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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Lawyer Suspended for Disrespectful Remarks Toward Elderly: A Lesson in Professional Conduct
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one month for rude remarks to a 70-year-old complainant, reminding lawyers to uphold dignity and respect.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Determining Competence in Injunction Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that Special Commercial Courts retain general jurisdiction over ordinary civil cases like injunction actions.
Seafarers Disability Claims Proving THE Link Between Work AND Illness
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers claiming disability benefits must prove their illness is work-related, even if not listed as an occupational disease.
Waiver of Demand in Promissory Notes: Upholding Contractual Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on waiver of demand clauses in promissory notes and their binding effect on borrowers.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove work-relatedness of non-listed illnesses with substantial evidence, not just rely on disputable presumption.
Merit vs Entitlement: Supreme Court on Government Promotions and Dishonesty
The Supreme Court rules that impersonation in civil service exams is serious dishonesty, even after resignation from government service.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Forfeiture of Benefits Despite Resignation
Supreme Court rules resignation does not erase administrative liability; cash clerk found guilty of serious dishonesty for exam impersonation faces forfeiture of benefits.
Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines: Grounds, Strict Rules, and the CA Petition Defects
Learn the strict grounds for annulment of judgment under Rule 47 and why the Supreme Court upheld dismissal of a defective petition.
Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines: Strict Rules on Extrinsic Fraud and Lack of Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for annulment of judgment, limited to extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction.
Electricity Disconnection Due Process and Utility Company Obligations in the Philippines
Learn the Supreme Court's rules on electricity disconnection, due process, and utility obligations under R.A. 7832 in the Philippines.
Sheriff's P70,000 Demand and 6-Month Delay: Supreme Court on Unauthorized Fees in Writ Execution
Supreme Court rules sheriff liable for receiving P70,000 directly and delaying writ execution, explaining proper fee procedures under Rule 141.
Maintaining Decorum: Ethical Standards for Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reprimands a process server for discourtesy toward a superior, reaffirming strict ethical standards for all court personnel in the Philippines.
Incestuous Rape: The Overriding Weight of the Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for five counts of incestuous rape, underscoring that a credible victim's testimony prevails over denial and alibi.
Financial Assistance After Termination: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Interests
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when separation pay may be granted to employees validly dismissed for just cause.
Upholding Justice for Child Victims: Parental Authority and the Crime of Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for qualified rape of his minor daughter, clarifying evidentiary rules and penalties.
Fixed-Term Employment: When Repeated Contract Renewals Create Regular Employee Status
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when repeated fixed-term contract renewals convert employees to regular status with security of tenure.
Land Registration: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945 for Title Applications
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on pacto de retro sales, indispensable parties, and evidentiary weight of notarized documents in land title disputes.
Seafarers Death After Repatriation Ensuring Compensation FOR Work Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on death benefits for seafarers who die shortly after repatriation from work-related illnesses.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drug Possession: Ensuring Evidence Integrity
How the Supreme Court applies the chain of custody rule in drug cases, and why strict compliance with Section 21 may not always be required.
Excise Tax Exemption for International Carriers: A Landmark Ruling on Refunds
The Supreme Court affirms excise tax refunds for petroleum products sold to international carriers, upholding international commitments under the Chicago Convention.
Pacto de Retro Sales: Indispensable Parties and Overcoming Presumptions
Supreme Court clarifies who are indispensable parties in pacto de retro consolidation cases and when notarized documents prevail.
Withdrawing a Land Registration Application: Mootness and Property Rights Under PD 1529
The Supreme Court explains what happens when an applicant withdraws a land registration case, and why the withdrawal does not forfeit property rights.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Minor Gaps Won't Overturn a Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when minor inconsistencies in drug evidence handling won't break the chain of custody and overturn a conviction.
Inconsistent Testimony Does NOT Automatically Break Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court rules that minor inconsistencies in witness testimony do not automatically break the chain of custody in drug cases.