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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Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Understanding Complex Crimes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, treachery, and evident premeditation in murder cases, emphasizing proof beyond reasonable doubt for aggravating circumstances.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Understanding Consent
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how the law protects children and how consent is treated in such cases.
Employee vs. Partner in the Philippines: The Villaruel Case on Proof of Partnership
When is a worker an employee, not a partner? The Villaruel case clarifies the burden of proof and protects workers' labor rights.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: When Protection Against Repeated Prosecution Applies
Understand when double jeopardy protects an accused in the Philippines, and when it does not, based on Cudia v. Court of Appeals.
Possession vs Intent: Understanding Illegal Firearm Charges in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on double jeopardy in illegal firearm cases, and why a prosecutor's authority matters in criminal charges.
Forum Shopping IN THE Philippines Avoiding Dismissal OF Your Case 3
Retrenchment IN THE Philippines When CAN A Company Validly Terminate Employees DUE TO Losses
Election Protests Understanding Timelines AND Grounds FOR Recounts IN THE Philippines
Grave Coercion vs Kidnapping: Understanding Deprivation of Liberty in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between kidnapping and grave coercion, emphasizing that actual detention or "locking up" is essential for a kidnapping conviction.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Court Authority: Navigating Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the balance between prosecutorial discretion and judicial authority in dismissing criminal cases after information is filed.
Ballot Authentication: How Missing BEI Signatures Affect Election Validity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unsigned ballots are spurious, and how voter intent prevails over technical omissions.
Strikes in the Philippines: Legal Requirements and Consequences for Labor Disputes
Understand the legal framework for strikes in the Philippines, including requirements, prohibited acts, and consequences for illegal strikes under Philippine labor law.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When Civil Cases Halt Criminal Proceedings in the Philippines
Understand the prejudicial question doctrine in Philippine criminal procedure, including when courts may suspend criminal cases pending civil actions.
Due Process and Property Rights: Limits on Professional Regulation in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court protected harbor pilots' vested property rights against an administrative order that violated due process.
Warrantless Arrests and Searches: When Are They Legal in the Philippines?
Learn when warrantless arrests and searches are legal in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Malacat v. Court of Appeals.
Private vs Common Carriers: Understanding Liability for Cargo Damage in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes private from common carriers, affecting liability for cargo damage. Learn the rules and practical implications.
Strikes AND Reinstatement Balancing Workers Rights AND Employer Authority IN THE Philippines
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Consent and Legal Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that carnal knowledge of a mentally retarded woman whose mental age is below twelve constitutes rape.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains the two elements of statutory rape and why force, hymenal integrity, and spermatozoa are irrelevant.
Certiorari vs Petition for Review: Choosing the Right Appeal Route in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when to use certiorari versus a petition for review, and why choosing the wrong mode of appeal can be fatal to a case.
Sequestration and Due Process: Protecting Stockholder Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how discovery rules and due process protect parties in ill-gotten wealth cases, and when cases become moot.
Due Process for Teachers: Ensuring Fair Administrative Hearings in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that public school teachers facing administrative charges are entitled to a properly constituted investigating committee under RA 4670.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: A Guide for Job Seekers
Learn how Philippine courts handle illegal recruitment and estafa, and what job seekers should watch for before paying placement fees.
Employee Theft and Due Process: Navigating Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee theft, just cause, and the two-notice rule in termination cases.