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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Seafarers' Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Post-Employment Medical Exam
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers who fail the 3-day post-employment medical exam rule forfeit disability benefits, even if illness is work-related.
When a Crime Becomes More Than the Sum of Its Parts: Complex Crimes in Philippine Law
A drug case acquittal shows how the Supreme Court treats procedural lapses in buy-bust operations, and what that means for criminal liability in the Philippines.
Just Compensation When Government Takes Property Without Formal Expropriation
When the government takes private land without expropriation proceedings, owners can still claim just compensation. The Supreme Court explains how.
Contractor Relationships and the Test for Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer liability in contractor relationships, and the duties of lawyers and notaries.
Upholding Protection for Victims of Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Safeguarding Migrant Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, protecting Filipino migrant workers from fraudulent recruiters.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Is Required for Valid Convictions
The Supreme Court explains why strict adherence to Section 21 chain of custody rules is essential for valid drug convictions.
Contempt of Court for Ignoring Immediate Suspension Orders in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must comply with suspension orders marked "effective immediately" upon receipt, or face contempt.
Upholding Honesty: Lawyer Suspended for Falsifying Document Ages
A lawyer's suspension for indicating minors were of legal age in a deed of donation, and for improper notarization, underscores the duty of truthfulness.
Unjustified Chain of Custody Lapses Lead to Acquittal in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming strict compliance standards.
Safeguarding Rights: Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and their rights to wages and benefits.
AWOL in Government Service: Supreme Court Upholds Dropping Employee From Rolls
Learn when Philippine government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL, based on a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Convictions in Familial Rape Cases
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that a child rape victim's testimony, corroborated by medical evidence, can sustain a conviction even when relatives are the accused.
Dismissal for Habitual Absenteeism: Upholding Public Trust in the Judiciary
Court employee dismissed for habitual absenteeism, AWOL, and insubordination. Learn the rules on unauthorized absences and public service standards.
Mitigating Penalties in Administrative Cases: Balancing Justice and Human Considerations
The Supreme Court explains when mitigating circumstances like length of service, remorse, and restitution can reduce administrative penalties.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanagement of Judiciary Funds
Supreme Court rules on accountability of judges and court personnel for tampered receipts and overwithdrawals from judiciary funds.
Court Employee Dismissed for Habitual Absenteeism and Insubordination
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses court utility worker for habitual absenteeism, AWOL, and insubordination, affirming strict standards for judiciary employees.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to justify deviations from Section 21, RA 9165, highlighting the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Earnest Money in a Contract to Sell: When Buyers Lose Their Deposit
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money in a contract to sell may be forfeited and when lessees may suspend rent under Article 1658.
Rent Suspension and Earnest Money: Balancing Rights in Lease and Sale Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when lessees may suspend rent and when earnest money in a contract to sell may be forfeited.
Defective Title vs Original Title: When Good Faith Acquisition Fails
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a defective title cannot defeat an original title, and why donees are not innocent purchasers for value.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty Breach
When a lawyer fails to return client money upon demand, the Supreme Court presumes misappropriation—a breach of fiduciary duty warranting suspension.
Court Employee Suspended for Misconduct and Solicitation: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court suspended a clerk of court for soliciting bail money and mishandling property, reaffirming strict ethical standards for court personnel.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Protecting Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between legitimate independent contractors and labor-only contracting in Mago v. Sun Power Manufacturing Limited.