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.
Investment or Loan? Understanding Estafa and Fiduciary Duty in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a failed investment becomes estafa under the Revised Penal Code, and why fiduciary duty matters.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: When Is It Enough for Conviction
When does a witness's positive identification suffice for conviction? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Compendio.
Probable Cause in the Philippines: What You Need to Know
Learn how Philippine courts define probable cause, why it matters in criminal cases, and what the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling means for you.
Illegal Dismissal: When Can an Employer Terminate an Employee in the Philippines
Philippine law requires just cause and due process for valid termination. This case explains serious misconduct and loss of confidence rules.
Union Disaffiliation in the Philippines: Know Your Rights Under the CBA Freedom Period
Understand when a local union can validly disaffiliate from its mother federation under Philippine labor law, based on the ANGLO vs. SAMANA BAY ruling.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Unlawful Aggression and the Cabiles Case
Philippine self-defense law requires unlawful aggression, reasonable force, and no provocation. The Cabiles case shows how courts test these elements.
When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Credibility of Child Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's testimony is credible and how statutory rape is proven.
Alibi Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Requirements and Limitations
Understand when alibi works as a defense in Philippine criminal cases, its legal requirements, and why courts view it with suspicion.
Clerks of Court Responsibilities Liabilities and Breaches of Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on the dismissal of a clerk of court who failed to remit Judiciary Development Fund collections, and the duties of court cash custodians.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Alevosia and Its Implications
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using the 1996 Paragua decision as a guide.
Falsification of Public Documents: Understanding Intent and Presumptions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on falsification of public documents, explaining the presumption of authorship when one possesses and uses forged titles.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent, Alibi, and Aggravating Circumstances Explained
A look at People v. Feliciano on robbery with homicide, the weakness of alibi, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
Sheriff Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for grave abuse of authority and extortion in enforcing writ of attachment, reaffirming strict ethical standards for court officers.
Protecting the Accused: The Importance of Valid Arraignment in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling on invalid arraignment underscores why a guilty plea must be free and informed, especially in capital cases.
Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts: The Responsibilities of Court Stenographers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of court stenographers and the consequences of failing to transcribe and transmit notes on time.
When Can an Employer Assign Tasks Outside Your Job Description? Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law limits management prerogative. Learn when an employer can assign tasks outside your job description and your rights.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Application and Implications
How Philippine courts apply treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explained through the 1996 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Caritativo.
Injunctions and Property Rights: When Courts Will Intervene
A clear property right is essential for an injunction. The Supreme Court explains the rules in Far East Bank v. Court of Appeals.
When Can You Justifiably Use Force: Self-Defense in the Philippines
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, including the elements of unlawful aggression and how courts assess justifiable force.
Consequences of Neglecting Fiduciary Duties: A Guide for Philippine Government Officials
Learn how a judge's four-year delay in remitting court funds led to a P20,000 fine for gross neglect of duty.
Liquidated Damages in Lease Agreements: Enforceability and Practical Implications
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages in lease contracts are enforceable and how courts treat penalty clauses.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Judges Delaying Case Resolutions IN THE Philippines
Learn the consequences for judges who delay case resolutions in the Philippines, citing the Supreme Court's ruling on gross inefficiency.
Estafa vs Breach of Contract: When a Civil Wrong Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to return leased property crosses from civil breach to criminal estafa, requiring criminal intent.