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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Seafarer Disability Claims: When Heart Disease Is Not Compensable Under POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, work-connection requirement, and the mandatory 3-day post-employment medical examination under the POEA contract.
Limits of Authority: When a Verbal Agreement Doesn't Guarantee Land Sale
Supreme Court ruling on COSLAP jurisdiction, Torrens title, and why long occupation of government land does not create ownership rights.
Due Process and Party-List Disqualification: Senior Citizens Case
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot cancel a party-list group's registration without due notice and hearing.
Dividing Labor When Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Form Unions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bargaining units when teaching and non-teaching personnel join one union.
Safeguarding Electoral Independence: Limits of DOJ-Comelec Collaboration in Election Offense Probes
The Supreme Court upholds joint DOJ-Comelec preliminary investigations for election offenses, clarifying constitutional limits on collaboration.
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: Reclassifying Public Positions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that Congress may reclassify public positions, and security of tenure follows the position's nature at the time of removal.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Invoicing Rules and the Definition of Capital Goods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict invoicing requirements and capital goods definition for VAT refund claims in Bonifacio Water Corporation case.
Rape and Consent: Why Love Does Not Justify Sexual Assault in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that being sweethearts is not a license for non-consensual sex, upholding rape convictions and clarifying the sweetheart defense.
Duty of Candor: When Exercising a Right Becomes an Abuse of Right
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on abuse of rights under Article 19, Civil Code, and liability for damages in water disconnection case.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court rules positive identification by credible eyewitnesses outweighs denial and alibi defenses in murder cases.
Bigamy and Prior Annulment: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Odtuhan
A prior annulment of the first marriage does not automatically erase bigamy liability. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Odtuhan.
Breach of Public Trust: Dual Roles, OIC Appointments, and Ethical Violations in UP Diliman
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on graft and ethical violations by UP officials who appointed a Chancellor to dual paid positions.
Habeas Corpus: When Can a Court-Ordered Detention Be Challenged
The Supreme Court explains when habeas corpus cannot be used to challenge a detention—and what remedy is available instead.
Upholding Prior Possession in Forcible Entry Cases: Philippine Tourism Authority v. Sabandal-Herzenstiel
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases, and how force may be implied.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why minor procedural lapses do not automatically acquit an accused.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Defense of Alibi: Assessing Credibility in Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on how courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial and alibi in murder prosecutions, with practical guidance.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Resignation Does Not Preclude Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: resigning from government service does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty committed while in office.
Presidential Prerogative vs Artistic Integrity: The National Artist Awards Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to confer the Order of National Artists and its limits under Philippine law.
No Separation Pay for Employees Dismissed for Cause: Key Labor Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employees validly dismissed for just causes like breach of trust are not entitled to separation pay.
Self-Defense Claims and the Degree of Injury: When Assault Becomes Attempted Murder
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies self-defense burdens, treachery, and why a non-fatal wound means attempted, not frustrated, murder.
Independent Civil Actions and Criminal Liability: Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When does a civil case suspend a criminal prosecution? The Supreme Court clarifies the prejudicial question rule in estafa cases.
Just Cause Dismissal Still Requires Due Process: Nominal Damages for Twin-Notice Violation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that even valid dismissals for just cause require the twin-notice rule; failure to comply merits nominal damages.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissing an employee for just cause still requires procedural due process, or the employer pays nominal damages.
Breach of Trust vs Due Process: When Dismissed Employees Get Separation Pay in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when validly dismissed employees may receive separation pay, distinguishing just causes under Article 282 of the Labor Code.