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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Judicial Independence and the Court's Power to Review Probable Cause for Arrest
When can a judge dismiss a case for lack of probable cause despite the prosecutor's finding? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review.
Redundancy vs Retrenchment: Protecting Employees From Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between redundancy and retrenchment, and the rules employers must follow to avoid illegal dismissal.
When Can a Judge Dismiss a Prosecutor's Case for Lack of Probable Cause?
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between a prosecutor's and a judge's power to determine probable cause in criminal cases.
Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody—explaining marking, inventory, and photo requirements under RA 9165.
Lost Evidence Lost Case: How Discovery Failures Impact Proof in Court
A Supreme Court ruling shows how losing original evidence and raising defenses late can sink a case, even when the accused claims innocence.
Chain of Custody Lapses in Drug Cases: When Acquittal Becomes the Only Option
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Unraveling Implied Trusts Protecting Family Interests in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains implied resulting trusts in family property disputes, clarifying prescription, parol evidence, and ownership rights.
Grenade Attack and Complex Crimes: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for murder and frustrated murder from a single grenade attack, explaining complex crimes and the weakness of alibi against positive identification.
When Customary Law Meets Final Judgments: IPRA Jurisdiction and the Limits of Mandamus
The Supreme Court clarifies when customary laws apply under IPRA and why mandamus cannot overturn a final ejectment judgment.
Redundancy vs Replacement: Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
When is a redundancy dismissal valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on redundancy and protects employees from disguised termination.
Finality of Judgments: The Binding Effect of Unchallenged Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on how an unchallenged labor decision becomes final, binding, and bars re-litigation of the same issues.
Conditional Sale vs Contract to Sell: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell, and why buyers must pay the full price to own property.
Tax Refund vs Tax Credit: Execution Requirements in Local Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of execution is needed for tax refunds or tax credits in local tax disputes.
Bargaining in Good Faith: The Fine Line Between Firm Positions and Unfair Labor Practices
When does a company's hardline stance in CBA talks become bad faith bargaining? The Supreme Court clarifies the line.
Double Compensation Prohibited: Disability Benefits vs. Loss of Future Earnings in Maritime Claims
Supreme Court rules a seafarer cannot recover both disability benefits and loss of future earnings, as disability compensation already covers lost earning capacity.
Loss of Earning Award Deleted: Final Decisions and Double Recovery in Philippine Seafarer Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments bind parties, but double recovery for loss of earning capacity is barred when disability compensation already paid.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Do Not Break the Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when minor lapses in Section 21 procedures do not break the chain of custody in drug cases.
Prolonged Floating Status Equals Illegal Dismissal for Security Guards
Security guards on floating status beyond six months are constructively dismissed. Learn the rule and your rights from this Supreme Court case.
Breach of Public Trust: Official Position Cannot Shield Criminal Acts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for graft and estafa, ruling public office cannot shield criminal acts.
Judicial Conduct on Trial: Balancing Online Presence and Ethical Duties
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Friendster photos and courtroom conduct clarifies ethical boundaries for magistrates online and offline.
Seafarers Disability Timely Assessment IS KEY To Benefits Entitlement
A seafarer's disability claim hinges on the company doctor's timely assessment. Learn the 120/240-day rule from a Supreme Court case.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Testimony and Immateriality of Pregnancy
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's pregnancy does not negate rape and that court testimony prevails over affidavits.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Shifting Defenses: The Importance of Victim Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, ruling that credible victim testimony prevails over denial, ill motive claims, and pregnancy timing arguments.
Due Process Prevails When Land Registration Cases Cannot Disguise Revocation of Donation Claims
The Supreme Court nullified a land registration case that was actually a disguised claim for revocation of donation, upholding due process.