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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Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project and regular employment, and the security of tenure rights of employees.
Interpreting Termination Clauses in Franchise Agreements: Makati Water v. Agua Vida
When does a franchise agreement "terminate"? The Supreme Court rules on whether expiration counts as termination under non-compete clauses.
Protecting Good Faith Purchasers: Due Diligence in Philippine Land Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of registered land may rely on the Torrens title and be protected as innocent purchasers for value.
Contract Termination Expiration CAN Trigger Restrictive Covenants
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "terminationin the event of terminationin the event of Termination,terminationterminationearlier terminatedterminationterminationearlier terminated" elsewhere in th
Compromising the Chain: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict evidence rules under RA 9165.
Safeguarding Rights: The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on the chain of custody rule in drug cases shows why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is vital.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug accused over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Are Club Membership Fees Taxable Income? The Supreme Court Weighs In
The Supreme Court ruled that membership fees and assessment dues of non-profit recreational clubs are not income or VAT-able receipts.
From Murder to Homicide: The Crucial Role of Treachery in Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is murder or homicide, focusing on treachery and its elements.
Supreme Court: Membership Fees of Non-Profit Clubs Not Subject to Income Tax and VAT
The Supreme Court ruled that membership fees and assessment dues of non-profit recreational clubs are not income or VAT-liable, limiting BIR RMC No. 35-2012.
Reasonable Doubt and the Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases
A buy-bust conviction reversed because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, breaking the chain of custody.
Seafarers Disability Claims: The Importance of Following Protocol and Timely Medical Assessments
A seafarer's disability claim failed because he filed suit before securing a second medical opinion. Learn the proper procedure.
When Club Dues Are Not Income: BIR Circular Partly Invalidated
The Supreme Court ruled that membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are not income or VAT receipts, partly invalidating BIR RMC No. 35-2012.
Why Witness Presence in Drug Case Inventories Can Make or Break a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to secure an elected official during inventory, explaining the mandatory witness rule.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Child Victim Testimony and Flight as Evidence of Guilt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices and why the accused's flight indicates guilt.
Beyond the Hearing Room: Upholding Due Process in Employee Dismissal Cases
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling on due process in employee dismissal cases, clarifying the requirements for valid termination.
Treachery in Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Does Not Qualify as Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attacks after heated altercations may not constitute treachery, reducing murder to homicide.
Seafarers Death After Repatriation Expanding THE Scope OF Death Benefits Under Poea SEC
Nepotism in Government: Designation of Relatives Is a Prohibited Appointment
The Supreme Court ruled that designating a relative to government duties—even unpaid or off-plantilla—violates the ban on nepotism.
Dismissal for Neglect: Court Stenographers Must Submit Transcripts on Time
A stenographer who repeatedly fails to submit transcripts on time may be dismissed for gross neglect of duty, the Supreme Court ruled.
Retroactive GCTA: Supreme Court Upholds Inmates' Right to Good Conduct Time Allowance
The Supreme Court struck down the IRR's prospective application of R.A. 10592, affirming inmates' right to retroactive good conduct time allowance credits.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Good Faith Compliance
A disbarred lawyer's failure to comply with a final Court order leads to indirect contempt, fines, and execution of judgment.
Court Personnel Extortion: When Demanding Money for Court Documents Is Gross Misconduct
A court interpreter who demanded money to release a litigant's document was found guilty of gross misconduct, bribery, and graft.
Employer Liability and Proving Negligence in Employee Conduct: The Ondevilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability rules, constructive dismissal, and retirement age in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.