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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Separation Pay in the Philippines: When Is It Required?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when separation pay is legally required—and when it is not—in this plain-language guide to labor law.
When Is a Legislative Franchise Required for Philippine Air Transport Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a legislative franchise is needed to operate domestic air services in the Philippines.
Correcting Election Errors Ensuring Accurate Vote Canvassing IN THE Philippines
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Negligence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence as a just cause for dismissal, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Combating Land Title Fraud: Reopening Decrees and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that reconstituted titles obtained through fraudulent or defective proceedings are void and cannot defeat actual possession.
Can Corporations Hire Optometrists? The Corporate Practice of Professions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether corporations may employ optometrists, and the limits of the corporate practice of professions doctrine.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Ensuring Validity and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn the strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost land titles under R.A. 26 and why non-compliance voids the proceedings.
Adoption in the Philippines: Alien Restrictions and Joint Adoption Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when aliens may adopt Filipino children and why joint adoption by spouses is mandatory under the Family Code.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Legal Malice Explained
Learn the three elements of malicious prosecution in the Philippines, including probable cause and legal malice, from the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling.
Mining Claim Disputes: Tie Points and Reconstitution Requirements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mining claim validity, tie points under the Philippine Bill of 1902, and reconstitution rules.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Just Cause Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows that a valid dismissal needs both a just cause and due process — and that failing on either one changes the employer's liability.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How Duplicate Cases Can Kill Your Labor Claim
Learn how filing duplicate labor cases amounts to forum shopping and leads to automatic dismissal under Philippine rules.
Establishing Paternity in the Philippines: Evidence Beyond DNA
How Philippine courts prove paternity without DNA tests, using letters, birth certificates, and conduct, as shown in Pe Lim v. Court of Appeals.
Protecting Your Innovation Understanding Utility Model Patents IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified COA's audit powers and the principle of quantum meruit in government construction contracts.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Legal Implications and Victims' Rights
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies force, intimidation, and victim credibility in Philippine law.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Company Officers Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers and close corporation stockholders can be held personally liable for separation pay.
Regular vs Project Employee: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the difference between regular and project employees, and why employers must prove project-based hiring.
Navigating Forum Shopping in the Philippines: A Guide to Avoiding Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court applies the non-forum shopping certification rule to election protests and why timing matters for your case.
Defense of Strangers: When Can You Legally Protect Someone Else in the Philippines
Philippine law allows defending strangers, but only under strict conditions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough to Convict in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction—and why it failed in People v. Villaran.
Understanding Seafarer Disability Claims IN THE Philippines A Guide TO Compensation
Right OF WAY Disputes Ensuring Access TO Your Land IN THE Philippines
Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Credibility and Legal Standards in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies standards for crediting child testimony in rape cases, affirming conviction based on victims' narrations.
Service of Court Decisions in the Philippines: The Laza Case and Due Process
Learn how Philippine courts rule on valid service of decisions, the "sufficient discretion" standard, and the Laza v. Court of Appeals case.