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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Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Quijano
The Supreme Court explains when a conviction for illegal drug possession stands despite chain of custody issues and claims of lack of knowledge.
Seafarer Rights in Maritime Employment: Illegal Dismissal and Prescription Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarer illegal dismissal claims, prescription periods, and termination pay under POEA-SEC in Gallego v. Wallem Maritime.
Understanding Lawyer Disbarment: Deceit and Disrespect to Legal Processes in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how issuing worthless checks and evading legal proceedings can lead to a three-year suspension from law practice.
Plea Bargaining in Philippine Drug Cases: What the Supreme Court's Sayre Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies plea bargaining in drug cases: prosecutors' guidelines bind the prosecution, not the courts.
Lawyer Negligence and Accountability: Protecting Your Interests in Legal Services
When lawyers neglect client cases, the Supreme Court can suspend them. Learn the rules and your remedies.
Dishonored Checks and Ethical Lapses: Attorney Suspended for Violating the Code of Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who issued a worthless check and sold a car he already conveyed as payment faces a three-year suspension from practice.
Understanding Professional Misconduct THE Consequences OF Dishonesty AND Intemperate Language IN Legal Practice
Reinstated Government Employees Crediting Prior Service Upon Refund OF Retirement Benefits
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that separation pay due to redundancy remains tax-exempt even if computed under a retirement plan formula.
Separation Pay Tax Exemption: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that separation pay from redundancy is tax-exempt, even when computed using a retirement plan formula.
Navigating the Thin Line Between Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supre
When does a church dispute become a labor case? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between ecclesiastical affairs and secular employment.
Private Individuals in Conspiracy with Public Officers Can Be Liable Under Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court affirms that private individuals conspiring with public officers may be indicted for violations of Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Treachery and Self-Defense in Philippine Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when treachery applies in murder cases, how self-defense claims are weighed, and the limits of conspiracy liability.
Understanding Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Convictions: Insights from Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abuse of superior strength as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explaining how numbers and frailty establish it.
Navigating Land Registration IN THE Philippines THE Crucial Role OF Proving Alienable AND Disposable Land
Can Private Individuals Be Charged With Corruption Under Philippine Law? The Canlas Case Explains
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals acting in conspiracy with public officers may be indicted for graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Understanding Arbitrary Detention and Murder: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling explains when police detention becomes arbitrary detention and murder, and how complex crimes are charged.
Vicarious Liability and Common Carrier Duties: The Mendoza Case Explained
Learn how the Mendoza ruling clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the obligations of common carriers in the Philippines.
Administrative Liability and the Limits of Official Duties in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on dishonesty shows how receiving benefits during suspension violates public trust and administrative rules.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Serious Misconduct: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn when an employee's public statements can be valid grounds for dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.
Lawyer Negligence Consequences and Duties in Philippine Legal Practice
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief is inexcusable negligence. The Supreme Court explains duties and penalties.
Understanding CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes: When Does It Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CIAC cannot take over a homeowner's damage suit against a neighbor's construction project. Learn the limits.
Witness Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts should assess a rape victim's credibility, rejecting gender stereotypes while affirming that conviction can rest on credible testimony alone.
When a Sleeping Victim Meets Treachery: Insights from People v. Dela Peña
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction where the victim was stabbed while asleep, explaining treachery and self-defense under Philippine law.
Understanding Dismissal for Non-Prosecution Implications for Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that construction-related property damage claims belong in regular courts, not CIAC arbitration.