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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Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Penetration, and Damages Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what proves rape in the Philippines, when aggravating circumstances apply, and the proper awards for damages.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law treats rape committed by a father against his daughter, including the role of moral ascendancy.
Serious Misconduct in the Workplace: Understanding Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains what constitutes serious misconduct and the due process requirements for valid employee dismissal in the Philippines.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Is Dismissal Justified?
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that loss of trust and confidence must rest on a clear, willful breach — not on an honest misunderstanding over allowances.
Service of Court Decisions: Ensuring Due Process and Timely Appeals
Understand how proper service of court decisions protects due process and preserves the right to appeal in Philippine civil cases.
Succession and Labor Claims: Can Employee Claims Survive the Death of an Employer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether employee money claims survive an employer's death and who bears liability.
Illegal Dismissal: When Is an Employee Considered Terminated
Learn when a worker is considered terminated and the rules on separation pay, project employment, and due process in illegal dismissal cases.
Dismissal of Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases: The Importance of Specific Allegations
Learn how the Supreme Court protected defendants' right to due process in ill-gotten wealth cases by requiring specific allegations in pleadings and bills of particulars.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's belated bid to reopen his case fails, underscoring the doctrine of finality of judgment and the consequences of defying court orders.
The Duty to Prosecute Appeals: Why Inaction Can Get Your Appeal Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine law requires appellants to actively prosecute their appeals. Learn why waiting for court notices can lead to dismissal.
The High Cost of Notarization Errors: Disbarment and Ethical Responsibilities
A notary public who notarized a deed after the affiant's death was disbarred. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences and Ethical Obligations
Court employee dismissed for dishonesty and non-disclosure of business interests. Learn the ethical rules for public servants.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Accountability: Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces a disbarred lawyer's final judgment, citing contempt and execution to uphold the rule of law.
When a Guilty Plea Does Not Admit Aggravating Circumstances: The Baldimo Case
A guilty plea in capital cases no longer admits aggravating circumstances; prosecution must prove them beyond reasonable doubt.
Withdrawing A Guilty Plea: Navigating the Consequences in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn when a guilty plea can be withdrawn in Philippine courts, its mitigating effects, and how aggravating circumstances must still be proven.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Lessons on Summary Dismissals from De Guzman v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court's ruling in De Guzman v. CA underscores that proper service of summons is essential to due process, even in summary proceedings.
Upholding Labor Rights Illegal Dismissal AND Unfair Labor Practices IN the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, unfair labor practice, and the limits of "loss of confidence" as a ground for termination.
When Can You Be Fired for Absences? Understanding Abandonment in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law requires more than just absences to prove abandonment. Learn the two elements employers must show to validly dismiss.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Employee Rights Under Conti v. NLRC
Conti v. NLRC explains the twin notice rule, security of tenure, and why a fixed-term contract cannot defeat regular employment status in the Philippines.
Multiple Homicides vs Complex Crime: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Criminal Law
When a single shooting spree kills four and wounds two, is it one complex crime or several separate crimes? The Supreme Court explains the distinction.
Proper Service OF Court Notices Protecting Your Right TO Appeal
When Is a Legislative Franchise Required for Philippine Air Transport Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a legislative franchise is needed to operate domestic air services in the Philippines.
Rape of a Minor by a Parent: Credibility and Defenses in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assess a child victim's testimony in incestuous rape cases and why minor inconsistencies do not destroy credibility.
Accomplice Liability in Robbery: The Limits of Conspiracy in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a getaway driver and lookout are accomplices, not conspirators, in robbery cases.