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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Psychological Incapacity Proving Marital Nullity Beyond Personality Traits
Supreme Court clarifies that personality flaws alone do not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36; evidence must show grave, incurable, rooted disorder.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing Section 21 witnesses. Learn the rules.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Drug Cases Hinges on Strict Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of innocence prevails.
Onerous Donations: When Failure to Fulfill Conditions Leads to Revocation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to fulfill onerous donation conditions justifies revocation, and the prescriptive period for such actions.
Workplace Violence and Serious Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Valid Dismissal
When does an employee's single infraction justify termination? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of serious misconduct as a just cause for dismissal.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Officers Are Solidarily Liable
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally and solidarily liable with the corporation, and when they cannot.
Upholding Land Rights: Possession as a Shield Against Prescription in Reconveyance Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how actual possession of disputed land can defeat the defense of prescription in reconveyance actions.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Demotion and Diminished Responsibilities Amount to Illegal Dismissal
When a reorganization demotes an employee in rank, duties, and salary, it can amount to constructive dismissal. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Emergency vs Employment: Gauging Just Cause for Dismissal in the Philippines
When can an employee be validly dismissed? The Supreme Court explains the elements of just cause and why a single emergency absence was not enough.
Robbery with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secures a Conviction
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Mancao on robbery with homicide, circumstantial evidence, and the presumption of guilt from possession of stolen property.
Strict Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Handling Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke the chain of custody. Learn the four links and why strict compliance matters.
Sheriff Dismissed for Soliciting Sexual Favors in Exchange for Duty Performance
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff who solicited sexual favors to implement a writ, underscoring ethical standards for court personnel.
Disbarment for Misleading the Court: Candor as a Lawyer's Highest Duty
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for misleading the court and breaching candor, reaffirming that honesty is the foundation of legal practice.
When Laws Change Mid-Case: Mootness Doctrine and Insurance Capital Rules
How the Supreme Court applied the mootness doctrine when a new law superseded the challenged insurance capitalization orders.
Conspiracy and Intent in Robbery with Homicide: Liability and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, intent to rob, and due process in robbery with homicide convictions.
Chain of Custody Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after police failed to mark, inventory, and photograph seized marijuana, breaking the chain of custody.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: Strict Chain of Custody Protects Liberty
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused due to broken chain of custody, reaffirming that strict compliance with Section 21 protects liberty.
Coddler or Co-Conspirator: The Fine Line of Liability in Drug Manufacturing Conspiracies
Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer becomes a co-conspirator, not just a coddler, in drug manufacturing under RA 9165.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Third-Doctor Rule Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when the mandatory third-doctor referral rule in seafarer disability claims does not apply, protecting seafarers' rights.
Implied Trust and Property Reconveyance: Ensuring Equitable Distribution Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies implied trust rules and property reconveyance among heirs in a family dispute over a Manila lot.
Forest Charges and Tax Refunds: Jurisdiction and Prescription in Philippine Tax Law
A 2019 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that forest charges are internal revenue taxes, so refund claims must go to the CIR within two years.
Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction of Uncle Despite Defense Claims of Inconsistent Testimony
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, relying on the victim's credible testimony and medical evidence over the defense's claims of inconsistency.
Habeas Corpus and Due Process: When Counsel's Negligence Affects a Defendant's Rights
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence can—and cannot—justify habeas corpus relief after a criminal conviction.
Chain of Custody Gaps Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: Lessons for Prosecutors
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused due to broken chain of custody, clarifying the strict rules under RA 9165.