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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Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Related Injury in Maritime Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury is work-related and compensable, and why bare allegations fail.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Due Process in Tax Assessments: When the BIR's Failure to Consider a Taxpayer's Protest Invalidates Assessment
The Supreme Court clarifies that the BIR's failure to consider a taxpayer's protest and evidence violates due process, rendering tax assessments null and void.
Gross Misconduct Dismissal for Rape of Minor Inside Hall of Justice Premises
Court personnel who commit rape inside the Hall of Justice face dismissal for gross misconduct, forfeiture of benefits, and perpetual disqualification.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Decides Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 preserves drug evidence integrity and sustains convictions.
Upholding the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, explaining how strict compliance with the chain of custody rule preserves the integrity of seized evidence.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
Explaining the chain of custody rule in drug cases through People v. Baradi, and why strict compliance secures convictions.
Ejectment vs. Expropriation: When a Supervening Event Does Not Stop Execution
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pending expropriation case can suspend execution of an ejectment judgment, and when it cannot.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drugs: Safeguarding Rights and Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug case because police failed to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, underscoring the strict chain of custody rule.
When an Appropriation Ordinance Is Enough: Mayor's Consultancy Contracts Upheld
Supreme Court clarifies when a line-item in an appropriation ordinance suffices as prior authorization for a mayor's contracts.
Exclusionary Rule and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Primer
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug case for the prosecution's failure to justify the absence of required witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the chain of custody rule.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: The Right to a Fair Hearing and Protection Against Gross Neglect of Duty
A mayor's dismissal for grave misconduct was reversed by the Supreme Court, which clarified the rule on prior authorization for local contracts.
Who Can Appeal a Criminal Acquittal? The Rule on Private Complainants
Private complainants cannot appeal a criminal acquittal except for the civil aspect. Learn the rule from Cu v. Ventura.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Intent and Deprivation of Liberty Explained
The Supreme Court explains what constitutes kidnapping for ransom, including the intent to extort and how deprivation of liberty is proven.
Who Can Appeal a Criminal Acquittal? Private Complainants, the OSG, and the Civil Aspect
Explaining why a private complainant cannot appeal a criminal acquittal alone, and when the OSG must act.
Distinguishing Robbery From Theft The Necessity of Violence or Intimidation in Taking Personal Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a snatching is theft, not robbery, and what the prosecution must prove.
Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases Are Immediately Executory
The Supreme Court confirms that Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases are immediately executory, even pending appeal, unless a court issues a TRO or preliminary injunction.
VAT Refund Claims Navigating THE Timelines FOR Zero Rated Sales Under Philippine LAW
Rape Penetration Without Hymenal Rupture: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration and hymenal rupture are not required for rape conviction under Philippine law.
Breach of Trust and Deceit: When a Lawyer's Misconduct Leads to Disbarment
A lawyer who took P150,000 for an annulment case but never filed it, lied about a "friendly judge," and ignored IBP orders was disbarred.
Treachery and Murder: Proving Deliberate Intent in Philippine Criminal Law
A look at how Philippine courts distinguish murder from homicide, and why proving deliberate intent matters.