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.
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.
Upholding Employers Prerogative Valid Suspension FOR Employee Misconduct
Supreme Court affirms that employers may validly suspend employees for misconduct, even when guest complaints are not firsthand testimony.
Seafarers' Rights: When Late Disability Assessments Mean Total Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a company doctor's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment entitles seafarers to total disability benefits.
From Murder to Homicide: Proving Treachery and Superior Strength in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and abuse of superior strength qualify killing as murder, and when they don't.
Common Carriers and Stolen Goods: The Extraordinary Diligence Standard in the Philippines
Philippine law holds common carriers liable for stolen goods unless theft involved grave threat or irresistible force. Learn the extraordinary diligence standard.
CNA Incentive Disallowance Upholds the Primacy of MOOE in Government Spending
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of CNA Incentive paid from EAO savings, clarifying that only MOOE may fund such incentives.
Premium Tax vs Cost of Service: Defining Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Supreme Court clarifies which taxes count as "cost of services" in computing MCIT for insurance companies, and when DST applies to policy increases.
Seafarers’ Rights: Employers Must Ensure Timely Medical Assessment and Treatment
A seafarer’s disability claim cannot be defeated by an employer’s delay in authorizing needed surgery or issuing a timely medical assessment.
Cargo Hijacking and Liability: Breach of Contract and Subrogation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears liability when a subcontracted truck carrying insured cargo is hijacked.
Divorce Recognition Redefining Spousal Capacity Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a Filipino spouse can remarry after a foreign divorce, even if they initiated it.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Quantum Meruit Claims Against the Government: Payment for Services Without a Written Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government on quantum meruit even without a written contract.
Presumption of Regularity vs Presumption of Innocence in Drug Cases: A Safeguard for the Accused
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that procedural lapses in buy-bust operations defeat the presumption of regularity and uphold the presumption of innocence.
Alias Writ of Possession: The Limits of Trial Court Authority in Appeal Dismissals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trial court may dismiss an appeal, and why orders of execution are not appealable.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Slight Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a harmful act is attempted murder or only slight physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill.
Protecting Seafarers: Employers Must Uphold Medical Obligations and Timely Pay Sickness Allowances
The Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot use a seafarer's missed check-up as an excuse to deny disability benefits when the employer failed to pay sickness allowance and approve treatment.
Buyer in Good Faith and Foreclosure Sales: When a Defective Auction Still Stands
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer in good faith can keep property even if the foreclosure sale had procedural defects.
Homeowners Rights vs Church Construction: Open Space Donation Validity
Supreme Court rules on open space donations in subdivisions, homeowners association rights, and church construction in Casa Milan case.
Treachery Unveiled: When Sudden Attack Does Not Mean Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attack alone does not prove treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide.
Real Property Tax: Who Pays When Ownership and Possession Differ
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies real property tax liability when the registered owner is not in possession, citing Herarc Realty v. Provincial Treasurer of Batangas.
Attorney's Dishonored Checks and Evasion Lead to Two-Year Suspension
A lawyer who issued worthless checks and evaded arrest was suspended for two years, reaffirming the high standards of honesty required of the bar.
Establishing Land Ownership: The Imperative of Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
Original registration of land requires open, continuous, exclusive, and notorious possession since June 12, 1945 or earlier. The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements.
When Sudden Attacks Don't Always Mean Treachery: Reassessing Criminal Liability in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden attack constitutes treachery in murder cases, and why self-defense claims fail without proof of unlawful aggression.
When a Corporate President Can Act Without Board Approval: Key Lessons from Colegio Medico v. Lim
A corporate president may act without board approval in ordinary business matters. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.