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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Rape and Parental Betrayal: Proving Minority and Relationship in Qualified Rape Cases
A father convicted of raping his daughter escapes the death penalty because the prosecution failed to prove her minority by independent evidence.
Mission Orders and Firearm Permits: Clarifying the Scope of Authority for NBI Agents
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on when security guards and agents may bear firearms during election periods without COMELEC permits.
Good Faith Prevails When Public Officials ACT Without Malice IN Granting Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on good faith as a defense in graft cases under RA 3019, Section 3(e), for public officials relying on agency issuances.
Defining Public Officer When Private Sector Representatives Face Graft Charges
Supreme Court ruling on when private sector board members are public officers under the Anti-Graft Law and Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
Dilatory Prosecution WHY Unexcused Delays CAN Lead TO Case Dismissal
Hlurb Jurisdiction VS Criminal Prosecution Protecting Subdivision Buyers
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for a Fair Trial
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu under RA 9165.
Why Police Procedure Matters: Acquittal in Drug Cases and the Weight of Evidence
A buy-bust operation's failure to follow Section 21 of RA 9165 led to an acquittal. Learn the rules on evidence integrity.
Land Registration: Proving Open Continuous Possession Since 1945
How the Supreme Court applied Section 14(1) of the Property Registration Decree to confirm title through open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945.
When Can a Generic Term Like "Ginebra" Be Protected as a Trademark?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a generic word like "Ginebra" may acquire trademark protection through secondary meaning, and why preliminary injunctions demand a clear right.
Illegal Dismissal vs AWOL: When a Security Guard's Absence Is Not Abandonment
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a worker's absence is illegal dismissal, not AWOL or abandonment, and the rules on off-detail status.
Mining Rights and Corporate Authorization: The Crucial Role of Proper Board Authority in Legal Actions
A Supreme Court ruling on why corporations must secure proper board authorization for legal certifications, and the strict rules on mining disputes.
Voter Registration Integrity False Statements AND Election Candidacy
SC ruling on double voter registration and false statements in certificates of candidacy under Section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Chain of Custody Imperative Safeguarding Drug Evidence for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when prosecution fails to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu.
Prosecutors Discretion in the Philippines: When Courts Can Intervene
When can courts review a prosecutor's or the Ombudsman's decision? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial intervention.
Probationary Employment Security of Tenure and Due Process Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that probationary employees in the civil service enjoy security of tenure and due process rights, and cannot be dismissed at will.
Avoiding Double Jeopardy Distinct Offenses Arising From A Single ACT
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil case can suspend criminal proceedings, and why rescission of a contract does not defeat a BP 22 prosecution.
Confession as Key Evidence in Rape with Homicide: The Weight of Judicial Admission
How a voluntary confession and circumstantial evidence secured a rape-with-homicide conviction, and what this means for criminal cases.
Revocation of Authority and Amendment of Information in Election Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may amend informations and when arraignment may be suspended pending COMELEC appeal.
Laches and Diligence: The Duty to Prosecute Appeals in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissing appeals for failure to file briefs, and the duty of counsel to prosecute appeals diligently.
Estafa Liability of Corporate Officers for Actions of Agents in Securities Trading
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held liable for estafa in securities trading and investment transactions.
Upholding Prosecutorial Powers of the Ombudsman: Lessons from Lazatin v. Desierto
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's prosecutorial powers and control over the Office of the Special Prosecutor in Lazatin v. Desierto.
Union Security Clauses Balancing Workers Rights AND Collective Bargaining Agreements
Party List Registration: What the Supreme Court Requires of Sectoral Organizations
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for party-list registration, emphasizing that organizations must genuinely represent marginalized sectors and cannot make untruthful claims.