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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Circumstances
Explore how Philippine courts assess treachery in criminal cases, focusing on intent, circumstances, and the elements required for conviction.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why employers must observe notice and hearing requirements before terminating employees, even with alleged just causes.
Incestuous Acts of Lasciviousness: When Parental Authority Cannot Shield Abuse
Supreme Court clarifies that a father's lewd acts on his sleeping 13-year-old daughter constitute acts of lasciviousness, not RA 7610 violation.
Judicial Ethics and Employee Conduct: Lessons from Belaunzaran v. NLRC on Dismissal and Abandonment
A look at Belaunzaran v. NLRC clarifies when resignation offers are not constructive dismissal and when unauthorized absences justify loss of trust.
Sheriff Negligence and Liability for Unreturned Seized Property
Philippine Supreme Court rules on sheriff's duty to return seized property and consequences of negligence in execution of writs.
Child Abuse and Parricide: Understanding the Legal Consequences in the Philippines
A father's brutal killing of his two-year-old son led to a parricide conviction. Learn the legal rules and penalties.
Government Procurement: Upholding Transparency and Reasonableness in Public Spending
The Supreme Court reminds COA that audit findings must respect due process, transparency, and the reasonableness of agency decisions in public procurement.
Why a Victim’s Testimony Can Be Enough to Convict in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a rape victim’s sole testimony suffices for conviction and why resistance is not always required.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Just Compensation and Due Process
Learn how Philippine law protects property owners in eminent domain cases, focusing on just compensation and due process requirements.
Qualified Trafficking in Persons: When Recruitment Alone Suffices for Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified trafficking conviction, ruling that recruitment for sexual exploitation is enough even if the victim initially declined.
Overseas Employment Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of a seafarer, covering due process, overtime pay, and overseas employment contract rights.
Understanding Seafarer Dismissal Rights and Employer Duties in the Philippines
Learn the rules on seafarer dismissal in the Philippines from a Supreme Court case on illegal termination, due process, and overtime pay.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Legally Defend Yourself?
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, including unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation.
Circumstantial Evidence and the Right Against Self-Incrimination in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction and why the right against self-incrimination does not cover physical evidence.
Redundancy Programs and Fair Dismissals: Lessons from Capitol Wireless
The Supreme Court clarifies that redundancy dismissals require fair criteria and due process, not just a valid business reason.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When New Owners Inherit Labor Obligations
Learn when a successor company inherits a predecessor's labor obligations under Philippine law, based on the Caliguia ruling.
Mental Incapacity as a Ground for Dismissal: The Alagaban Case and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law allows dismissal for mental incapacity, but only with strict due process. The Alagaban case shows how courts balance employee rights and workplace efficiency.
When Can Employee Absences Lead to Dismissal? A Guide for Employers and Employees
Explore when habitual absences justify dismissal under Philippine labor law, citing the Meralco v. NLRC case.
Publication Requirement: The Real Limit on Administrative Rule-Making Power
A Supreme Court ruling on PITC's trade regulations underscores the publication requirement for administrative issuances to be valid and effective.
Lease Renewal vs Extension Understanding Your Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between lease renewal and extension, and why verbal assurances of renewal may not hold up in court.
Seafarer's Rights: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, due process requirements, and evidentiary standards in maritime employment cases.
Can a Final Labor Judgment Be Offset by a Separate Debt? Jurisdiction and Due Process
A final labor arbiter award cannot be defeated by an employer's set-off claim for a separate debt, explains the Supreme Court in Pondoc v. NLRC.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Lessons on Credibility and Damages in Philippine Law
A father's rape conviction upheld; the Supreme Court clarifies credibility rules, alibi, and damages awards in incestuous rape cases.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Legal Consequences and Victim Rights
A father's repeated rape of his daughter yields three reclusion perpetua terms and P225,000 in damages, clarifying Philippine incest-rape law.