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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Search Warrants and Territorial Jurisdiction: When Compelling Reasons Allow Filing Outside the Crime Scene
The Supreme Court clarifies when compelling reasons justify filing a search warrant application outside the territorial jurisdiction of the crime.
Search Warrants Beyond Territorial Limits: Compelling Reasons Under Rule 126
When may a judge issue a search warrant outside his court's territorial jurisdiction? The Supreme Court explains "compelling reasons" under Rule 126.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death Before Final Judgment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when death extinguishes criminal and civil liability, applying Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.
Upholding Drug Convictions: The Chain of Custody Rule Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying that substantial compliance with the chain of custody rule preserves evidence integrity.
Probable Cause and Illegal Detention: Effect of a Subsequent Conviction
The Supreme Court ruled that a conviction for serious illegal detention moots any challenge to the finding of probable cause and the arrest warrant.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Right of Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the right of control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in Valeroso v. Skycable.
Good Faith in Collective Bargaining: Philippine Rule on Fair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies good faith bargaining duties, unfair labor practice, and when strikes are justified in CBA negotiations.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Credibility and Delayed Reporting in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's credible testimony outweighs claims of improbability and delayed reporting.
Maritime Law Shipowner Liability and Seafarers Death Benefits: Insurance and Solidary Obligations Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies shipowner liability, POEA-SEC death benefits, insurance proceeds, and solidary obligations in Phil-Nippon Kyoei v. Gudelosao.
Reasonable Doubt and the Integrity of Evidence in Drug Cases: People v. Reniedo
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted an accused in a drug case due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21, RA 9165.
Appeal Dismissed Understanding Questions OF LAW VS Questions OF Fact IN Summary Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between questions of law and fact in appeals from summary judgments, and the proper remedy.
Confessions and Circumstantial Evidence Upholding Convictions in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Supreme Court explains when a confession to a reporter is admissible and how circumstantial evidence can prove robbery with homicide.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court explains when failure to exhaust administrative remedies is fatal to a court case, using the Mohammad v. Belgado-Saqueton ruling.
Bail and Humanitarian Considerations: Balancing Constitutional Rights and Individual Circumstances
The Supreme Court affirms that bail may be granted on humanitarian grounds, weighing an accused's health and flight risk against constitutional rights.
Lawyer Suspended for Breach of Trust: Neglecting Client's Case and Withholding Funds
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P65,000 in entrusted funds.
Identity Theft in the Legal Profession: Striking a Fraudulent Attorney From the Roll
A man used his brother's identity to pass the Bar. The Supreme Court struck the name from the Roll and barred him forever.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Suspended for Misappropriating Funds and Neglecting Legal Duty
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a client's case and refusing to return P65,000 in entrusted funds.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Bypassing Raffle of Judicial Notices and Taking Loans
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for grave misconduct: bypassing the raffle of judicial notices and borrowing money from newspaper publishers.
Diminution of Benefits: Government Employees and Contractual Bonuses Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may keep contractual bonuses like the 14th month pay, and the limits of non-diminution.
Attorney Suspended Three Years for Misappropriating Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three years for failing to file a case and refusing to return client's P65,000, reinforcing trust obligations.
Due Process in Employment Termination: Balancing Cause and Procedure
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissals with just cause remain valid even without procedural due process, but employers must pay nominal damages.
Citizenship Dispute in Disbarment Case Dismissed for Lack of Direct Attack
Disbarment case dismissed because citizenship cannot be attacked collaterally; direct action required.
Loss of Confidence as a Ground for Dismissal: When Employers Cannot Use It as a Subterfuge
The Supreme Court clarifies that loss of confidence cannot be simulated or used as a subterfuge to justify an illegal dismissal.