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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Child Abuse Under RA 7610: Intent as the Key Element
The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to debase or degrade is essential to prove child abuse under RA 7610.
Demurrage and Detention Fees: Supreme Court Clarifies Tax Treatment for International Shipping
The Supreme Court ruled demurrage and detention fees are subject to regular corporate income tax, not the preferential Gross Philippine Billings rate.
Finality of Monetary Awards in Labor Cases: The Tan v. Dagpin Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court's Tan v. Dagpin ruling protects final labor judgments from recomputation after full payment.
Laches in Philippine Law: How Delay Can Bar Your Legal Claims
Learn how the doctrine of laches can bar legal claims in the Philippines, even before the prescriptive period expires, through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ang v. Abaldonado.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Sebilleno
The Supreme Court acquitted Gilbert Sebilleno after finding serious gaps in the chain of custody of the seized drugs, reaffirming strict compliance with Section 21 of R.A. 9165.
Chain of Custody Gaps and Missing Witnesses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police fail to justify missing Section 21 witnesses, breaking the chain of custody.
Hereditary Succession in Agrarian Reform: Supreme Court Ruling on Tenant Beneficiary Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies how farmholdings under PD 27 pass to heirs, emphasizing DAR's authority over succession and owner-cultivator selection.
Understanding Rape and Lascivious Conduct: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies rape, sexual assault, and lascivious conduct distinctions, penalties, and victim testimony standards.
Understanding the Principle of Totality of Infractions in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the totality of infractions principle works in Philippine labor law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on employee dismissal.
Disbarment Cases Survive a Complainant’s Death: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that disbarment cases proceed despite a complainant's death, and explains the evidence needed to prove lawyer misconduct.
Strained Relations Doctrine Reinstated: When Separation Pay Beats Reinstatement in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when strained relations justify separation pay over reinstatement, even for rank-and-file employees.
Court Personnel Misconduct in the Philippines: Consequences and Remedies
Explains the Supreme Court's ruling on court personnel misconduct, its consequences, and the remedies available to affected litigants in the Philippines.
Presence During Hazing as Prima Facie Evidence: The Supreme Court's Ruling on the Anti-Hazing Law
The Supreme Court upheld the Anti-Hazing Law's presumption that presence during hazing is prima facie evidence of participation as a principal.
Navigating Presumptive Death: Legal Requirements for Declaring a Spouse Deceased in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict "well-founded belief" standard for declaring a spouse presumptively dead under Article 41 of the Family Code.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof of Loss
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles, emphasizing the importance of proving the unavailability of prior sources under Republic Act No. 26.
Accountants Liability Scope Of Responsibility In Disallowed Government Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies when government accountants may be excused from solidary liability for disallowed payments under COA rules.
Baptismal Certificates and Inheritance Rights: Proving Filiation in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified when baptismal certificates can prove filiation and inheritance rights in Philippine property disputes.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Evidence in Drug Paraphernalia Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug paraphernalia accused due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict Section 21 compliance.
Notarizing Documents for Relatives: Ethical Boundaries in Philippine Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when notarizing documents for relatives violates notarial rules, with practical guidance for lawyers.
Negligence in Notarial Practice: Securing Notarial Seals and Upholding Professional Responsibility
A notary's duty to safeguard his seal is absolute. Learn from a lawyer suspended for negligence over forged documents bearing his notarial seal.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Lawyers Responsibility Beyond Professional Capacity
A lawyer's duty to a client does not end with accepting a case. The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their ethical obligations in this disciplinary case.
Upholding Public Trust Dismissal FOR Gross Neglect IN Government Service
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of DPWH official for gross neglect of duty, clarifying the standard of care for public officers handling public funds.
Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Duty of Diligence and Failing to File Appellant's Brief
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and update his address led to dismissal of his client's appeal and a six-month suspension.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Court Guidance on Fair Land Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, emphasizing adherence to DAR formulas.