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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Tax Refund Rates for Miners and Forest Concessionaires Under R.A. 1435
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 25% specific tax refund for miners and forest concessionaires is based on original R.A. 1435 rates, not later amendments.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
Learn how Philippine courts handle rape cases, the role of victim testimony, and the legal framework addressing sexual abuse.
Protecting Employee Rights Understanding Illegal Dismissal AND DUE Process IN THE Philippines
Security of Tenure Prevails: Understanding Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Explore the Salafranca case on illegal dismissal, security of tenure, and due process for regular employees in the Philippines.
Foreign Divorce and Inheritance Rights in the Philippines: Citizenship and Marital Validity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreign divorce, citizenship, and inheritance rights of a surviving spouse in intestate succession.
When a Foreign Divorce Affects Inheritance Rights in the Philippines
Explaining Quita v. Court of Appeals on foreign divorce, citizenship, and inheritance rights of a surviving spouse in Philippine succession cases.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: When Inaction Leads to Dismissal
A judge who ignores Supreme Court directives and fails to decide cases within 90 days faces dismissal. Learn from this administrative case.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in the Philippines: Strict Rules, Rare Exceptions
Philippine courts strictly enforce the 15-day appeal period. Missing it can end a case, with only truly exceptional circumstances excusing delay.
Why Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Pleaded in Rape Cases: People v. Medina
The Supreme Court explains why qualifying circumstances like relationship must be alleged in the information, or the death penalty cannot be imposed.
Why Supervisory and Rank-and-File Employees Cannot Join the Same Union in the Philippines
Philippine law bars mixed unions of supervisors and rank-and-file workers. The Dunlop Slazenger case explains the rule and its consequences.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: What Pepsi Cola v. NLRC Teaches About Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that due process in labor cases means notice and opportunity to be heard, not endless chances to submit pleadings.
Judicial Impartiality and Due Process in Philippine Land Reclamation Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judicial impartiality, due process, and the proper interpretation of "foreshore lands" under RA 1899.
Strict Compliance Is Key: Understanding Due Process in Philippine Naturalization Law
Philippine naturalization demands strict compliance with statutory requirements. Learn how courts apply due process in citizenship applications.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Upholding Children's Rights and Condemning Moral Depravity
A father's conviction for raping his 14-year-old daughter affirms that incestuous rape is a monstrous crime deserving the death penalty.
Second Chances in Court: Understanding Appeals After Amended Judgments
When a trial court amends its decision after you've appealed, do you need to file another notice of appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Management Prerogative Is Not Harassment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's resignation is voluntary, and why management directives are not necessarily harassment.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: Enforcing Judgments Against Transferee Companies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforcing labor judgments against successor companies that assume liabilities of the original employer.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Fair Procedure Matters Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why employers must follow procedural due process in termination cases, not just have valid grounds.
Bribery in the Philippines: Understanding the Anti-Graft Law and Its Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's extortion explains Philippine bribery law, the Anti-Graft Law, and the penalties for public officers.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Consequences of Negligence and Delay in Case Resolution
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge suspended for one year and fined P50,000 for gross dereliction of duty and grave misconduct.
Premature Arraignment in Philippine Criminal Cases: Why Timing Matters in Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when arraignment may proceed and why premature arraignment violates due process in criminal proceedings.
Homicide vs Murder: Why Proving Qualifying Circumstances Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains why proving treachery and evident premeditation raises a killing from homicide to murder in Philippine law.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: How Due Process Protects Against Graft Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits Imelda Marcos in a graft case, reaffirming that proof beyond reasonable doubt and due process are essential in criminal convictions.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Parental Authority in Incestuous Rape Cases in the Philippines
How Philippine courts treat parental authority as a form of intimidation in incestuous rape, explained through People v. Bartolome.