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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Understanding Retrenchment Legal Requirements and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies retrenchment rules: employers must prove serious losses, use fair criteria, and follow notice requirements.
Maritime Liability in Vessel Collisions: Fault, Insurance Claims, and the Code of Commerce
When vessels collide, determining liability depends on the cause of action—contract or tort. The Supreme Court clarifies the governing rules.
Understanding Unlawful Detainer When Tolerance Must Be Proven in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when an owner cannot use unlawful detainer to evict occupants without proving clear tolerance or permission.
Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer: Lessons from Collao v. Albania
The Supreme Court clarifies who may sue for unlawful detainer and why procedural technicalities should not delay eviction cases.
Unlocking the Timeline for VAT Refund Claims: A Guide to Navigating Tax Refund Procedures in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the 120-day and 30-day periods for VAT refund claims, and what documents prove zero-rated sales.
Navigating Title Reconstitution: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict jurisdictional requirements for reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles under R.A. No. 26.
Understanding the Fight Against Human Trafficking: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinction between rape, sexual assault, and lascivious conduct under Philippine law, offering key insights for child abuse cases.
Particularity in Search Warrants: What Diaz v. People Means for Your Rights
The Supreme Court explains when a search warrant's description of a place is sufficiently particular under the Constitution, using Diaz v. People.
Proving Zero-Rated Sales: Key Lessons from Deutsche Knowledge Services VAT Refund Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof needed for VAT refunds on zero-rated sales to foreign clients, citing Deutsche Knowledge Services case.
Understanding Drug Transportation and Chain of Custody Rules From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a buy-bust case clarifies when lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can lead to acquittal.
Why Witness Presence in Drug Seizures Matters: People v. Abueva
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during seizure and inventory. Learn the rules.
Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Protecting Minor Victims in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a bar manager for qualified trafficking in persons involving a minor victim.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Mistakes Dont Justify Firing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is illegal dismissal, requiring proof of losses and fair selection criteria.
Valid Dismissal and Separation Pay: Key Lessons from a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when dismissal for willful disobedience is valid and when separation pay may—or may not—be granted.
The 60-Day Rule on Suspension of Arraignment: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn how the 60-day limit on suspending arraignment under Rule 116 protects the right to speedy trial, explained through a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Right to Repurchase Homestead Land: Key Supreme Court Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court reaffirms a homesteader's right to repurchase sold land within five years under Section 119 of the Public Land Act.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Misappropriation of Client Funds
When lawyers deceive clients and misuse entrusted funds, the Supreme Court can impose the ultimate penalty: disbarment. Learn from a recent case.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Disbarment for Misappropriating Client Funds
A Supreme Court ruling disbarred two lawyers for misappropriating a client's P5 million, underscoring the strict fiduciary duties of attorneys.
Reinstatement and Length of Service: Employee Rights in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When illegally dismissed employees return to work, does their service clock reset? The Supreme Court clarifies the reckoning point for length of service.
Regular vs Project Employment: Key Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regular and project employees in the construction industry, emphasizing the employer's burden of proof.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Possession Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and clarifies penalties for illegal possession of shabu.
Public Procurement and the Anti-Graft Law: Lessons from Coloma v. People
A police official's conviction for violating Section 3(e) of R.A. 3019 shows how flawed procurement and bad faith lead to graft liability.
Attorney-Client Trust: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Misconduct
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer misconduct clarifies candor duties, attorney's fees, and the penalties for unethical conduct.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Due Process and Contract Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule and monetary awards for illegally dismissed seafarers under Philippine law.