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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Psoriasis Seafarers and the Burden of Proof in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving work-related illness for disability benefits, with lessons for seafarers.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Why Substantiated Claims Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies when private acts of dishonesty can be disciplined and why complaints must be supported by evidence.
Forum Shopping and Attorney Sanctions for Relitigating Settled Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court sanctions lawyer for forum shopping in relitigating settled estate property claims, explaining the rules and consequences.
Public Service Accountability and the Need to Substantiate Dishonesty Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies that while public officials may be disciplined for private acts of dishonesty, charges must be supported by substantial evidence.
Notarial Duty Verifying Identity in Document Acknowledgment
Supreme Court ruling on notaries' duty to verify identity in acknowledgments, revoking a notary's commission for lapses.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Marking Seized Items Immediately and in the Accused's Presence
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to mark seized shabu immediately and in her presence, breaking the chain of custody.
Surety Bonds Survive Debt Extension: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Article 2079
Extension of a principal's debt without a surety's consent does not automatically extinguish surety bonds, per the Supreme Court.
Circumstantial Evidence and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the sub judice rule, freedom of speech, and the limits of contempt power in Marantan v. Diokno.
The Peril of Uncorroborated Rape Allegations: Protecting the Accused's Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, stressing that uncorroborated testimony and inconsistent conduct create reasonable doubt.
Psychological Incapacity vs. Mere Irresponsibility: The Supreme Court’s Clear Distinction in Marriage Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies that emotional immaturity and irresponsibility do not amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
When Rape Claims Fail the Test of Credibility: People v. Patentes
The Supreme Court acquits a rape convict, showing how inconsistent testimony and doubtful conduct can create reasonable doubt.
Balancing Freedom of Speech and the Sub Judice Rule: Protecting Fair Trial Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when public comments on pending cases violate the sub judice rule and constitute contempt.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Robbery and Falsification Case Due to Insufficient Circumstantial Evid
Supreme Court acquits CA employees in robbery and falsification case, ruling circumstantial evidence must form an unbroken chain to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Political Offense Doctrine and Murder Charges: Key Lessons from Ocampo v. Abando
When can murder charges be dismissed under the political offense doctrine? The Supreme Court clarifies in Ocampo v. Abando.
Agrarian Reform Jurisdiction: DAR, Not Courts, Hears Landowner Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian reform disputes, even with constitutional questions, belong to the DAR, not the RTC.
Court Personnel and the Limits of Leniency: When Dishonesty Warrants Suspension, Not Dismissal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when court employees who misappropriate private money face suspension instead of dismissal, balancing accountability with compassion.
Tenancy Rights and Landowner Consent: Key Lessons from Quintos v. DARAB
The Supreme Court clarifies that no tenancy relationship exists without the landowner's consent, even if an agent or possessor installs tenants.
Tenancy Rights: Landowner's Consent Required for Valid Leasehold Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy requires landowner consent; a mortgagee or possessor cannot install tenants without authority.
Drug Buy-Bust Operations: When Non-Compliance With Evidence Rules Is Not Fatal
In People v. Salvador, the Supreme Court ruled that failure to inventory and photograph seized drugs does not automatically void an arrest if evidence integrity is preserved.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Establishing the Boundaries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine law, emphasizing that unlawful aggression must be actual and imminent, not merely threatened.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Consequences for Negligence in Document Authentication
The Supreme Court reminds notaries public that notarization is no empty act, and negligence carries serious professional consequences.
When Can an Adverse Party Be Called as a Witness? Insights from Guevarra v. People
Learn when an adverse party may be called as a witness in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guevarra v. People.
Defining Corporate Officers Jurisdiction IN Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer is a regular employee entitled to security of tenure and the due process requirements in termination.
Inefficiency VS Neglect Charting THE Boundaries OF Just Cause Termination IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between inefficiency and neglect as valid grounds for terminating employment under the Labor Code.