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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Reasonable Doubt and Acquittal: Inconsistent Testimonies in Philippine Homicide Cases
How inconsistent prosecution testimonies can create reasonable doubt and lead to acquittal in Philippine homicide cases, as shown in Balina v. People.
Lascivious Conduct and Attempted Homicide: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes lascivious conduct from attempted homicide, and why the prosecution's evidence must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Chain of Custody and Proof Beyond Doubt in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate of attempted drug sale, stressing that prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt.
Property Disputes and Compromise Agreements: Lessons from the BASECO Case
A look at how the Supreme Court treated compromise agreements and property rights in a dispute involving the Province of Bataan and sequestered BASECO assets.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: The Supreme Court’s Stand on Prosecution Consent
A guilty plea to a lesser drug offense needs the prosecutor’s consent. Learn the rules and what the Court said in People v. Reafor.
CNA Incentive Caps and Employee Rights in the Public Sector: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies that CNA incentives in government are subject to DBM rules, including the P25,000 cap, and explains employee rights.
Understanding Evident Bad Faith in Graft Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court clarifies the element of evident bad faith in Section 3(e) R.A. 3019 cases and the crucial rule on variance of the mode of commission.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.
Understanding Tax Implications of Initial Public Offerings: Separate vs Joint Computation
The Supreme Court clarifies how IPO taxes on primary and secondary offerings are computed under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Can the DENR Secretary Cancel a Mining Agreement Without MGB Recommendation? The Awayan Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies the DENR Secretary's independent authority to cancel mining agreements without prior MGB recommendation, resolving a key procedural question.
Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies what the prosecution must prove in reckless imprudence resulting in homicide cases, and why mere negligence is not enough.
Navigating the Legal Boundaries of Government-Owned Corporations: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Rulin
The Supreme Court upheld the GOCC Governance Act, clarifying the limits of security of tenure and delegation of powers.
Lateral Transfers and Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
When a government employee's lateral transfer appointment is disapproved, does the employee automatically revert to a former position? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: The DAR Secretary's Role in Cancellation of Land Ownership Awards
Learn when the DAR Secretary—not the DARAB—has jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Landmark Ruling on Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term contracts are invalid and workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Understanding Regular vs Fixed-Term Employment: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A landmark ruling clarifies when fixed-term contracts are valid and when workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the strict chain of custody rule.
Understanding Seafarers' Rights to Compensation for Work-Related Illnesses
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is work-related and what benefits are due under the POEA-SEC.
Plea Bargaining and Government Representation: Lessons from the Garcia Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the OSG's limits in plea bargaining cases and the Ombudsman's authority over Sandiganbayan prosecutions.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Witnesses Under RA 9165
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, and what this means for future cases.
Backwages After a Return-to-Work Order: Lessons from ALECO v. ALEO
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when backwages are due after the Labor Secretary assumes jurisdiction over a strike and issues a return-to-work order.
Heirs Can Assert Succession Rights Without Prior Judicial Declaration: Treyes v. Larlar
The Supreme Court clarifies that legal heirs may enforce their successional rights in an ordinary civil action without first securing a judicial declaration of heirship.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules. Learn the requirements.
Chain of Custody in Drug Seizures: Why Witnesses at Arrest Matter in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21.