Government Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts can compel government action, explaining the limits of mandamus in government contract negotiations.
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.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Individual Liberties
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
Guarantee vs Suretyship: How Waiving Excussion Changes Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "guarantee" becomes a suretyship, and why a rehabilitation stay order does not protect a surety.