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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Expediting Justice WHY Ejectment Cases Should NOT BE Delayed BY Interlocutory Certiorari
Seafarers Disability Claims: Timely Medical Assessment and Permanent Disability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, the role of company-designated physicians, and the importance of timely medical assessment.
Insanity Plea in Parricide: Burden of Proof and the Limits of Jealous Rage
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability, and why jealous rage falls short.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Conspiracy, Victim Rights, and the High Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms a kidnap-for-ransom conviction, clarifies conspiracy liability, and adjusts damages awards for the victim.
School Negligence: Defining the Scope of Responsibility for Student Safety in Science Experiments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that schools and teachers owe students a high degree of care during dangerous activities like science experiments.
Unliquidated Claims When Repair Costs Cannot Offset Rental Payments IN Lease Agreements
When can a lessee offset repair costs against unpaid rent? The Supreme Court explains the rule on legal compensation in lease disputes.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Justice Despite Fugitive Status and Evidentiary Challenges
Supreme Court affirms kidnap-for-ransom conviction, dismisses fugitive's appeal, and clarifies damages awards under Philippine law.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Control in Insurance Agency Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an insurance agent becomes an employee, applying the four-fold test and control standard.
Reasonable Doubt, Chain of Custody, and Presumption of Innocence in Drug Cases
A look at how Philippine courts apply the presumption of innocence and the chain of custody rule in drug cases, and what this means for accused persons.
Eyewitness Credibility and Collective Liability in Criminal Conspiracy: Establishing Individual Guilt
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility and collective liability in criminal conspiracy cases, and what this means for individual guilt.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility Determining Guilt in Murder Cases
Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, alibi, conspiracy, and treachery in multiple murder convictions.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Valuation and Judicial Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies just compensation in agrarian reform, balancing Land Bank valuations with judicial discretion in eminent domain cases.
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.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Rendering Decisions
A judge's third offense of delay in rendering a decision resulted in a P25,000 fine, underscoring the judiciary's commitment to speedy justice.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide Cases
How circumstantial evidence and conspiracy can sustain a robbery with homicide conviction, and why claims of duress failed in this case.
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.
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.
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.
Extraordinary Diligence IN Enforced Disappearances THE Burgos Case AND THE Writ OF Amparo
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.
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.
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.
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.