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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Union Officers Dismissed for Instigating Work Slowdown: What Labor Law Says
The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of union officers who instigated a work slowdown. Learn the legal rules on illegal concerted activities and due process.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining the strict rules police must follow under RA 9165.
When a "Retainership" Is Really Employment: The Control Test and Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a retainership agreement masks an employer-employee relationship, applying the control test to protect security of tenure.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Custody Protocols
When police break drug custody rules, the accused may walk free. The Supreme Court explains why procedure protects everyone.
Illegal Slowdowns and Union Officer Dismissal: The Polyson Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a work slowdown becomes an illegal strike and justifies dismissal of union officers under Philippine labor law.
Judicial Ethics: When a Judge's Private Conduct Costs the Bench
A judge's affair with a litigant led to dismissal. The Supreme Court clarifies judicial ethics standards for Philippine magistrates.
Enforcement of Government Contracts: Recovery Allowed Despite Lack of Funds Certification
Supreme Court allows contractor recovery for government equipment leases despite missing funds certification, citing quantum meruit and equity.
Due Process and Co-Ownership Rights in Non-Profit Organizations and Corporate Asset Transfers
Supreme Court ruling on void mortgages over deceased co-owner's share, good faith purchasers, and co-ownership rights in property transfers.
Chain of Custody Imperative Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and the civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the RPC.
Possession by Tolerance: Key to Winning Unlawful Detainer Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how possession by tolerance works in ejectment cases and why it matters for property owners and occupants.
Negligence in Supervision: Employer's Right to Terminate for Gross Neglect of Duty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supervisor's failure to oversee staff constitutes gross and habitual neglect, justifying dismissal.
Employer Liability for Vehicle Accidents: When Is an Employee Acting Within the Scope of Employment?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers are liable for vehicle accidents caused by employees acting outside their assigned tasks.
Upholding Procedural Rules: The Supreme Court on Proper Appeals in Legal Questions
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on appeals, emphasizing that only questions of law may be raised in a petition for review on certiorari.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability: People v. Layag
The Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal liability and what happens to civil claims.
Corporate Officer Liability: When Directors Can Be Held Personally Liable for Corporate Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for corporate debts and labor awards.
Cooperative Debt Collection: Jurisdiction, Authority, and Interest Rates Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on cooperative debt collection, officer authority, and interest rate reductions in Fausto v. Multi Agri-Forest.
Acts of Lasciviousness, Consent, and Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits in Angeles v. People, clarifying consent, lewdness, and the equipoise rule in acts of lasciviousness cases.
Good Faith VS Fencing: When A Notarized Affidavit Protects Purchasers
The Supreme Court acquits a buyer of a Komatsu grader, ruling that a notarized affidavit of ownership can overcome the presumption of fencing under PD 1612.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Are Personally Liable for Illegal Dismissal Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for illegal dismissal awards, requiring proof of bad faith.
Possession of Illegal Drugs: How Philippine Courts Prove Intent Beyond Reasonable Doubt
In Luy v. People, the Supreme Court explains how intent to possess illegal drugs is proved, and why mere denial rarely defeats a charge under R.A. 9165.
Drug Possession, Custody, and the Indeterminate Sentence Law: Key Lessons from a Shabu Conviction
A conviction for possessing shabu is upheld, but the Supreme Court corrects the penalty to an indeterminate sentence without subsidiary imprisonment.
When Are Public Officials Liable for Disallowed Expenses: Good Faith vs. Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face liability for disallowed expenses, balancing public accountability with good faith performance.