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.
SSS Death Benefits: Does Legal Separation Bar a Spouse’s Claim?
Legal marriage alone does not guarantee SSS death benefits—surviving spouses must prove actual dependency, especially after separation.
Protecting Press Freedom Understanding Libel and Fair Reporting in Philippine Media Law
Explore the boundaries of libel and fair reporting in Philippine media law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Angeles v. Gaite.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Understanding Consent and Legal Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and clarifies the applicable law and damages.
Unmarried Couples and Property Rights in the Philippines: Proving Co-Ownership
Unmarried couples in the Philippines must prove actual joint contribution to co-own property. Learn the rules from Lacbayan v. Samoy.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Illegal Dismissal and the Employer's Burden of Proof
When an employer claims abandonment or habitual absenteeism, it bears the burden of proof. This case explains why.
Condominium Common Areas: When Utility Installations Inside a Unit Belong to the Corporation
Learn when electrical panels and utility installations inside a condominium unit are common areas under RA 4726 and the master deed.
Lateral and Subjacent Support: Excavation Limits for Adjacent Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal easement of lateral and subjacent support between adjacent landowners and its effect on property titles.
Voluntary Arbitration vs. Labor Arbiter: Philippine Labor Dispute Jurisdiction
When does voluntary arbitration prevail over Labor Arbiter jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies in University of the Immaculate Conception v. NLRC.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Face Liability for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when parent companies can be held liable for subsidiaries' labor violations, explained for employees and businesses.
Hotel Liability for Lost Vehicles: Necessary Deposits Under Philippine Law
When a hotel valet loses a guest's vehicle, who pays? Philippine law on necessary deposits and the Durban Apartments ruling explain.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Parental Authority, Consent, and the Law
Understand how Philippine courts treat incestuous rape by a father, the role of moral ascendancy, and the penalties imposed.
When Banks Dishonor Checks: The Citibank v. Dinopol Case on Fiduciary Duty and Damages
The Supreme Court ruled that banks must exercise the highest degree of diligence, holding Citibank liable for dishonoring a check over a P58.33 charge.
Indirect Employers' Solidary Liability: Protecting Workers' Monetary Claims Under the Labor Code
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on indirect employers' solidary liability for workers' wages, 13th month pay, and other monetary benefits.
Immorality in the Workplace: When Personal Conduct Leads to Professional Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a government employee's extramarital affair constituted disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegal dismissal case belongs to the Labor Arbiter versus the Regional Trial Court.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable Without Clear Obligation: Prudential Bank v. Abasolo
Supreme Court rules a bank is not subsidiarily liable for a loan officer's alleged promises absent a clear obligation or written request.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: When Prosecution Appeals Are Barred
The Supreme Court explains when the prosecution cannot appeal an acquittal and why certiorari, not appeal, is the proper remedy.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Control in Insurance Agency Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an insurance agent becomes an employee, applying the four-fold test and control standard.
Insanity Plea in Parricide: Burden of Proof and the Limits of Jealous Rage
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability, and why jealous rage falls short.
Trust and Tax: Protecting Pension Funds Through Beneficial Ownership
How the Supreme Court protected a pension fund's tax-exempt income by recognizing beneficial ownership under Article 1452 of the Civil Code.
Confessions to Barangay Peacekeepers Without Counsel Are Inadmissible Evidence
The Supreme Court rules that uncounselled confessions to bantay bayan members are inadmissible in evidence, but a rape conviction can still stand on other proof.
Partnership Disputes: Proving a Partnership Without a Formal Agreement
When no written partnership contract exists, courts look to conduct and circumstances. This case shows how to prove or disprove an informal partnership.
Parental Authority vs Incest: Upholding Conviction in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of father, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and resistance in incestuous rape.
Gun Store Owners' Negligence Liability for Accidental Shooting Ruled by Supreme Court
Supreme Court holds gun store owner liable for negligence after defective firearm left loaded in unlocked drawer causes fatal accidental shooting.