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' Rights: Overcoming Pre-Existing Conditions for Disability Claims
Pre-existing illness does not automatically bar a seafarer's disability claim. Learn the rules on work-relatedness, compensability, and the 120/240-day window.
Arbitration Clauses and Contract Expiry: The Dupasquier Ruling on Separability
When a contract lapses, does its arbitration clause survive? The Supreme Court explains party intent and the limits of the separability doctrine.
GSIS Lands Foreclosed by Government Financial Institutions Are Subject to Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court rules GSIS-acquired lands from foreclosures are not exempt from agrarian reform coverage under RA 6657.
Reinstatement vs Strained Relations: Clarifying Rights in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when strained relations justify dismissal instead of reinstatement in illegal dismissal cases.
Due Process and Land Title Reconstitution: Protecting Registered Owners' Rights
When a lost owner's duplicate title is reconstituted, the registered owner must be notified—even if another claims ownership. The Supreme Court explains why.
When Can Prosecution Amend an Information? Formal vs Substantial Amendment Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when the prosecution may amend a criminal information after arraignment, distinguishing formal from substantial amendments under Rule 110.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Lone Witness Testimony Fails to Convict
Supreme Court acquits accused of illegal firearm possession where prosecution relied solely on a compromised lone witness, underscoring proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Just Compensation Balancing Zonal Value AND Fair Market Value IN Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that zonal valuation is not the sole basis for just compensation in expropriation cases, affirming fair market value standards.
Verbal Contracts and Implied Ratification: Upholding Obligations in Broiler Chick Growing Agreements
The Supreme Court rules that verbal contracts bind parties even without a written agreement, and corporations may impliedly ratify unauthorized acts.
Illegal Dismissal of OFWs: Full Contract Pay Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reaffirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to their full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap.
When Snatching Is Theft, Not Robbery: Proving Conspiracy and the Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court clarifies when snatching amounts to theft rather than robbery, and how conspiracy is proven in Philippine criminal law.
From Murder TO Homicide THE Crucial Role OF Treachery IN Criminal Liability
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Dismissal of Managerial Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing managerial employees, and what happens when due process is not observed.
Psychological Incapacity Proving Marital Nullity Beyond Personality Traits
Supreme Court clarifies that personality flaws alone do not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36; evidence must show grave, incurable, rooted disorder.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody and missing Section 21 witnesses. Learn the rules.
Distinguishing Theft From Robbery The Element of Violence in Property Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when snatching a necklace is theft, not robbery, and explains the key role of violence or intimidation.
Workplace Violence and Serious Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Valid Dismissal
When does an employee's single infraction justify termination? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of serious misconduct as a just cause for dismissal.
Reasonable Doubt Strict Compliance AND Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases
Upholding Land Rights: Possession as a Shield Against Prescription in Reconveyance Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how actual possession of disputed land can defeat the defense of prescription in reconveyance actions.
Reasonable Doubt Acquittal in Drug Cases Hinges on Strict Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21's chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of innocence prevails.
Strict Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Handling Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police broke the chain of custody. Learn the four links and why strict compliance matters.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Demotion and Diminished Responsibilities Amount to Illegal Dismissal
When a reorganization demotes an employee in rank, duties, and salary, it can amount to constructive dismissal. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Theft AND Murder Intertwined Establishing Robbery With Homicide Through Circumstantial Evidence
Onerous Donations: When Failure to Fulfill Conditions Leads to Revocation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to fulfill onerous donation conditions justifies revocation, and the prescriptive period for such actions.