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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Security of Tenure vs. Appointment: The Dator Case on Local Government Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on appointing municipal administrators, the condonation doctrine, and the limits of injunctive relief in Ombudsman cases.
Safeguarding Rights: The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases and Fair Trials
In People v. Velasco, the Supreme Court acquitted an accused after police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during the drug inventory.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Witness Requirements in Drug Cases
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory.
Bank Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals: Upholding Fiduciary Duty in Banking Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court holds banks liable for honoring unauthorized withdrawals, reinforcing fiduciary duty and strict compliance with depositor instructions.
Certiorari as Remedy Challenging Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases
When can you file certiorari against an Ombudsman ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for complainants when the Ombudsman absolves a respondent.
Nepotism and Misconduct Limits on Local Government Hiring Practices in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies nepotism rules, the condonation doctrine, and hiring limits for local government positions.
Reasonable Doubt and Chain of Custody: Acquittal in Drug Sale Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to justify missing required witnesses, reinforcing the chain of custody rule.
When a Judge Lived in the Halls of Justice: A Lesson on Judicial Integrity
The Supreme Court reminds judges that the Halls of Justice are for court business only—not residential quarters—in this administrative case.
Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Acquittal DUE TO Procedural Lapses
Estate Administration: Courts Prioritize Heirs' Best Interests Over Preferences
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate administration rules—courts may appoint administrators based on heirs' best interests, not strict preference order.
Safeguarding Rights Chain OF Custody AND Drug Case Acquittals IN THE Philippines
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to follow Section 21's witness requirements during inventory.
Insurance Rescission: Proving Fraud in False Representations vs Concealment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when insurers can rescind for concealment versus false representations, and what evidence proves fraud.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Zonal Value Is Not the Sole Basis
The Supreme Court affirms that BIR zonal value is only one factor in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
When Doubt Prevails in Rape Cases: The Importance of Credible Testimony and Prompt Reporting
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, stressing that doubtful testimony and unexplained delay in reporting can defeat the prosecution's case.
Sheriffs Duty to Serve Notice Before Implementing Writs: Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff who enforces a writ without prior notice violates due process. Learn the rules and penalties under Rule 39.
Insurance Rescission: Proving Fraudulent Intent in False Representations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when insurers may rescind policies for false representations versus concealment, requiring clear proof of fraudulent intent.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Injury and Timelines
Learn when seafarers can claim disability benefits, the burden of proof for work-related injury, and why timelines matter in compensation claims.
Due Process in Tax Assessments: BIR Must Consider Taxpayer Evidence
When BIR ignores taxpayer evidence in tax assessments, due process is violated and assessments are void. Learn from Avon case.
AWOL and Accountability: Dropping Employees from the Rolls for Unauthorized Absences
Learn when Philippine government employees can be dropped from the rolls for AWOL, the procedure involved, and what benefits remain.
Piece-Rate Workers Are Regular Employees Entitled to Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that piece-rate payment does not negate regular employment, and abandonment requires proof of intent.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Why Zonal Value Is Not the Sole Basis
The Supreme Court clarifies that BIR zonal valuation is only one factor in determining just compensation in expropriation cases, not the sole measure.
Dropping from the Rolls for AWOL: A Court Employee's Duty of Accountability
The Supreme Court explains when a government employee may be dropped from the rolls for absence without official leave (AWOL) under the 2017 RACCS.
CLOA Cancellation and Indefeasibility of Titles in Agrarian Reform Cases
When can a Certificate of Land Ownership Award be cancelled? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of DAR jurisdiction and the indefeasibility of agrarian titles.
Seafarer Disability Claim Denied: When a Gym Injury Is Not Work-Related
Supreme Court denies seafarer's disability claim for a gym injury, explaining why work-relatedness is essential under POEA rules.