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.
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.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Missing Witnesses Mean Acquittal
A drug conviction was reversed because police failed to secure media and DOJ witnesses during inventory. Learn the chain of custody rules.
Minimum Wage Law Exemption: Employers Must Apply and Prove Payment
Employers cannot claim minimum wage exemption without applying to the Regional Board; payrolls must be original to prove payment.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay in Ombudsman Proceedings Becomes Inordinate
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in Ombudsman investigations violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance With Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in Section 21 compliance, reaffirming the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Strict Compliance with Chain of Custody Rules in Drug Cases: People v. Acub
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to strictly comply with Section 21, RA 9165, on chain of custody.
When a Lawyer’s Dealings Warrant Suspension: Sanidad v. Aguas
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for one year for dishonest dealings in a property sale, applying Rule 1.01 of the CPR.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land Under RA 6657
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must value agrarian reform land under RA 6657, not just market price.
Government Control vs Corporate Structure: Defining Audit Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that government control, not corporate form, determines COA audit jurisdiction over corporations in the Philippines.
Arson and Homicide: How the Primary Motive Determines Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a fire is absorbed by arson or punished separately, based on the offender's main objective.
Upholding Constitutional Rights: The Imperative of Impleading Indispensable Parties in Seizure Cases
This case clarifies the Ombudsman's right to intervene in appeals from its administrative rulings, and the procedural rules that govern such intervention.
Qualifying Circumstances in Rape: When Minority and Relationship Raise the Penalty
The Supreme Court explains when rape is qualified by minority and relationship, and the damages a convicted offender must pay.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Father-Daughter Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a father's moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and why conviction stands.
Impleading Indispensable Parties in Damages Claims: The PNCC v. Superlines Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must implead indispensable parties in damages claims, applying the law of the case doctrine.
Employment Status and Control Test in Illegal Dismissal Cases: A Guide
Explaining how Philippine courts determine employment status and jurisdiction in illegal dismissal cases, using the Loreche-Amit v. CDMC ruling.
When Judges Interfere with Writs of Execution: A Lesson in Judicial Conduct
A judge who stopped a sheriff from implementing a writ of execution was fined for conduct unbecoming a judicial officer.
When a Station Search Goes Too Far: Hot Pursuit Arrests and Search Incident Limits
A valid hot pursuit arrest does not justify a later station house search. Know the limits of search incident to arrest.
Reassignment vs. Transfer: What Public School Teachers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public school teacher can be reassigned without consent, and how security of tenure applies.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Obligations: Understanding Novation and Continuing Guarantees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan restructuring extinguishes a surety's obligation and the binding effect of continuing guarantees.
Corporation By Estoppel: When Unregistered Entities Can Receive Valid Donations
Philippine law on corporation by estoppel and donations to unregistered entities, explained with practical guidance for donors and recipients.
SALN Violations and Government Ethics: Dishonesty vs Simple Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies when SALN omissions amount to dishonesty or mere simple negligence in San Diego v. Fact-Finding Investigation Committee.
When Renting a Room for Prostitution Is Not Trafficking: Key Distinction
Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between trafficking in persons and acts that promote trafficking under RA 9208.
Challenging Ombudsman Decisions: Certiorari vs. Appeal in Administrative Cases
Learn when to file certiorari instead of appeal against Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases, and the limits of the condonation doctrine.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow chain of custody rules under RA 9165, explaining why strict compliance matters.