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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Public Bidding Prevails Miaas Duty TO Ensure Fair Contracts FOR Security Services
Habeas Corpus and Drug Offenses: Ensuring Fair Application of Penalties
A look at how the Supreme Court used habeas corpus to correct an excessive penalty for a minor drug offense.
When Excessive Force Destroys a Self-Defense Claim in Philippine Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains why 16 stab wounds negate self-defense and how excessive force turns a killing into homicide, not murder.
Due Process in Dismissal: Protecting Government Employees From Unlawful Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when dropping a government employee from the rolls for AWOL violates due process, and what evidence is required.
Extradition and Due Process: Balancing Treaty Obligations and Individual Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that a prospective extraditee enjoys basic due process rights—notice and hearing—even during the executive evaluation stage of extradition proceedings.
Regular vs Project Employees: Key Differences and Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies regular vs project employee status, tenure security, and monetary claims under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Credible Testimony in Rape Cases: Why a Victim's Account Alone Can Lead to Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape victim's lone testimony suffices for conviction, and why alibi and delay in reporting do not defeat it.
Right to Counsel: Why a Fake Lawyer Voids a Criminal Conviction
Learn why the Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction because the accused was represented by a non-lawyer, and what this means for due process.
Philippine Oil Deregulation Upheld: Supreme Court Defers to Market Freedom and Congress
The Supreme Court upheld oil deregulation under RA 8479, ruling that price controls are policy choices for Congress, not constitutional requirements.
Due Process in Land Acquisition: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect property rights in land acquisition disputes, and why clear legal title matters before seeking injunctive relief.
Invalid Government Appointments: How Unpublished Decrees Affect Public Servants' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on how unpublished presidential decrees create no valid offices, and why automatic absorption of employees is unconstitutional.
Judicial Impartiality in Philippine Courts: Upholding Fairness in Case Assignments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial impartiality and fair case assignments, protecting due process and public trust in courts.
Procedural Due Process in Rape Cases: Why Proper Charges Matter
How a flawed criminal complaint led the Supreme Court to reduce death sentences to reclusion perpetua in a stepfather rape case.
Missed the Deadline, Missed Justice: Why Timely Tax Ordinance Appeals Matter
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows why taxpayers must appeal local tax ordinances within 30 days or lose their chance to challenge them.
Evidentiary Burden in Robbery and Homicide Cases: Supreme Court Clarifies Proof Requirements
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves robbery, rape, and aggravating circumstances in this 1999 ruling.
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.
How Philippine Courts Determine Witness Credibility in Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess witness credibility in criminal cases through the landmark incestuous rape ruling in People vs. Sevilla.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Why Witness Credibility Is Key in Philippine Murder Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility in criminal cases, using the incestuous rape ruling in People v. Sevilla as a guide.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws in the Philippines: When Can a Sentence Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when favorable penal laws apply retroactively, reducing sentences even after conviction and while serving time.
Robbery with Homicide: Understanding Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, witness credibility, aggravating circumstances, and damages in People v. Paraiso.
Due Process in Elections: When COMELEC Cannot Invalidate Votes
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's cancellation of a candidate's nickname votes for lack of notice and hearing, reaffirming due process in election cases.
Selling a Homestead Too Soon in the Philippines Can Cost You Everything
Philippine law bars selling homestead land within five years of the patent. Learn the rule and its consequences.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Valid Waivers in C & A Construction v. NLRC
Understand illegal dismissal in the Philippines through C & A Construction v. NLRC: due process requirements, valid quitclaims, and limits on damages.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Delayed Reporting Does Not Mean Fabrication
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape victim's delay in reporting, especially in incest cases, does not automatically mean the charge is fabricated.