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' Failure to Act on Member's Appeal Is Unfair Labor Practice
Supreme Court rules union officers who ignore a member's appeal commit unfair labor practice violating the right to self-organization.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: When Undisclosed Evidence Voids a Dismissal
The Supreme Court reinstates a PDEA agent dismissed for grave misconduct, ruling that decisions must rest on evidence disclosed to the accused.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Warrantless Arrests and Chain of Custody Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when warrantless arrests are valid and how chain of custody rules apply in drug paraphernalia cases under RA 9165.
Easement of Right of Way: Balancing Dominant Needs and Servient Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of way may be denied, favoring least prejudice to the servient estate over shortest distance.
Premature Filing Bars Seafarers Disability Claim: POEA-SEC 240-Day Rule Explained
Filing a disability claim before the company doctor issues an assessment within 240 days can be fatal. Learn from this Supreme Court ruling.
Sabbatical Leave and Abuse of Rights: Understanding Employer Discretion in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sabbatical leave is a privilege, not a right, and explains when employer discretion amounts to abuse of rights.
Sabbatical Denials and Due Process: Balancing University Autonomy and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a university's denial of sabbatical leave and withholding of salaries constitutes bad faith, and when it does not.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and property rights protection for landowners and buyers.
Landowner Retention Rights: When Selling Land Does Not Waive the Five-Hectare Limit
The Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner's sale of agricultural land does not waive the right to retain five hectares under agrarian reform.
Trademark Law Dominancy Test Prevails in Papa Brand Dispute
Supreme Court applies dominancy test in trademark confusion case between Papa and Papa Boy & Device marks.
Golf Courses and Amusement Tax: When Local Tax Power Exceeds Its Boundaries
The Supreme Court nullifies Cebu City's amusement tax on golf courses, ruling it exceeds the Local Government Code's grant of taxing authority.
Judgment on the Pleadings: When Admissions in an Answer Bind a Party
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when admissions in an answer justify judgment on the pleadings, and why courts cannot look outside the pleadings.
Derivative Suits vs Individual Stockholder Claims: Florete v. Florete
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stockholders must file derivative suits rather than individual actions for corporate wrongs.
Execution Pending Appeal: Moral Damages and Attorney's Fees Excluded
Supreme Court rules moral damages, exemplary damages, and attorney's fees cannot be included in execution pending appeal. Learn the rules.
Illegal Recruitment: When Promising Overseas Jobs Without a License Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when promising overseas employment without a license constitutes illegal recruitment in large scale under Philippine law.
Lawyer Suspended Three Years for Borrowing Client's Jewelry and Issuing Worthless Check
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for pawning client's jewelry and issuing a dishonored check, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
The People's Choice Prevails: Upholding Electoral Will Over Procedural Technicalities in Candidate Substitutio
Supreme Court rules that a deceased candidate's substitute cannot be disqualified on technical grounds after the electorate has spoken.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court explains why strict chain of custody rules matter in drug cases, and how lapses can affect convictions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for Conviction
How the Supreme Court applied the chain of custody rule in People v. Miranda y Beltran to uphold a drug conviction.
PNRC Sui Generis Status and CSC Jurisdiction: Balancing Autonomy and Public Accountability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the CSC has appellate jurisdiction over PNRC employees despite the Red Cross's sui generis status.
Treachery in Murder Cases: Intent, Witness Credibility, and the Weight of Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction for a shooting qualified by treachery, clarifying witness credibility and the defense of alibi.
Finality vs Due Process: Resolving Conflicting Rulings on Employment Status
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when NLRC monetary awards become final, and why a valid dismissal still requires procedural due process.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Integrity of Evidence Matters
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Labor-Only Contracting: Identifying the True Employer and Protecting Workers' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies who the true employer is in labor-only contracting arrangements, protecting workers' rights under Philippine law.