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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Res Judicata in the Philippines: When a Dismissed Case Cannot Be Refiled
Learn when a dismissed case can be refiled in the Philippines and how res judicata bars re-litigation, based on a Supreme Court ruling on failure to prosecute.
Understanding Penalties and Probation: Key Insights From a Landmark Social Security Fraud Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies penalties for SSS fraud, probation disqualification, and why courts cannot impose outdated sentences.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict because police failed to secure required witnesses for the inventory, explaining the strict chain of custody rule.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: The 120/240-Day Rule and Third Doctor Assessment
Learn how the 120/240-day rule and third doctor assessment affect seafarer disability claims, and when the POEA-SEC governs over a CBA.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittals
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Proving Bad Faith and Undue Injury in Graft Cases: The Renales and Roque Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted two Navy officers of graft, clarifying what prosecutors must prove beyond reasonable doubt under Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019.
Excise Tax Exemptions on Petroleum Sold to International Carriers: Key Lessons from Pilipinas Shell
The Supreme Court clarifies that excise tax exemptions under Section 135 benefit manufacturers and importers, not just international carriers, and explains refund rules.
Protecting Privacy and Security: Understanding the Writ of Amparo in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that the writ of amparo protects families of suspected rebels from surveillance, upholding privacy and spousal privileges.
The Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When a Civil Case Outcome Bars Criminal Prosecution
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the prejudicial question doctrine to dismiss falsification charges after a civil case settled the core issue.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Why Prosecutorial Consent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that plea bargaining in drug cases requires prosecutorial consent; courts cannot force a plea agreement over the prosecution's objection.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Why Prosecutors' Consent Matters Under Rule 116
The Supreme Court voids a drug conviction where the trial court approved a plea bargain over the prosecution's objection, reaffirming Rule 116.
Employer Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for unremitted SSS contributions, damages, and penalties under the Social Security Act.
Security Guard Negligence and Damnum Absque Injuria: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on security agency liability, negligence, and the principle of damnum absque injuria, explained for property owners and agencies.
Unlocking Overtime and Night Shift Pay: A Landmark Ruling for Philippine Workers
The Supreme Court clarifies when security guards and other workers can claim overtime and night shift differential pay, and what evidence suffices.
SEC v. COA: Retained Income, Provident Funds, and the Limits of Agency Discretion
The Supreme Court ruled on when government agencies may use retained income for personnel benefits, and who must refund disallowed amounts.
SEC vs COA: Retained Earnings and Provident Fund Contributions Explained
A clear breakdown of the Supreme Court ruling on using retained earnings for provident fund contributions and officer liability.
Navigating Work-Related Illnesses: Seafarer Compensation Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects seafarers' disability claims for work-related illnesses under the POEA-SEC, including key presumptions and employer responsibilities.
Chain of Custody and the Objective Test: Why Drug Convictions Fail
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused where the prosecution failed the objective test and chain of custody rules.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Scope and Limits Under Section 13 of R.A. 3019
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials may be preventively suspended pending trial, including for offenses under R.A. 6713 involving fraud upon government funds.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: What People v. Baja Means for Philippine Criminal Cases
A granted demurrer to evidence is an acquittal. The Supreme Court explains why further prosecution is barred by double jeopardy.
COMELEC Cannot Disqualify Candidates for Election Offenses: Erice v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules COMELEC exceeded its jurisdiction in disqualifying a candidate for an election offense not listed under Section 68 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Understanding the Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme
A Supreme Court ruling on drug possession shows why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165, is essential for conviction.
Understanding the Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Drug Cases: Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is crucial.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify deviations from Section 21 of RA 9165, highlighting the importance of chain of custody.