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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Accrued Wages and Reinstatement: Employer's Obligation Despite Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must pay accrued wages when they delay reinstatement pending appeal, even if the dismissal is later upheld.
Judicial Independence and the Court's Power to Review Probable Cause for Arrest
When can a judge dismiss a case for lack of probable cause despite the prosecutor's finding? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review.
Protecting Children Parental Abuse AND THE Boundaries OF Family Rights IN THE Philippines
Grenade Attack and Complex Crimes: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for murder and frustrated murder from a single grenade attack, explaining complex crimes and the weakness of alibi against positive identification.
Redundancy vs Retrenchment: Protecting Employees From Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between redundancy and retrenchment, and the rules employers must follow to avoid illegal dismissal.
When Do Government Employees Lose Their Right to Allowances After Integration
Explaining when COLA and other allowances are deemed integrated into basic salary under the Salary Standardization Law, citing Land Bank v. Naval.
When Customary Law Meets Final Judgments: IPRA Jurisdiction and the Limits of Mandamus
The Supreme Court clarifies when customary laws apply under IPRA and why mandamus cannot overturn a final ejectment judgment.
Double Compensation Prohibited: Disability Benefits vs. Loss of Future Earnings in Maritime Claims
Supreme Court rules a seafarer cannot recover both disability benefits and loss of future earnings, as disability compensation already covers lost earning capacity.
Loss of Earning Award Deleted: Final Decisions and Double Recovery in Philippine Seafarer Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments bind parties, but double recovery for loss of earning capacity is barred when disability compensation already paid.
Tax Refund vs Tax Credit: Execution Requirements in Local Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of execution is needed for tax refunds or tax credits in local tax disputes.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Do Not Break the Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when minor lapses in Section 21 procedures do not break the chain of custody in drug cases.
The Vital Chain Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts treat lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs, explained through People v. Yable.
Conditional Sale vs Contract to Sell: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell, and why buyers must pay the full price to own property.
Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantial Justice When a Lawyer’s Error Affects Your Case
When police skip procedural steps in drug cases, courts weigh technical lapses against the integrity of evidence and the accused’s rights.
Bargaining in Good Faith: The Fine Line Between Firm Positions and Unfair Labor Practices
When does a company's hardline stance in CBA talks become bad faith bargaining? The Supreme Court clarifies the line.
Finality of Judgments: The Binding Effect of Unchallenged Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on how an unchallenged labor decision becomes final, binding, and bars re-litigation of the same issues.
Redundancy vs Replacement: Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
When is a redundancy dismissal valid? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on redundancy and protects employees from disguised termination.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Case Resolution
A look at how courts are held accountable for delays in resolving cases, and what this means for litigants and the justice system.
Backwages and Reinstatement Rights for Illegally Dismissed Employees in the Philippines
Learn the reinstatement and backwages rights of illegally dismissed employees in the Philippines, including the Wenphil Corporation ruling.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Shifting Defenses: The Importance of Victim Testimony
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, ruling that credible victim testimony prevails over denial, ill motive claims, and pregnancy timing arguments.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Know Your Rights as an Employee
Understand the difference between voluntary resignation and constructive dismissal, and how Philippine law protects employee rights in termination cases.
Challenging the Sweetheart Defense: Consensual vs Forced Intimacy in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the "sweetheart defense" fails in rape cases, and how courts weigh consent against force and intimidation.
Prolonged Floating Status Equals Illegal Dismissal for Security Guards
Security guards on floating status beyond six months are constructively dismissed. Learn the rule and your rights from this Supreme Court case.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 and when minor deviations do not break the prosecution's case.