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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Seafarer Disability Claims and Quitclaims: Lessons from the Idul Case
Understand how the Supreme Court resolved a seafarer's disability claim, the role of company-designated physicians, and why procedural rules matter.
Understanding the Consequences of Accepting Unauthorized Benefits: A Guide for Public Officials
COA personnel who accepted prohibited benefits from a GOCC were dismissed for grave misconduct. Learn the rules and penalties.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Human Trafficking: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Cas
The Supreme Court explains the elements of illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons in a case involving a worker bound for Beijing.
When Death Extinguishes Criminal Liability: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
PNCC Ruling Clarifies GOCC Status and Employee Bonus Rules
Supreme Court rules PNCC is a GOCC under RA 10149, allowing it to stop mid-year bonuses without violating non-diminution rules.
PNCC Ruling: Labor Code Applies to Non-Chartered GOCCs, But RA 10149 Limits Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that non-chartered GOCCs like PNCC are under the Labor Code, yet RA 10149 restricts employee benefits without presidential approval.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Guide to Ensuring Evidence Integrity
Learn how Philippine courts apply the chain of custody rule in drug cases, using People v. Somira as a guide.
Unlocking Inheritance Rights Understanding Illegitimate Childrens Entitlement TO Estate Partition IN THE Phili
The Supreme Court clarifies how illegitimate children inherit from their father's estate and when they can demand partition.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: A Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court explains when courts can pierce the corporate veil to hold owners liable for unpaid labor judgments.
Understanding Intent in Child Abuse Cases: The Role of Specific Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires specific intent for child abuse convictions. Learn how courts determine criminal intent in these sensitive cases.
Foreign Spouses Can File for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines: The Ambrose Ruling
Foreign spouses married in the Philippines have legal standing to file for nullity of marriage, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Ambrose v. Suque-Ambrose.
Amending Defective Criminal Charges: The Lazaro Doctrine on Procedural Flexibility
Learn how Philippine courts amend defective criminal charges to prevent dismissal on technicalities, based on Lazaro v. People.
Separation Pay Calculations in Government Agencies: Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when rounding off length of service for separation pay is illegal in government agencies, and who is liable for refunds.
Understanding CNA Benefits: Who Qualifies and the Consequences of Misallocation
The Supreme Court clarifies CNA incentive eligibility and the liability for granting benefits to non-qualified employees.
Navigating Employee Incentives Understanding THE Limits OF Government Agency Compensation Powers
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of CNA incentives given to non-rank-and-file SSS employees, clarifying limits on agency compensation powers.
Disallowed Government Allowances: When the Supreme Court Excuses Refund
The Supreme Court excused employees from refunding disallowed calamity and incentive allowances, citing humanitarian considerations under Madera.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 120/240-Day Rule and the Third Doctor Requirement
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes permanent and total, and why skipping the third-doctor referral can defeat a claim.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: The 120/240-Day Rule and Third Doctor Assessment
Learn how the 120/240-day rule and third doctor assessment affect seafarer disability claims, and when the POEA-SEC governs over a CBA.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict because police failed to secure required witnesses for the inventory, explaining the strict chain of custody rule.
Understanding Qualified Rape Legal Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
This article examines a landmark Supreme Court ruling on qualified rape, explaining the legal principles and practical implications.
Invalid Deeds and Heirs' Rights: The Colmenar Case on Property and Succession
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when heirs can challenge void deeds and how procedural rules protect buyers and property rights.
Regular vs. Fixed-Term Employment: Key Lessons from Site for Eyes v. Daming
The Supreme Court ruled that repeated fixed-term contracts cannot defeat regular employment status. Learn the key lessons from this landmark case.
When Signing an Inspection Report Is Not Dishonesty: Insights from Gaspar v. Field Investigation Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when signing an inspection report does not amount to serious dishonesty or conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: How Courts Value Property Beyond BIR Zonal Value
The Supreme Court explains how courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, clarifying that BIR zonal value is only one factor.