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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Compulsory Insurance for OFWs: When Agency-Hired Coverage Applies
The Supreme Court clarifies when overseas Filipino workers are covered by compulsory insurance, and what happens when contracts are renewed.
Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Cases: Insights from People v. Serafin
The Supreme Court explains when abuse of superior strength qualifies killing as murder, using People v. Serafin as a guide.
Work-Related Illness Claims: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Seafarer Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, the 120-day disability rule, and the weight of company doctor findings.
Understanding Abuse of Rights When Legal Actions Cross Ethical Boundaries
When does the right to speedy disposition become a shield against inordinate delay? The Supreme Court clarifies in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
Employee Rights to Overtime, Holiday, and Service Incentive Leave Pay in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers are "field personnel" and their rights to overtime, holiday, and service incentive leave pay.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When a Judge's Delay Draws Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court fined a judge for undue delay in rendering a decision, clarifying when judicial delay becomes administratively actionable.
Understanding Bail and Recognizance Rules: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies bail, recognizance, and prisoner release during emergencies—key insights for criminal law.
When a Bank Fails: Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Banks Under Liquidation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on which court hears claims against a bank placed under PDIC liquidation, voiding orders from a court without jurisdiction.
Submitting Altered Evidence in Court: A Lawyer's Duty to Verify Documents
A lawyer who pre-marks altered evidence without verifying it faces discipline. The Supreme Court explains the duty of candor.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman's inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Supreme Court on Bail for Prisoners During COVID-19: The Almonte Ruling
The High Court explains when prisoners charged with serious offenses may seek bail or recognizance during a public health crisis.
Good Faith and Misinterpretation in Public Office: A Guide to the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's mistaken interpretation of rules negates criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Understanding the Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining why Section 21 compliance matters in Philippine drug cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and insulating witness rules under RA 9165.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, applying the Cagang guidelines.
Understanding Tax Compromise Agreements: Validity and Implications for Taxpayers
The Supreme Court affirms the validity of tax compromise agreements under the NIRC, protecting good-faith settlements with the BIR.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Ignoring Court Orders in the Philippines
A lawyer who ignores Supreme Court directives faces added suspension. Learn the consequences of disobeying lawful orders.
Notarial Responsibilities and Lawyer Ethics: Lessons from Rivera v. Dalangin
A lawyer's duty to refuse notarizing unlawful documents and uphold honesty, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the mandatory presence of insulating witnesses under RA 9165.
Why Insulating Witnesses Matter in Drug Seizure Cases: People v. Balbarez
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, stressing the critical role of insulating witnesses under Section 21.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Seizure Cases: The Crucial Role of Chain of Custody
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to follow Section 21 of RA 9165's chain of custody rules.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in Philippine Law: Insights from a Landmark Ruling
A look at the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases and how the Supreme Court applied it in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: The Power of a Child's Testimony
A child's credible testimony can convict in statutory rape cases, even with minor inconsistencies. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Property Title Disputes and Notarial Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Administrative Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies notarial duties in property transactions, showing why proper identity verification matters in land disputes.