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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Overcoming Concealment Claims Seafarers Right TO Disability Benefits Despite Prior Condition
Upholding Integrity Clerk OF Court Held Accountable FOR Lost Evidence IN Custody
When a Bus Driver's Sabbatical Becomes a Retirement Claim: The Macuray Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's break from work is abandonment, sabbatical, or retirement—and what benefits are due.
Treachery Unproven When A Sudden Attack Doesnt Automatically Mean Murder
Supreme Court clarifies that sudden attacks do not automatically prove treachery, downgrading murder to homicide in People v. Francisco.
Who Can Sue on Behalf of a Closed Bank Under Receivership
The Supreme Court explains why only the PDIC, as receiver, may sue for a closed bank, and where to file cases against the BSP.
Quieting of Title and the Best Evidence Rule in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on quieting of title, best evidence rule, and proving ownership in land disputes.
Quo Warranto and Judicial Integrity: The Sereno Case Explained
The Supreme Court's Sereno ruling clarifies that quo warranto can oust impeachable officers who lack constitutional qualifications like proven integrity.
Protecting Childhood: Upholding Conviction in Statutory Rape Cases Based on Victim Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, holding that a child victim's credible testimony alone suffices to prove carnal knowledge.
Presumptive Death for Military Benefits: No Court Declaration Needed
Supreme Court clarifies that PVAO and AFP can process death benefits of missing soldiers without a court declaration of presumptive death.
Plagiarism in Academia: Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of UE Professors for Misrepresentation
Supreme Court upholds dismissal of professors for plagiarism, misrepresentation, and breach of trust, clarifying stare decisis and waiver rules.
Divorce Abroad: A Filipino Spouse's Right to Remarry After a Foreign Divorce
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Filipino can remarry after a foreign divorce, even if the Filipino initiated the divorce proceedings abroad.
Judicial Ethics: Scrutinizing Complaints Against Justices and the Standard of Proof
A look at how the Supreme Court handles administrative complaints against justices, using a 2018 case to explain the burden of proof.
Divorce Recognition Expanding Rights FOR Filipinos IN Mixed Marriages
Learn how the Supreme Court expanded divorce recognition for Filipinos in mixed marriages, allowing remarriage even if they initiated the foreign divorce.
Unlawful Detainer Complaints: Why Alleging Tolerance Matters for Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court explains why an unlawful detainer complaint must allege initial lawful possession by tolerance—or the case fails for lack of jurisdiction.
Immutability of Judgments in Foreclosure Interest Calculations and Redemption Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments on foreclosure interest cannot be modified, and redemption rights lapse without payment.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to justify non-compliance with Section 21's chain of custody rule.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Duty to Inform and the 120/240-Day Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies that a company-designated physician must actually inform the seafarer of a disability assessment; mere issuance is not enough.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Who Bears the Burden of Proof?
In illegal dismissal cases, the employee must first prove termination by the employer before the burden shifts to the employer.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Proving the Fact of Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employees must first prove the fact of termination before employers bear the burden of showing just cause.
Project Employment in Construction: Defining Scope and Tenure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees, not regular employees, and what benefits they retain.
Protecting Children Moral Ascendancy AND Criminal Liability FOR Sexual Abuse IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape conviction, clarifying out-of-court identification rules and damages for sexual abuse victims.
Certiorari Denied: Exhausting Appeals Before Seeking Extraordinary Writs in Tax Disputes
Learn why the Supreme Court denied certiorari in a forfeiture case, emphasizing the need to exhaust appeals before seeking extraordinary writs.
Chain of Custody and Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to justify non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165, emphasizing evidence integrity.
Interest After Foreclosure: When Contractual Obligations Continue to Run
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when interest stops after foreclosure, emphasizing contractual obligations and the immutability of final judgments.