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 Delaying Tactics Backfire: The Right to Present Defense Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts must allow accused persons to present defense evidence, even after prosecution rests.
Union Registration in the Philippines: Balancing Compliance and Workers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to submit union reports warrants cancellation of registration, and the DOLE Secretary's review power.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Integrity of Drug Evidence in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations underscores why the chain of custody of drug evidence is crucial to secure a conviction.
Overseas Dreams AND Broken Promises Safeguarding Migrant Workers From Illegal Recruitment AND Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' injuries during onboard recreational activities are compensable under the POEA-SEC.
Chain of Custody and Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why the chain of custody rule is essential in drug cases, and what prosecutors and police must prove.
Distinguishing Financial Leases From Loans Secured by Chattel Mortgage in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale-and-leaseback arrangement is actually a loan secured by chattel mortgage, not a true financial lease.
Navigating Libel Law: Probable Cause and Privileged Communication in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause for libel is a prosecutor's call, and privileged communication is a trial defense.
Security of Tenure: Understanding Agricultural Tenancy Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the essential elements of agricultural tenancy and security of tenure in Heirs of Barredo v. Besañes.
Continuing Security: How Future Debts Can Affect Real Estate Mortgages in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how a real estate mortgage can secure future loans, not just the original debt, through continuing guaranty clauses.
When Amparo Fails Balancing Rights AND Evidence IN Disappearance Cases
The writ of amparo protects life, liberty, and security. But what happens when the evidence is weak or the case is moot? This article explains the limits of amparo relief in Philippine courts.
When a Guilty Plea Is Not Enough: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains why a guilty plea to a capital offense still requires the prosecution to prove guilt and the precise degree of culpability.
When the Secretary of Labor May Award Higher Wages Than a Union MOA
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the Labor Secretary can grant wage increases higher than a union's memorandum of agreement.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Inconsistent Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave contradictory testimonies, casting doubt on the identity of the seized drugs.
Confessions and Corpus Delicti: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh confessions and corpus delicti to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder prosecutions.
Sheriffs' Duties and Liabilities: Proper Handling of Sheriff's Fees and Liquidation
A sheriff's guide to Section 10, Rule 141: how to handle fees, liquidation, and why shortcuts lead to administrative liability.
Dismissal for Repeat Offenses: Enforcing Ethical Conduct in Writ Enforcement
A sheriff's second offense for mishandling execution expenses leads to dismissal, underscoring strict rules for sheriffs.
Unraveling Real Estate Mortgages When Does A Debt Secure Future Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when real estate mortgages secure future obligations and the strict standards for preliminary mandatory injunctions.
Perjury Complaints and the DOJ Secretary's Discretion in Preliminary Investigations
Explains when the DOJ may dismiss a perjury complaint appeal and why constitutional due process rules for courts do not bind prosecutors.
Anti-Terrorism Act: Balancing National Security and Constitutional Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld the Human Security Act but set strict rules on who can challenge anti-terrorism laws in court.
Failing the Chain: Drug Evidence Mishandling Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
A buy-bust team’s failure to comply with Section 21, RA 9165, and the chain of custody rule led to an acquittal in People v. Carin.
Bank Cashier's Liability for Negligence in Approving Fraudulent Deposits
Supreme Court ruling on a government bank cashier's grave misconduct for approving fraudulent second-endorsed check deposits to a personal account.
Arraignment Delay Denied: Why Speedy Trial Rights Trump Second Motions for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a second motion for reconsideration may be denied to protect the accused's right to speedy trial.
When Does the 10-Day Appeal Period Start in Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Learn when the 10-day appeal period starts in labor cases and why a security guard's receipt of a decision may not bind the employer.