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.
Third Doctor's Opinion Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Clarifying Conflict Resolution Under POEA-SEC
Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's disability grade is determined by the company-designated physician's assessment, unless a third doctor's opinion is obtained.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Proper Identification in Legal Documents
A lawyer's notarial commission revoked and practice suspended for notarizing a deed using only a community tax certificate as identification.
Notarization Rules: When a Notary Public Violates the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice
The Supreme Court defines the strict personal appearance requirement for notarization and the penalties for violating notarial rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to justify non-compliance with Section 21's chain of custody rule.
Res Judicata and Litis Pendentia: Ending Endless Property Litigation in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court applied res judicata and litis pendentia to bar a second property case, preventing endless litigation over the same land.
Defense of Relatives and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when defense of relatives justifies a killing and why unlawful aggression is its indispensable requirement.
Seafarers' Rights: Establishing Work-Related Illness for Disability Benefits
SC ruling clarifies how seafarers can prove work-related illness for disability benefits, even without company physician assessment.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Cost of Skipping the Post-Employment Medical Exam
A seafarer who skips the company-designated post-employment medical exam forfeits disability claims. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its limits.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Led to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory. Learn the chain of custody rules.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Circumstantial Evidence and the Burden of Proof in Rape Cases
A father's rape conviction was reversed when circumstantial evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt, reaffirming the prosecution's burden in criminal cases.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery in murder cases, and why evident premeditation requires more proof.
Mining Rights Due Process Prevails Over Automatic Abandonment in Philippine Mining Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mining claims cannot be automatically abandoned for failure to file work obligation reports; due process must first be observed.
Dismissal for Immoral Conduct: Upholding Decency in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a process server for exposing himself to a janitress, ruling it disgraceful and immoral conduct—a second offense warranting the severest penalty.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: What the Zamora Case Teaches Litigants
Learn how the Supreme Court defines and penalizes forum shopping, and what the Zamora ruling means for litigants filing multiple cases.
PAGCOR Tax Landscape: Franchise Tax vs Income Tax Obligations Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR's tax liabilities: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and FBT obligations.
PAGCOR Tax Ruling Clarifies Income Tax, VAT, and Fringe Benefit Liability
Supreme Court ruling clarifies PAGCOR's tax liability: 5% franchise tax on gaming income, income tax on related services, and FBT obligations.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
Workplace Conduct: Upholding Decorum Among Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reminds court personnel that professionalism and decorum are non-negotiable, fining two employees for a workplace altercation.
Seafarers' Rights: Defining Total and Permanent Disability in Maritime Employment
When a company-designated physician fails to issue a final disability assessment within 120 or 240 days, a seafarer is deemed totally and permanently disabled.
Mental Health at Sea: Employer Liability for a Seafarer's Bipolar Disorder
A Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's bipolar disorder is compensable under the POEA contract and what employers must prove to avoid liability.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status and Continuous Possession
When can long possession overcome the lack of a DENR certification in land registration cases? The Supreme Court explains.
Mastermind Liability When Inducement Leads to Robbery and Carnapping
When a mastermind induces others to commit robbery and carnapping, Philippine law holds them fully liable for all consequences.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Discretion AND Duty IN Search Warrant Issuance
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability clarifies the balance between judicial discretion in search warrants and accountability for neglect.