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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Mining Rights Due Process Prevails Over Automatic Abandonment in Philippine Mining Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mining claims cannot be automatically abandoned for failure to file work obligation reports; due process must first be observed.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody Rule: People v. Villahermoso
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite lapses in the chain of custody, explaining when substantial compliance suffices.
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.
Upholding Buy-Bust Operations When Minor Deviations Don't Nullify Drug Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that minor deviations in buy-bust operations, like delayed marking, do not automatically invalidate drug convictions.
Wage Increases and Management Prerogative: Balancing CBA Terms and Business Discretion
When can an employer set hiring rates above CBA wage increases without causing wage distortion? The Supreme Court explains.
Fairness in Farmlands: How Courts Determine Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts compute just compensation for agrarian reform lands and when legal interest applies.
Sales Commissions Are Wages: Supreme Court Ruling on Unpaid Commissions and Unauthorized Deductions
Sales commissions are wages under Philippine law. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled on unpaid commissions and unauthorized car plan deductions.
Late Evidence and the Judicial Affidavit Rule: Lara's Gift v. PNB General Insurers
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may admit late evidence and supplemental judicial affidavits under the Judicial Affidavit Rule.
License Plate Standardization: Budget Validity and Public Safety Upheld
Supreme Court affirms the constitutionality of funding the LTO's Motor Vehicle License Plate Standardization Program under the 2014 GAA.
Sheriff’s Duty to Follow Execution Procedures and the Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff’s failure to follow execution rules—from expense estimates to auction notices—can mean dismissal. The Supreme Court explains why.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to prove the chain of custody of seized shabu, explaining the mandatory rules under RA 9165.
Compromised Evidence: The Vital Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody rule under RA 9165. Learn the required procedure.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: How Courts Value Land in Eminent Domain Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine fair market value and interest in expropriation cases.
When Police Skip Drug Evidence Rules: Acquittal in People v. Gajo
The Supreme Court acquits two drug suspects because police failed to mark seized shabu immediately, breaking the chain of custody.
Estafa by Misappropriation: When a Consignment Deal Turns Criminal
The Supreme Court explains the elements of estafa under Article 315(1)(b) of the Revised Penal Code and how recanted testimony is treated.
Treachery and the Sanctity of the Home: Defining Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery and dwelling in murder cases, ruling on a fatal stabbing inside the victim's home.
Clean Water Act Fines Upheld: Due Process and Pollution Penalties Explained
Supreme Court affirms P3.98M fine under Clean Water Act, clarifying due process in administrative proceedings and CNC limits.
The Constitutional Right to a Reasoned Decision: Due Process in Loan Collection Cases
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that decisions must state facts and law clearly, or risk being void for violating due process.
Upholding a Drug Sale Conviction: Witness Credibility and Chain of Custody
In People v. Flor, the Supreme Court affirmed a drug sale conviction, showing how courts weigh witness credibility and substantial compliance with chain of custody.
When Is Touching Rape: Defining Carnal Knowledge in Statutory Rape Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that mere touching of the vagina is not enough for statutory rape—there must be proof of penile penetration.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 120-240 Day Rule for Medical Assessments
Understand the 120-240 day rule for company-designated physician assessments in seafarer disability claims, explained through a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.
Private Roads and Public Use: When a Local Ordinance Cannot Convert Private Property
A local ordinance cannot convert a private road into public property without donation, purchase, or expropriation. The Supreme Court explains.
Sovereign Immunity Prevails: City Not Liable for Closure Order Without Consent
Supreme Court rules a city cannot be sued for damages over a closure order without its consent, affirming sovereign immunity principles.
Challenging Notarized Documents: Forgery and the Burden of Proof in Property Disputes
A notarized deed is presumed valid, but clear and convincing evidence of forgery can void it. Learn the rules from a 2018 Supreme Court ruling.