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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Judicial Impartiality: Dismissal of Judge for Gross Ignorance and Partiality in Election Case
Supreme Court dismisses judge for gross ignorance and partiality in election protest, applying obsolete laws to favor a litigant.
Fraud in Land Acquisition: Government Can Revert Public Land Despite Title Indefeasibility
Supreme Court ruling on how fraud in free patent applications lets the government revert public land despite title indefeasibility.
When Silence Is Not Acquiescence: Fear and Delayed Testimony in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when fear justifies delayed testimony and how incomplete self-defense works in homicide cases.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction Projects
Learn when construction workers are project employees and their rights on termination before project completion, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Ad Placement Errors: When a Publisher Is Not Liable for Non-Publication
Learn from David v. Manila Bulletin when a newspaper is not liable for a failed obituary ad, and how proper ad placement procedures protect both parties.
Supreme Court on Good Faith Bargaining and Union-Busting: The Letran Case
The Supreme Court ruled on an employer's duty to bargain in good faith and what constitutes union-busting in Colegio de San Juan de Letran v. AEFL.
Pre-Trial Orders Control Your Case: The Tiu v. Middleton Rule on Witness Exclusion
Pre-trial orders bind trial proceedings. Learn from Tiu v. Middleton why unnamed witnesses may still testify and how to protect your case.
Legal Redemption Notice: When a Co-Owner's Letter From the Vendee Suffices
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner's right of redemption starts, and whether notice from the vendee can trigger the 30-day period.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Unauthenticated Evidence and Lack of Due Process Can Cost Employers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules: retirement age, CBA benefits, and employer liability in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Bouncing Checks Law: Valid Defense When Developer Fails to Complete Project
Supreme Court rules buyer's suspension of payments under PD 957 is valid defense against B.P. 22 bouncing checks charges.
Bouncing Checks Law: When a Valid Cause to Stop Payment Defeats a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a buyer who stopped payment on postdated checks due to a developer's failure to complete a townhouse project.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: When an Anonymous Letter Leads to Reinstatement and Back Wages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal based on an anonymous letter, and the awards of back wages and separation pay.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases: The Insanity Defense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for the insanity defense in robbery with homicide cases, requiring complete deprivation of reason.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Proving Your Case Even Without a Termination Letter
Illegal dismissal can be proven even without a termination letter. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Echegaray v. Secretary of Justice: Lethal Injection and the Limits of Administrative Rule-Making
The Supreme Court upheld lethal injection as a constitutional mode of execution but struck down implementing rules that overstepped the law.
Lethal Injection in the Philippines: Balancing Constitutionality and Humane Execution
A look at Echegaray v. Secretary of Justice, where the Supreme Court upheld lethal injection as a constitutional method of execution.
Judicial Ethics and Due Process: The Rule on Service of Judgments by Registered Mail
A look at Santos v. Court of Appeals on the completeness of service by registered mail and the need for conclusive proof of notice.
Service by Registered Mail in the Philippines: When Deadlines Start Ticking
Understand when service by registered mail is complete in Philippine courts, and how insufficient postal certifications can protect your right to due process.
When Employee Criticism Becomes Illegal Dismissal: The Open Letter Case
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when employee expression is protected and when dismissal for misconduct is illegal.
Counterclaims After Complaint Dismissal: Philippine Rules Explained
Learn when counterclaims survive dismissal of the main complaint under Philippine civil procedure, based on the Fletcher Challenge case.
Security of Tenure in Government Service: When a Defective Appointment Prevents It
A government employee's security of tenure depends on a valid, completed appointment. Corpuz v. Court of Appeals explains the rule.
The Perils of Sin Perjuicio Judgments: Ensuring Timely and Complete Justice in the Philippines
Philippine courts must independently assess prosecutorial motions to withdraw information, balancing judicial discretion with the Secretary of Justice's review powers.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies regular employment, constructive dismissal, and retirement rights in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Attempted Kidnapping: When Does Intent Fall Short of Completion
Philippine law distinguishes attempted from frustrated kidnapping. This article explains the legal tests courts use to determine criminal liability.