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 Delay and Falsification Consequences for Judges in the Philippines
When a judge delays decisions and falsifies Certificates of Service, Philippine courts impose administrative penalties. Learn the rules.
Warrantless Searches and Seizures: Protecting Your Rights in the Philippines
When can police search without a warrant? The Supreme Court explains the limits of warrantless searches and the exclusionary rule.
Employers Bad Faith Actions Employee Rights AND Remedies IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects employees and passengers from employer bad faith, with remedies and damages explained in plain language.
Lost Luggage Liability of Common Carriers in the Philippines: The Sarkies Tours Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier liability for lost passenger luggage, including moral and exemplary damages under the Civil Code.
Presidential Power vs Legislative Authority: Proclamation Validity in the Philippines
Supreme Court nullifies Proclamation No. 164 for exceeding presidential power after Congress convened, reaffirming separation of powers.
Automatic Contract Rescission: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains automatic rescission in contracts to sell, buyer rights, and the dangers of laches in real estate deals.
Defaulting on a Loan: Consequences and Legal Recourse in the Philippines
Learn the legal consequences of loan default in the Philippines, including penalties, attorney's fees, and your rights under the law.
Attorney Withdrawal Upholding Client Rights AND Ethical Obligations IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer withdraw from a case in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on attorney withdrawal and client protection.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Early in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard for execution pending appeal, using PBCom v. Court of Appeals.
Falsification of Official Documents: Consequences for Public Servants in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts treat falsification of official documents, including notarized deeds, and the consequences for public servants and notaries.
Admissibility of Confessions: Protecting Your Rights During Custodial Investigation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a murder accused whose extrajudicial confession was taken without full Miranda rights, reaffirming constitutional safeguards.
Homicide vs Murder: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Understand the legal distinction between homicide and murder in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on treachery and evident premeditation.
Employee Negligence and Termination: When Is Dismissal Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence justifies dismissal and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Positive Identification Key to Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How eyewitness identification outweighs alibi in Philippine murder cases, explained through People v. Queliza (G.R. No. 124135).
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Employers Need to Know in the Philippines
Learn the essentials of procedural and substantive due process in Philippine labor law, including key rules and practical compliance tips for employers.
Treachery and Qualifying Circumstances: Understanding Murder vs Homicide in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why treachery must be alleged in the information to convict for murder, not just homicide.
When Is a Bail Hearing Required in the Philippines? Key Rules from a 1997 SC Ruling
Philippine courts must hold a bail hearing in capital offenses even if the prosecutor waives it. Learn the rules from Cortes v. Catral.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: What Philippine Law Requires of Employers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies illegal dismissal, retirement age, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in the Philippines.
Direct Contempt of Court: Limits on Punishment and Judicial Authority in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies direct contempt penalties, judicial authority limits, and accountability in Veluz v. Babaran.
Double Sale of Property in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights
Learn how Philippine law resolves double sales of property, who gets ownership, and how to protect your rights as a buyer.
Revival of Judgment: How Long Can You Wait to Enforce a Court Order in the Philippines
Learn the rules on reviving a dormant judgment in the Philippines, including prescriptive periods and key Supreme Court rulings.
Bouncing Checks and Ejectment: Civil Liability and Land Possession in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a bounced check creates civil liability despite acquittal, and when ejectment suits must be filed.
Medical Malpractice in the Philippines: Navigating Negligence Claims
Learn how Philippine courts handle medical malpractice and negligence claims, including key legal principles and practical guidance.
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.