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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Court Interpreter Suspended for Incompetent Translations: A Lesson in Judicial Accountability
The Supreme Court suspended a court interpreter for inefficiency and incompetence in translating testimonies, underscoring the critical role of accurate interpretation in the judiciary.
Understanding the Consequences of Notarization Errors: A Guide to Notarial Responsibilities in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines court employees for incompetence and inefficiency, and what this means for notarial responsibilities in the Philippines.
When Church Governance Prevails: Minister Reassignment and Labor Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pastor's non-reappointment is an ecclesiastical affair beyond labor tribunals' jurisdiction, and why courts respect church autonomy.
Seafarers Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Referral and Compensability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim fails for skipping the mandatory third-doctor referral under the POEA-SEC.
Transporting Illegal Drugs: The Reach of the Law Extends Beyond the Destination
The Supreme Court clarifies that transporting illegal drugs is a crime even if the destination is never reached.
When Bad Faith in a Franchise Sale Triggers Damages: Arcinue v. Baun
A franchise sold without the franchisor's approval can lead to damages liability. The Supreme Court explains the rules on bad faith, survival of actions, and interest.
Acquittal in Drug Case Highlights Strict Chain of Custody and Witness Rules
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect, stressing strict compliance with chain of custody and required witnesses under RA 9165.
Understanding Illegal Drug Possession Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court acquittal in a drug buy-bust case highlights strict rules on evidence and witness presence.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, underscoring the chain of custody rule.
Reasonable Doubt and Illegal Drug Sales: Safeguarding the Constitutional Presumption of Innocence
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police buy-bust procedures and evidence integrity raised reasonable doubt.
Quorum Quandaries: Questioning Corporate Meeting Legitimacy Beyond Election Contests
When does a challenge to a corporate meeting's validity become an election contest? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the 15-day rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling shows why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is vital in drug cases. Learn the chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Overturn a Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failure to secure required witnesses during drug evidence inventory can lead to acquittal.
Relaxation of Procedural Rules Ensures Substantial Justice Prevails Over Technicalities in Certiorari Petition
Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules to resolve merits of case involving memorial lot purchase, affirming RTC decision annulling contract.
Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Employees Must Prove in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and when it amounts to constructive dismissal, and who bears the burden of proof.
Non-Payment of Debts and Insubordination in Court Employment: A Cautionary Tale
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee's failure to pay debts and defiance of Court orders can lead to dismissal from service.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police breached the chain of custody rule under Section 21, RA 9165, creating reasonable doubt.
Mandatory Retirement vs. Reappointment Rights in Philippine State Universities
Supreme Court clarifies that mandatory retirement age does not automatically end a valid reappointment term of a state university president.
Double Jeopardy, Forum Shopping, and the Immutability of Judgments in Family Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, forum shopping, and indirect contempt in a family property dispute under RA 9262.
Understanding Attorney Negligence Duties and Consequences in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies a lawyer's duty of diligence, when accepting fees creates an attorney-client relationship, and the penalties for neglect.
Airport Security VS Personal Rights Balancing Safety AND Consent IN Drug Possession Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations clarifies when police must follow Section 21 of RA 9165 and how procedural lapses can lead to acquittal.
Malicious Mischief in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when destroying property in a dispute becomes malicious mischief, and why claims of ownership do not justify taking the law into one's own hands.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance with Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 witness requirements, stressing the need for strict chain of custody compliance.