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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When Can a Judge Be Held Liable for Taking Bribes: A Philippine Case Study
A Supreme Court ruling on judicial misconduct shows when a judge can be dismissed for bribery and corrupt practices.
The Weight of a Sheriff's Duty: Liability for Failing to Execute Court Orders
When a sheriff fails to take custody of attached property, the consequences are serious. This case explains the liability.
Marine Insurance: When Arrest of a Vessel by Civil Authorities Is a Covered Risk
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrest of a vessel by judicial process is a covered risk under marine cargo insurance policies.
Moral Character and Admission to the Bar: Second Chances in Philippine Law
Explore how Philippine law treats moral character in bar admissions and the possibility of second chances for applicants.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Just Cause Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows that a valid dismissal needs both a just cause and due process — and that failing on either one changes the employer's liability.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Legal Implications and Victims' Rights
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies force, intimidation, and victim credibility in Philippine law.
When Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough to Convict in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction—and why it failed in People v. Villaran.
Right OF WAY Disputes Ensuring Access TO Your Land IN THE Philippines
Witness Identification and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed witness credibility, conspiracy, and qualifying circumstances in a murder conviction.
Service of Court Decisions in the Philippines: The Laza Case and Due Process
Learn how Philippine courts rule on valid service of decisions, the "sufficient discretion" standard, and the Laza v. Court of Appeals case.
Trial in Absentia and Due Process: Lessons from Parada vs. Judge Veneracion
When can trial proceed without the accused? The Supreme Court clarifies the constitutional requirements for trial in absentia in the Philippines.
Who Can Represent a Municipality in Court: The Ramos Doctrine on Unauthorized Counsel
Philippine law limits who may represent a municipality in lawsuits. Learn the rules, exceptions, and effects of unauthorized private counsel appearances.
Indirect Contempt in the Philippines: Due Process and Enforcement of Court Orders
Explaining indirect contempt under Rule 71, due process requirements, and how courts enforce final orders through summary proceedings.
Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal in the Philippines: Rights and Limits After Conviction
Can a convicted person withdraw a criminal appeal in the Philippines? People v. Redulosa explains the right, limits, and consequences.
Retroactive Application of Penalties: When Can Criminal Sentences Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when reduced criminal penalties apply retroactively, using a drug case as an example.
Mortgage Foreclosure Surplus: Mortgagor Rights to Excess Bid Proceeds in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgagor rights to surplus proceeds from extrajudicial foreclosure sales and writ of possession.
When Can a Company Lay Off Employees? Understanding Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee layoffs explained: valid dismissal requires just cause and due process. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Sheriff’s Fees in the Philippines: Rules, Limits, and the Abellera Case
Learn the legal limits on sheriff’s fees in the Philippines, the Abellera ruling on excessive charges, and practical safeguards for litigants.
Election Protests and Succession: Ensuring Electoral Integrity After a Candidate's Death
The Supreme Court rules that election protests survive a candidate's death, ensuring the people's true choice prevails.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Can a Client Get a New Trial in the Philippines?
When a lawyer's repeated absences prevent a client from presenting defense evidence, the Supreme Court may order a new trial to protect due process.
Rape Conviction: The Nuances of Penetration and Consent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration suffices for rape, and intimidation can substitute for physical resistance.
When Is Dismissal Justified for Employee Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee misconduct: when dismissal is justified, what constitutes serious misconduct, and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Self Defense Claims in Philippine Criminal Law: When Do They Hold Up
Philippine courts require unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation for self-defense. Learn from People v. Tobias.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: Preventing Multiple Lawsuits and Wasted Resources
Learn how lis pendens works in the Philippines to prevent multiple lawsuits, protect property rights, and avoid wasted judicial resources.