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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Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Employers Bear the Burden of Proof
In illegal dismissal cases, Philippine law places the burden of proof on the employer. Learn the rules from Austria v. NLRC.
Fair Trial for the Deaf and Mute: Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court vacated a death sentence because the deaf-mute accused was tried without a sign language interpreter, violating due process.
Co-Ownership Rights: Protecting Inherited Property From Unauthorized Mortgages
A co-owner cannot mortgage inherited property beyond his own share. Learn the rules protecting co-heirs from unauthorized encumbrances.
Philippine Rape Law: Why Complaint Details Matter in Death Penalty Cases
A father convicted of five counts of incestuous rape escaped the death penalty because the complaints failed to allege his relationship with the victim. Learn why details matter in Philippine rape cas
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction Despite Delay in Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction, ruling that delay in reporting and lack of resistance do not undermine victim credibility.
Bail Hearings Are Non-Waivable: Upholding Due Process in Philippine Criminal Procedure
The Supreme Court reaffirms that bail hearings in capital offenses are mandatory and cannot be waived, dismissing a judge who granted bail without one.
Self-Defense or Murder: Justifying Circumstances and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
A guide to self-defense, conspiracy, and treachery in Philippine criminal law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Bitoon.
Sheriff Misconduct in Writ of Execution: Know Your Rights and Remedies in the Philippines
Learn your rights when a sheriff enforces a writ of execution in the Philippines, and the remedies available against sheriff misconduct.
The Power of Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Victim Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, and the importance of properly alleging qualifying circumstances.
Protecting Children: Understanding the Nuances of Rape Law and Parental Accountability in the Philippines
A father's conviction for raping his daughter clarifies Philippine rape law, qualifying circumstances, and the death penalty's proper application.
When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Reprimand: The Villaflor v. Sarita Case
A lawyer who deliberately misreads a TRO to enforce a demolition order faces suspension. Learn the ethical limits of client advocacy.
Abandonment vs. AWOL: When Unauthorized Absence Is Not Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when unauthorized absences amount to abandonment of work, and when they only merit suspension instead of dismissal.
Homicide vs Murder in the Philippines: Intent and Mitigating Circumstances Explained
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish homicide from murder, and when mitigating circumstances like passion, intoxication, or surrender may apply.
Protecting Your Rights When Circumstantial Evidence AND Confessions Fall Short IN Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies how Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence, confessions, and victim testimony in criminal convictions.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Trust Victim Testimony, Especially in Incest
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's testimony, especially in incest cases, can convict despite lack of physical evidence.
Void Contracts and Official Overreach: Due Process in Philippine Law
When can public officials take over a leased public market? The Supreme Court clarifies void contracts, due process, and criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Unauthorized Notarization in the Philippines: Consequences for Lawyers and the Public
When a lawyer notarizes a document without the signer appearing, the consequences are severe. This article explains the rules and penalties.
Unwavering Testimony: Why Child Witness Credibility Is Key in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed a daughter's steadfast testimony against her father's denials in eight counts of incestuous rape.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied: The 90-Day Rule for Case Decisions in Philippine Courts
Philippine judges must decide cases within 90 days. This article explains the rule, its consequences, and a landmark administrative case.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Gross Misconduct in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross misconduct shows the high ethical standards required of the bench and the consequences of abuse.
Defining Rape in the Philippines: Is Penetration Always Necessary?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration is not required for rape; mere touching of the labia by the male organ suffices.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: When Are Allowances Included?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when monthly allowances form part of the salary base for computing separation pay under the Labor Code.
When Supervening Events Trump Dismissal: Due Process and Equity in Philippine Administrative Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how supervening events and equity can overturn an administrative dismissal despite valid due process.
When Allowances Count as Wages: Separation Pay Computation Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when allowances form part of wages for separation pay computation under Article 283 of the Labor Code.