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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Executive Prerogative vs JBC Independence: Defining the Scope of Judicial Appointments in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that the JBC's clustering of nominees for simultaneous vacancies is unconstitutional, as it impairs the President's appointing power.
Digging for Trouble: When Unauthorized Excavation Leads to Dismissal
Supreme Court rules on grave misconduct for court employees who dug for hidden treasure inside the SC compound in Baguio.
Judicial Appointments: The President's Prerogative vs the JBC's Mandate
The Supreme Court ruled that the JBC's clustering of nominees for judicial vacancies is unconstitutional, affirming the President's appointing power.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Ombudsman's Duty to Uphold Impartiality in Internal Investigations
The Supreme Court reminds judges that impartiality and diligence are non-negotiable, even in internal administrative matters.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: What Philippine Law Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and not regular employees, and what this means for termination rights.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Ismael
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to mark seized shabu immediately and observe Section 21 safeguards.
Breach of Contract vs. Damages: How Philippine Courts Determine Jurisdiction
Philippine courts determine jurisdiction by the primary relief sought, not the complaint's label. Learn how the Supreme Court clarified this in a landmark ruling.
Breach of Trust vs Burden of Proof: Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on appeal periods clarifies how dismissal cases are reviewed and why procedural rules matter.
Psychological Incapacity vs Marital Discord: When Infidelity and Irresponsibility Do Not Nullify a Marriage
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital discord, infidelity, and irresponsibility do not automatically amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Acquittal in Rape Case: The Crucial Role of Force, Threat or Intimidation
The Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused because the prosecution failed to prove force, threat, or intimidation, a required element of rape.
Agrarian Reform Just Compensation: Balancing Landowner Rights and Social Justice
Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may directly sue for just compensation despite the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine.
Balancing Confidentiality and Free Expression: The Limits of Disbarment Publicity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when public statements about disbarment complaints violate the confidentiality rule and when they are protected speech.
When a Trial Court Cannot Deny Your Notice of Appeal: PBCOM v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that only appellate courts may dismiss appeals for being improper remedies, and when a motion for reconsideration is excused.
When Courts Overstep: The Right to Appeal Void Judgments in Civil Service Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that void judgments never become final, preserving the right to appeal when courts lack jurisdiction over civil service disputes.
Civil Service Jurisdiction: CSC Authority Over Employee Termination Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Civil Service Commission, not the RTC, has jurisdiction over termination disputes involving civil service employees.
When Can the Military Publicly Disclose Disbarment Proceedings? The Roque Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when public disclosure of disbarment proceedings violates the confidentiality rule, balancing free speech with lawyer protections.
Judicial Immunity and the Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Agrarian Compensation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may directly sue for just compensation despite the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine.
Corporate Officer Acquittal in BP 22 Cases Extinguishes Civil Liability
When a corporate officer is acquitted of violating BP 22, civil liability for the bounced corporate check is also extinguished.
Production Assessment Fees: Water Districts Must Prove Harm Before Charging Deep Well Users
Water districts can't impose production fees on deep well users without a board finding of financial harm. Here's what the Supreme Court ruled.
Tax on Non-Profit Hospitals: Balancing Charity and Commerce in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that non-profit hospitals like St. Luke's pay 10% tax on income from paying patients, balancing charity and commerce.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Carnapping With Homicide Case Due to Insufficient Evidence
Supreme Court acquits accused in carnapping with homicide case, ruling that prosecution evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Retirement Rights for Part-Time Employees: De La Salle Araneta University v. Bernardo
Part-time employees are entitled to retirement pay under RA 7641. The Supreme Court clarifies coverage and prescriptive period rules.
Eyewitness Identification and Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in Philippine Homicide Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when eyewitness identification suffices and why treachery must be proven, not presumed, in Philippine criminal cases.