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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Mortgage Contracts and Future Advances: Understanding the Scope of Security in Philippine Law
When does a real estate mortgage cover future loans beyond the stated amount? The Supreme Court explains in Quintanilla v. RCBC.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Safeguards Justice Regardless of the Accused's Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that automatic review of death penalty cases ensures justice and due process, independent of the accused's conduct or character.
Falsification of Official Documents: Consequences for Public Servants in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts treat falsification of official documents, including notarized deeds, and the consequences for public servants and notaries.
Homicide vs Murder: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Understand the legal distinction between homicide and murder in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on treachery and evident premeditation.
Employee Negligence and Termination: When Is Dismissal Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence justifies dismissal and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Perfecting a Sale With an Assumed Mortgage: Key Considerations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale with assumption of mortgage is perfected, and the consequences of failing to comply with mortgagee conditions.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Employers Need to Know in the Philippines
Learn the essentials of procedural and substantive due process in Philippine labor law, including key rules and practical compliance tips for employers.
Treachery and Qualifying Circumstances: Understanding Murder vs Homicide in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why treachery must be alleged in the information to convict for murder, not just homicide.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment orders strictly, citing a lawyer in contempt for defying a restitution order.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law requires both just cause and due process for valid dismissal. Learn the rules from Aquinas School v. Magnaye.
Judicial Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Its Consequences for Judges
Philippine Supreme Court censures judge for grave abuse of authority, misconduct in issuing extended TROs and lifting hold departure order.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery, evident premeditation, and conspiracy in a brutal multiple murder case from Negros Oriental.
Insubordination in Maritime Employment: Understanding Just Cause for Termination
A seafarer's refusal to obey lawful orders can be just cause for dismissal, but procedural due process still applies.
Incestuous Rape: Why a Victim's Testimony Prevails Over Familial Betrayal
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction based on the credible testimony of his minor daughter, clarifying key rules on penetration and witness credibility.
When Is Dismissal Too Harsh? Proportionality in Employment Law
A seafarer's insubordination was just cause for dismissal, but the employer still paid P5,000 for skipping due process.
Wrongful Termination: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the two requirements for valid dismissal: just cause and due process. Learn the rules.
Default Judgments Understanding Due Process and Timely Responses in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat default judgments and why timely responses matter, based on a Supreme Court ruling on judicial delay.
Seafarers' Rights: Protecting Overseas Workers From Illegal Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling protects Filipino seafarers from illegal dismissal when they seek ITF or CSR help for labor grievances.
Habitual Tardiness and Loafing at Work: Legal Consequences for Philippine Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness and loafing: employee responsibilities, penalties, and lessons from Orfila v. Quiroz.
Dying Declarations and Homicide: When a Victim's Last Words Can Convict
The Supreme Court explains when a dying declaration suffices to convict and why the accused was held for homicide, not murder.
Due Process in Philippine Administrative Investigations: The Casuela Case and the Five-Day Bar Rule
The Supreme Court affirms that administrative investigations must respect the five-day bar rule before hearing, ensuring due process for respondents.
Incestuous Rape: The Supreme Court's Stance on Parental Abuse and a Daughter's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, holding that a daughter's testimony deserves great weight and that rape can occur even in a crowded room.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: A Philippine Labor Law Perspective
Understand the two-part due process rule in Philippine labor law—substantive and procedural—and the consequences of non-compliance, explained through Bondoc v. NLRC.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Just Cause and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and the twin requirements of notice and hearing.