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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Presumption of Regularity vs Presumption of Innocence in Drug Cases: A Safeguard for the Accused
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that procedural lapses in buy-bust operations defeat the presumption of regularity and uphold the presumption of innocence.
Pregnancy Out of Wedlock: Protecting Teachers From Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court rules that pregnancy out of wedlock is not a just cause for dismissing a teacher, protecting women from discriminatory termination.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to unjustified lapses in the chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Burden of Proof in Property Disputes: Establishing Rights and Damages in Demolition Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that claimants in demolition cases must prove ownership and damages by preponderance of evidence.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Illegal Sale Cases
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to secure required witnesses under Section 21, RA 9165, reaffirming chain of custody rules.
Undue Delay and Insubordination: When Judges Must Answer to the Supreme Court
A judge's failure to resolve motions and obey Court directives leads to administrative liability. Learn the rules and penalties.
Child Abuse Conviction Upheld: Physical Violence Against Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying what constitutes physical abuse and the weight given to children's testimonies.
Protecting Children: Upholding Convictions for Child Abuse Under Republic Act No. 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying how courts assess child victims' testimonies.
Mitigating Judicial Liability: From Gross Ignorance of Law to Violation of Supreme Court Rules
When does a judge's failure to follow Supreme Court rules become gross ignorance of law? The High Court clarifies the distinction.
Prior Sale Beats Inheritance: Supreme Court on Land Ownership Disputes
When a valid sale predates an inheritance claim, the buyer owns the land. The Supreme Court explains why Article 1544 on double sales does not apply.
Father's Moral Ascendancy as Force in Qualified Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force or intimidation in qualified rape, upholding conviction.
Service of Summons: Balancing Due Process and Practicality in Marital Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when publication alone suffices for extraterritorial service of summons in nullity cases, and when laches bars attacks on final judgments.
Agrarian Reform DAR Jurisdiction Over Land Acquisition Disputes Post June 2014
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DAR retains exclusive jurisdiction over agrarian reform implementation cases pending as of June 30, 2014.
Rape Conviction Upheld When Knife Threat Came After the Act: People v. Tagle
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deadly weapon qualifies rape—and when it does not—in People v. Tagle.
When a Knife Threat After Rape Does Not Qualify the Crime: People v. Tagle
The Supreme Court clarifies when the use of a deadly weapon qualifies rape to a graver penalty, and when it does not.
Psychological Incapacity: The High Bar for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reiterates that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires proof of gravity, juridical antecedence, and incurability—not mere infidelity or irreconcilable differences.
When a Knife Threat After Rape Does Not Qualify the Crime: People v. Tagle
The Supreme Court clarifies when the use of a deadly weapon qualifies rape, and when it does not, in People v. Tagle.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Attorney Sanctioned for Representing Conflicting Interests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for one year for representing conflicting interests, reaffirming the strict duty of loyalty lawyers owe their clients.
When Delayed Medical Assessments Translate to Total Disability: Protecting Seafarers' Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company-designated physician's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment converts a seafarer's disability to total and permanent.
Seafarer Death Benefits Proving Work Relatedness After Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' heirs can claim death benefits for illnesses manifesting after contract expiry.
Compromised Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect because police failed to justify missing witnesses during inventory, compromising evidence integrity.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Slight Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a harmful act is attempted murder or only slight physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill.
Unlawful Appointments: Knowledge of a Candidate's Disqualification Is Key
The Supreme Court explains when a public official can be held criminally liable for appointing a losing candidate within the one-year ban.
Probationary Employment Standards and Contractual Obligations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies probationary employment rules, contract of adhesion principles, and the need for employee signatures in Philippine labor law.