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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Unexplained Wealth Forfeiture of Illegally Acquired Properties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forfeiture of unexplained wealth works under RA 1379, including due process rights and the finality of judgments.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Proving Force and Intimidation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Lumpayao shows why force, threat, or intimidation must be proven beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Two-Notice Rule and Employer Obligations
Learn the two-notice rule in Philippine labor law and how the Supreme Court applied it to probationary employees in Carvajal v. Luzon Development Bank.
Work-Related Illness and Seafarers’ Disability Claims: Proving the Causal Link
Seafarers claiming disability benefits must prove work-relatedness, not just illness during employment. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden.
Probationary Employment: When Employers Can Terminate for Failure to Meet Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate probationary employees for failing reasonable standards, including chronic tardiness.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Breach of Trust
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to return client funds consigned with HLURB, violating Canon 16 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Breach of Contract When Failure to Pay Justifies Rescission Despite Concurrent Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to pay a guaranteed amount justifies rescission even if the other party also breached concurrent obligations.
Corporate Merger and Garnishment: Surviving Corporation's Liability for Pre-Existing Obligations
When banks merge, the surviving corporation inherits garnishment obligations of the absorbed bank. The Supreme Court explains why.
Devolution and Vested Rights: Protecting Public Sector Employees in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on devolution, vested rights, and security of tenure for public sector employees in the Philippines.
Fiscal Autonomy and the Judiciary: The Supreme Court's Power to Dispose of Its Properties
The Supreme Court affirms its fiscal autonomy in property disposal, resolving a COA dispute over appraisal formulas for retired justices' purchases.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to prove every link in the chain of custody of seized shabu.
Military Jurisdiction Retirement Does NOT BAR Court Martial Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on military jurisdiction, retirement, and court martial proceedings explained for lay readers.
Treachery's Shadow: Murder and Eyewitness Identification in the Anis Massacre
The Supreme Court affirms murder and attempted murder convictions from the 1999 Anis massacre, ruling on treachery and eyewitness identification.
Judge, Prosecutor, and the Disapproved Resolution: Balancing Judicial Discretion and Prosecutorial Independenc
A judge insisted a prosecutor produce a disapproved resolution. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial discretion in warrant issuance.
Dragnet Clauses and Foreclosure: Defining the Limits of Mortgage Security in the Philippines
A bank cannot inflate a foreclosure redemption price using a dragnet clause. The Supreme Court explains the limits of mortgage security.
Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Drug Possession: The Chain of Custody Rule Under Philippine Law
Why the Supreme Court acquitted two accused in a shabu possession case due to a broken chain of custody, and what this means for drug cases.
Income Tax Returns: Balancing Confidentiality and Admissibility in Court
When can courts compel production of income tax returns? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of confidentiality and the proper remedy.
Double Jeopardy Prevails: Acquittal Stands Despite Alleged Errors in Evidence Appreciation
The Supreme Court reaffirms the rule against double jeopardy, holding that an acquittal cannot be appealed or reversed absent grave abuse of discretion.
Corporate Rehabilitation Separate Juridical Personality Prevails Over Third Party Mortgages
Supreme Court clarifies that corporate rehabilitation stay orders do not cover properties owned by third-party mortgagors.
NHA Incentive Allowances Disallowed: When Government Compensation Rationalization Prevails
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of NHA incentive allowances, ruling that PD 1597 and RA 6758 repealed the NHA Board's power to grant them.
CARP Landowner Rights After CLOA Issuance: Diamond Farms Case on Just Compensation and Beneficiary Possession
Supreme Court ruling on landowner rights, just compensation, and beneficiary possession under CARP after CLOA issuance in Diamond Farms v. Diamond Farm Workers.
Mandamus Cannot Compel a Mayor to Issue Business Permits: The Rimando Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that issuing business permits is a discretionary, not ministerial, act—so mandamus cannot compel it.
Protecting Prior Land Rights: The Limits of Free Patents and Good Faith Purchasers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when free patents and good faith purchases can defeat prior land rights.
Defining the Power of Control in Labor Disputes: The Legend Hotel Case
When is a hotel pianist an employee, not an independent talent? The Supreme Court clarifies the control test in illegal dismissal cases.