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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Ensuring Chain of Custody Integrity: The Key to Successful Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, highlighting the strict requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Understanding the Distinction Between Attempted and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, murder—and why proving the wound's fatality matters.
Bank Liability and Jurisdiction in Mortgage Fraud Cases: The Hermosa Savings Bank Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies which court handles claims against a bank under liquidation, and what this means for creditors.
When a Company Doctor's Delay Makes a Seafarer's Disability Total and Permanent
Explain the Supreme Court's ruling in Salonga v. Solvang Philippines: a company doctor's failure to issue a timely disability assessment makes a seafarer's injury total and permanent.
Understanding the Limits of Quasi-Judicial Powers: The DARAB's Jurisdictional Boundaries
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DARAB, as a quasi-judicial body, cannot exercise certiorari powers—a key ruling on jurisdictional limits.
One-Year Prescription Period for Insurance Claims: The Alpha Plus Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court's Alpha Plus ruling clarifies the one-year prescription period for insurance claims and why timing matters.
Reassignment Orders and Insubordination: What Public Employees Must Know
Public employees must comply with reassignment orders even while appeals are pending. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of insubordination.
When Justice Delays: The Cost of Unresolved Cases in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling shows why judges must decide cases on time—and what happens when they don't.
Lost Court Records and Prescription: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
When loans and mortgages go uncollected for years, prescription can cancel them. A 2021 Supreme Court ruling explains how.
Serious Misconduct at Work: When Can an Employee Be Dismissed?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when serious misconduct justifies dismissal and whether benefits are automatically forfeited upon termination.
Trademark Cancellation: When Registration Does Not Guarantee Ownership
The Supreme Court explains when a trademark registration can be cancelled despite the prima facie presumption of ownership it grants.
Serious Misconduct Justifies Dismissal: The Mesina Case on Workplace Discourtesy
When does talking back to a superior become serious misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid dismissal and 13th month pay.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Key to Philippine Land Registration
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. PNP.
Resignation vs. Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains when resignation bars an illegal dismissal claim and when procedural due process still matters.
Res Judicata in the Philippines: How Final Judgments Bar Endless Litigation
The Supreme Court explains res judicata and why a final judgment on a compromise agreement cannot be relitigated through new petitions.
When Can Police Impound Your Vehicle: Unlawful Seizure Explained
Learn when police can legally impound a vehicle in the Philippines and when seizure becomes unlawful, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: Landmark Ruling on Interest Rates
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest accrues on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, citing Republic v. Heirs of Francisco.
Navigating Docket Fee Challenges: Ensuring Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases and prevents inordinate delay in preliminary investigations.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence Duties AND Consequences IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and the penalties that follow.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Understanding Total and Permanent Disability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury qualifies as total and permanent disability, not just partial, under the POEA-SEC.
Special Administrators in Estate Cases: Residency Matters More Than Citizenship
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that residency, not citizenship, determines who may serve as special administrator in estate proceedings.
Protecting Conjugal Property from a Spouse’s Personal Debts: Cordova v. Ty Explained
Can creditors seize conjugal property for one spouse’s personal debt? The Supreme Court’s ruling in Cordova v. Ty explains the limits.
SALN Violations and Perjury: Prescriptive Periods Explained
Learn the prescriptive periods for SALN violations and perjury in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in the Germar case.
Proving Tolerance in Unlawful Detainer: A Landmark Lesson from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proving tolerance in unlawful detainer cases. Learn the key evidence rules for ejectment disputes.