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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When Judges May Dismiss Criminal Cases for Lack of Probable Cause
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, and when they must let the case proceed to trial.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Following POEA-SEC Dispute Procedures Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why seafarers must follow the POEA-SEC third-doctor procedure in disability claims.
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.
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.
Probable Cause and Estafa: The Judge's Role in Dismissing Criminal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, using estafa charges as the backdrop.
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 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.
Judicial Ethics: Court Employee Cannot Buy Litigated Property
Court employees must avoid acquiring property in litigation, even outside their court's jurisdiction, to uphold judicial integrity.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Disclose Regularization Standards
Employers must inform probationary employees of regularization standards at engagement or risk them being deemed regular employees from day one.
Circumstantial Evidence Can Sustain a Rape with Homicide Conviction — People v. De la Cruz
Philippine courts can convict of rape with homicide based on circumstantial evidence alone when the circumstances form an unbroken chain pointing to the accused.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
THE Binding Force OF Prior Rulings Understanding THE LAW OF THE Case Doctrine IN Philippine Courts
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.
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.
Filing Deadlines on Weekends and Holidays: The Rule on Extended Periods in Philippine Courts
When an extended filing deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, Philippine courts allow filing on the next working day—here's the rule.