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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Buy-Bust Operations, Warrantless Arrests, and Preserving Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court upholds a shabu conviction, clarifying rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the chain of custody of seized drugs.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Convictions: The Role of the Presumption of Regularity
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, explaining how the presumption of regularity in police buy-bust operations works and when it applies.
Treachery and Intent: How Grenade Attacks Establish Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and criminal intent are established when a grenade is thrown into a crowd, affirming a murder conviction.
Ombudsman's Immunity Power Prevails in Protecting the State's Interest in Prosecuting Corruption
Supreme Court rules courts should defer to Ombudsman's grant of immunity to state witnesses in corruption cases, protecting prosecutorial discretion.
Mistake vs Misconduct in Employee Dismissal: Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
When is an employee's honest mistake a valid ground for dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between error and misconduct.
When Retirement Ends Judicial Accountability: The Andaya Doctrine on Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's retirement bars administrative liability for acts committed while in office.
Citizenship and Residency Requirements for Public Office: Reyes v. COMELEC
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Reyes v. COMELEC on citizenship, residency, and disqualification of candidates for public office.
When Company Benefits AND Legal Title Collide Establishing Ownership Through Resulting Trusts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that paying for an asset registered in another's name creates a resulting trust, even in employee benefits.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When no eyewitness exists, circumstantial evidence can convict. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in People v. De la Cruz.
Probable Cause and Conflicting Testimonies in Rape and Illegal Detention Cases
When may courts override prosecutors on probable cause? The Supreme Court clarifies in a case of rape, illegal detention, and conflicting testimonies.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Protecting Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court upholds a drug conviction, clarifying buy-bust validity, chain of custody rules, and evidentiary standards under RA 9165.
Gross Neglect vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Duties and Employer Rights
When can an employer dismiss a rank-and-file employee for gross neglect? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on just causes and loss of confidence.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
Beneficial Ownership When Trust Relationships in Corporate Benefits Prevail
When a company buys a club share in an employee's name, who truly owns it? The Supreme Court explains trust relationships and beneficial ownership.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: When Absence Is Not Enough to Fire an Employee
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employee absence is not abandonment, and what employers must prove to justify dismissal.
Expropriation and Summary Judgment: Protecting Just Compensation in Philippine Condemnation Cases
When can summary judgment decide just compensation in expropriation cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules and protects landowners' rights.
Material Misrepresentation and Vegetable Lands Excluded From PD 27 Coverage
Supreme Court rules vegetable lands are outside PD 27 coverage; Emancipation Patents issued through material misrepresentation are void.
When a Deceased Defendant Is Named in a Collection Case: Jurisdiction and Solidary Liability Rules
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what happens when a defendant dies before a collection suit is filed, and how solidary obligations affect the case.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Communicate Standards for Regularization
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment: employers must inform workers of regularization standards at hiring or risk illegal dismissal liability.
Upholding Dismissal for Dishonesty When Casino Employees Betray Public Trust
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers who declared void craps throws as good dice, defrauding the house.
Dismissal for Dishonesty Upheld: PAGCOR Dealers' Craps Fraud Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers for serious dishonesty in rigged craps game, clarifying administrative due process rules.
Military Retirement Credit for Civilian Service Under PD 1638: Reblora Case
Supreme Court clarifies how prior civilian government service counts toward military retirement under PD 1638, as amended.
Acquittal Does Not Erase Civil Liability: B.P. 22 Case Clarifies Separate Civil Aspect
An acquittal in a B.P. 22 case does not automatically extinguish civil liability. The Supreme Court explains when civil claims survive.
Double Insurance Claims: When CBA Hospitalization Benefits Exclude Other Insurer Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether CBA hospitalization benefits can be claimed alongside other health insurance payments. Key ruling explained.