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.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Seafarer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is a seafarer's sign-off voluntary resignation or illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on termination and due process.
Reckless Imprudence in Philippine Traffic Accidents: What Veneracion v. People Teaches Drivers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies reckless imprudence liability in traffic accidents, emphasizing driver precautions and evidentiary standards.
Illegal Recruitment Testimonial Evidence Trumps Lack OF Receipts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment cases where testimonial evidence outweighs the absence of receipts or documentary proof.
Power Lines and Property Rights: Determining Just Compensation for Easements
When power lines cross private land, is the owner owed an easement fee or full property value? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Deceptive Promises Estafa Conviction Despite Victims Naivete In Travel Agent Scam
Philippine Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction of fake travel agent, ruling that victims' gullibility does not absolve fraudsters of criminal liability.
Smuggling and the Presumption of Guilt: Possession and Tax Obligations in Philippine Law
When does possession of untaxed goods create a presumption of smuggling under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains in Rieta v. People.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Imperative of Fair Preliminary Investigations in Philippine Law
A lawyer's suspension for issuing worthless checks underscores the continuing duty of good moral character and the importance of fair preliminary investigations.
Condominium Living Enforcing Brochure Promises and Addressing Building Defects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on condominium buyers' rights, brochure promises as warranties, and remedies for building defects under PD 957.
Forged Documents and Ethical Boundaries: Attorney Accountability in Court Submissions
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability, damages, and the ethical duty of lawyers to verify documents before court submission.
Lawyers' Dishonesty and Disobedience: When Administrative Cases Lead to Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for dishonesty and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying the burden of proof in disbarment cases.
Rape and the Testimony of a Child Victim: Credibility and Penalties in Philippine Courts
This case explains how Philippine courts evaluate a rape victim's credibility, the sweetheart defense, and the proper penalties and damages.
Witness Credibility and Circumstantial Evidence in Murder Convictions: People v. Trinidad
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on a single credible eyewitness, explaining how trial courts assess witness credibility and circumstantial evidence.
Anonymous Complaints and Civil Service Discipline: Ensuring Fair Process in Government Oversight
When can anonymous complaints trigger civil service discipline? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on initiating administrative cases against government employees.
Citizenship by Blood: Redefining Qualifications for the Philippine Presidency
The Supreme Court's 2004 ruling in Tecson v. COMELEC clarifies how natural-born citizenship is determined for presidential candidates.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Proof of Relationship: The Evidentiary Standard for Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like relationship in rape cases require strict documentary proof before the death penalty may be imposed.
Voluntary Confession Mitigates Parricide: Reclusion Perpetua Instead of Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary confession of guilt mitigates parricide, reducing the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua.
Moral Turpitude and Professional Responsibility: When a Lawyer's Personal Conduct Affects Their Career
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for immorality and for creating the appearance of influencing judges.
Eyewitness Testimony vs. Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law: People v. Buenavidez
The Supreme Court explains when eyewitness testimony prevails over alibi, and how treachery is proven in murder cases.
Patent Infringement and the Doctrine of Equivalents: Beyond Literal Claim Language
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the doctrine of equivalents applies in patent infringement cases, using Smith Kline Beckman v. Tryco Pharma as guide.
Resolving Ownership in Forcible Entry: When Courts Can Decide Who Truly Owns the Land
Philippine ejectment cases usually focus on possession, but courts may resolve ownership when it is intertwined with possession. Learn the rules.
Accountability in Public Service: Reassessing Penalties for Malversation of Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of malversation and corrects the penalty imposed on a city cash clerk who failed to deposit public funds.
Rape Conviction Upheld on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Intact Hymen
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on child victim's credible testimony, clarifies that intact hymen does not negate rape.
The Boundaries of Self Defense When Force Becomes Unlawful Aggression in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense is valid and when force becomes unlawful aggression in criminal cases.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden and Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, emphasizing that sudden, unexpected attacks from behind constitute treachery, not self-defense.