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.
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The Prosecutor's Consent in Plea Bargaining: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a prosecutor's consent is indispensable for a valid plea bargain in drugs cases.
Ensuring Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody. Learn the strict rules police must follow under RA 9165.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Legal Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies how rape of a mentally disabled victim is classified and punished.
Supreme Court: Lawyers Cannot Delegate Legal Work to Non-Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on professional responsibility—lawyers cannot delegate legal tasks to non-lawyers. Know the limits.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable under the POEA Standard Employment Contract, and the burden of proof required.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Doctor's Assessment Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent despite a company doctor's partial disability rating.
Serious Misconduct at Work: When Can an Employee Be Dismissed?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when serious misconduct justifies dismissal and whether benefits are automatically forfeited upon termination.
Lost Court Records and Prescription: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
When loans and mortgages go uncollected for years, prescription can cancel them. A 2021 Supreme Court ruling explains how.
Resignation vs. Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains when resignation bars an illegal dismissal claim and when procedural due process still matters.
Special Administrators in Estate Cases: Residency Matters More Than Citizenship
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that residency, not citizenship, determines who may serve as special administrator in estate proceedings.
When a Verbal Land Sale Is Enforceable: The Statute of Frauds Exception
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a verbal sale of real property is enforceable despite the Statute of Frauds, citing partial performance.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn the elements of qualified trafficking in persons under RA 9208 through a Supreme Court case on a minor exploited in a videoke bar.
Understanding Treachery In Murder Cases Insights From A Recent Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, its elements, and practical implications from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Treachery in Homicide Cases: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when treachery qualifies killing to murder, and when it does not.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Decision
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, using People v. Pereira to explain the rules on qualifying circumstances, self-defense, and damages.
Probate Notices: Personal Notification of Known Heirs Is Mandatory in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that publication alone is not enough; known heirs must receive personal notice in probate proceedings.
Navigating Fraud in Land Patent Applications: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when the State can cancel a free patent obtained through fraud, even if the land is no longer public domain.
Understanding Estafa and Falsification: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A disbarment case clarifies the evidentiary standard for lawyer discipline and the role of a Special Power of Attorney in signing judicial affidavits.
Understanding the Limits of Garnishment in Tax Collection: Insights From the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that impeachment only removes an official from office, not forfeits retirement benefits without judicial conviction.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Why Court-Appointed Commissioners Are Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appointing commissioners to determine just compensation in expropriation cases is mandatory, even under RA 8974.
Understanding Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lascivious conduct and other child abuse under RA 7610, modifying a conviction and imposing a heavier penalty.
DNA Testing in Paternity Disputes: Supervening Events and Final Judgments in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supervening event can stop a final DNA testing order in paternity cases.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence and Its Consequences: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's failure to attend hearings amounts to negligence, and why clients cannot simply withdraw disciplinary cases.
Understanding Treachery and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy doctrines in a murder conviction, and what this means for criminal cases.