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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Insubordination on the High Seas: Protecting Seafarers' Rights Against Unjust Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer dismissal clarifies the burden of proof in insubordination cases and procedural due process under the POEA-SEC.
Hazing and School Liability When Failure to Act Results in Criminal Complicity
When can school authorities be liable as accomplices to hazing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Retirement Benefits for Seasonal Workers: Entitlement and Computation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how seasonal workers' retirement pay is computed under Article 287 and RA 7641, including the six-month rule.
Limits on Notarial Powers: Balancing Public Service and Official Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies when clerks of court may act as ex officio notaries and when they overstep their authority.
Seafarers Disability Benefits: Employer Must Pay Full Benefits Despite Initial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers entitled to full disability benefits when treatment exceeds 240 days, even with a lower disability rating.
Res Judicata When Prior Judgments Prevent Relitigation of Land Ownership Disputes
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of land ownership disputes, using a 2015 Philippine Supreme Court ruling as a guide.
Untimely VAT Refund Claims Strict Adherence To Prescriptive Periods
The Supreme Court clarifies strict prescriptive periods for VAT refund claims, denying Northern Mindanao Power Corporation's petition for late and premature filings.
Employer Liability for Driver Negligence: R Transport v. Yu on Registered and Actual Owners
The Supreme Court holds employers directly and solidarily liable for a negligent driver's acts, even if another entity is the bus's registered owner.
Entrapment vs. Instigation: Protecting Rights in Drug-Related Arrests
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in drug arrests, and the rules on chain of custody.
Entrapment vs. Instigation: Legal Boundaries in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Enforceability of Incentive Bonuses When Promises Become Obligations
When do employer promises become enforceable obligations? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over training reimbursement claims and unpaid salary disputes.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Abola Bio Teaches
The Supreme Court explains why minor lapses in drug evidence handling do not automatically mean acquittal under RA 9165.
Omnibus Motion Rule Applies to Search Warrant Quashal: Shell v. Romars
Supreme Court rules the omnibus motion rule bars late objections to search warrants, clarifying venue is not jurisdictional.
Bank Deposit Secrecy: Upholding Depositor Rights in Insolvency Proceedings
The Supreme Court rules that a corporation's bank deposits stay confidential in insolvency unless the depositor gives written consent to waive secrecy.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Landowner Rights and Property Isolation
The Supreme Court explains when a compulsory easement of right of way may be granted, and why mere inconvenience does not justify imposing a burden on a neighbor's property.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Presence Does Not Equal Conspiracy in Estafa Cases
Mere presence during a transaction does not prove conspiracy in estafa. The Supreme Court acquits a co-accused on reasonable doubt.
Bank Deposit Secrecy in Insolvency: Creditors Cannot Waive a Debtor's Rights
Supreme Court rules creditors cannot waive an insolvent debtor's bank deposit secrecy rights without the debtor's written consent or receiver's conformity.
Speedy Trial vs Provisional Dismissal: Balancing Rights in Criminal Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a case dismissal for denial of speedy trial becomes final, and how provisional dismissal works.
Proving Conspiracy in Estafa: When Mere Presence Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court acquits a co-accused in estafa, clarifying that conspiracy must be proven beyond reasonable doubt and cannot exist after the crime is consummated.
Unbroken Chain: Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when procedural lapses in drug evidence custody do not defeat a conviction under RA 9165.
Indigency and Access to Courts: Balancing Constitutional Rights with Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when counsel's negligence binds clients and why procedural rules on appeals remain jurisdictional.
Negligence of Counsel and Due Process: Lessons from People v. Tapugay
How the Supreme Court balanced procedural lapses in drug evidence handling against the accused's right to due process in People v. Tapugay.
Expiration of Redemption Rights: Upholding Property Rights After Failure to Redeem
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redemption period expiration, property rights, and consequences of failing to redeem within statutory period.
Reinstatement Rights Absence DUE TO Unproven Charges Does NOT Equal Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an employee's absence due to unproven criminal charges is not abandonment. Learn the two elements of abandonment.