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 and the Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to establish the chain of custody of seized shabu, underscoring strict evidence rules.
Common Carrier Defined: Resort Ferry Service Under Passenger Safety Rules
Supreme Court ruling that resort ferry services are common carriers, bound by extraordinary diligence for passenger safety.
Bouncing Checks and the Demand Letter: When Notice Establishes Liability Under B.P. 22
The Supreme Court clarifies when a written demand letter suffices to establish liability for bouncing checks under B.P. 22, even without itemizing each check.
Trust and Tax: Protecting Pension Funds Through Beneficial Ownership
How the Supreme Court protected a pension fund's tax-exempt income by recognizing beneficial ownership under Article 1452 of the Civil Code.
Breach of Trust Estafa Conviction Affirmed for Failure to Return or Account for Jewelry
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction under Article 315(1)(b) when a jeweler fails to return or account for entrusted jewelry.
Accretion vs Public Domain: Private Land Rights Along Waterways in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accreted land along creeks belongs to private owners and when prescription applies.
PEZA Authority Over Building Permits Prevails Over Ancestral Land Claims in Economic Zones
Supreme Court clarifies that PEZA, not local building officials, issues building permits within ecozones; CALC holders cannot build without PEZA permits.
Drug Use and Dismissal: Upholding Judicial Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for drug use and defiance of court orders, affirming strict standards for judiciary employees.
Retirement Benefits: When Incentives During Corporate Reorganization Are Narrowly Interpreted
Supreme Court rules retirement gratuities under EO 756 were temporary reorganization incentives, not permanent benefits including allowances.
Prescription of Seafarer Claims: Labor Code Prevails Over Standard Employment Contract
Supreme Court rules 3-year Labor Code prescription governs seafarer money claims, but death benefits require death during contract effectivity.
Gross Negligence and Disqualification: Defining the Limits of COMELEC's Authority
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to perpetually bar grossly negligent canvassers in Beluso v. COMELEC.
Upholding Legislative Intent: The Limits of COMELEC's Rule-Making Power in Party-List Nominations
A look at Lokin v. COMELEC, where the Supreme Court struck down a COMELEC rule expanding the grounds for substituting party-list nominees beyond RA 7941.
Timeliness Matters: Appealing Election Protests and the Strict Application of Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court ruled that late appeals in election protests are fatal, even when the trial court erred on venue.
When Retirement Benefits Exclude Allowances: Reading EO 756 in Context
The Supreme Court rules that PITC's retirement gratuity under EO 756 was a temporary reorganization incentive, not a permanent benefits scheme.
Upholding Immunity Agreements: The Government's Duty to Honor Its Word
In Disini v. Sandiganbayan, the Supreme Court held that the Republic must honor an immunity agreement it freely entered into with a witness.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: When Personal Concerns Must Yield to Public Welfare
A Supreme Court ruling on a Davao City health officer who skipped a bombing emergency shows how gross neglect of duty can cost a public servant their job.
Land Reclassification vs Conversion: DAR's Authority Over Agricultural Land Use
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclassified agricultural lands still need DAR conversion approval, distinguishing reclassification from conversion.
Perjury Acquittal: When Contradictory Statements Do Not Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court acquits Eriberto Masangkay of perjury, holding that contradictory statements alone cannot prove deliberate falsehood beyond reasonable doubt.
Land Reclassification vs Conversion: Clarifying DAR's Authority Over Agricultural Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclassified agricultural lands still need DAR conversion approval, distinguishing reclassification from conversion.
Loss of Trust: When Separation Pay Is Not an Option
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees forfeit separation pay, even if dismissal is for loss of trust and confidence.
Constructive Dismissal: Balancing Management Prerogative and Employee Rights
Learn when a job transfer amounts to constructive dismissal under Philippine labor law and how courts balance employer prerogative with employee rights.
Corporate Shares and Fiduciary Duty: When Can a Director's Actions Be Considered Fraudulent?
In Makati Sports Club v. Cheng, the Supreme Court explains why suspicion of insider dealing is not enough to prove fraud against a corporate director.
Annulment of Judgment in Philippine Law: Why Procedural Remedies Must Come First
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment under Rule 47 requires exhausting ordinary remedies first, or the petition fails.
Rescission Rights When Leased Property Becomes Unusable Due to Natural Disasters
When a leased property becomes unusable due to floods or other natural causes, lessees may have the right to rescind the lease. The Supreme Court explains the rules.