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.
Sheriff’s Sales in the Philippines: Notice Rules and What Torres v. Cabling Teaches
Learn the notice and payment rules for sheriff’s sales in the Philippines, explained through the landmark case of Torres v. Cabling.
Contempt of Court When Legal Actions Cross the Line: A Philippine Law Analysis
The Supreme Court explains when filing repeated complaints against judges becomes contempt of court, abuse of process, and forum-shopping.
Self-Defense and Voluntary Surrender: Key Lessons from a Philippine Murder Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when self-defense fails and voluntary surrender mitigates murder liability. Learn the rules.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Understanding the Limits of Justifiable Force in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine homicide cases, using the 1997 Maalat ruling as a guide.
Warrantless Searches When Consent Makes Evidence Admissible in the Philippines
Learn when warrantless searches are valid in the Philippines, including consent searches, and how buy-bust operations affect evidence admissibility.
Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: Entrapment vs. Instigation Explained
Understand the legal line between entrapment and instigation in Philippine buy-bust operations, and what the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Vera means for drug cases.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: Lessons from People v. Balad
In People v. Balad, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over the defense of alibi in Philippine criminal law.
When a Judge Reviews His Own Ruling: Due Process in Philippine Labor Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot review his own decision on appeal, and the due process rights of dismissed employees.
Understanding Retirement Benefits in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
A look at Philippine retirement benefits law, covering employee rights, employer obligations, and key rules under the Labor Code.
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.
Seaworthiness and Insurance Subrogation in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipowner liability for unseaworthy vessels, insurer subrogation rights, and the limited liability rule.
When One Witness Is Enough: Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
A single credible witness can sustain a conviction in the Philippines. This article explains the rules on positive identification and alibi.
When Stockholder Disputes Belong to the SEC: Garcia v. Court of Appeals
A stockholder's damages suit against another stockholder may still be an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Solidary Liability Holding Principals Accountable FOR Wage Violations OF Contractors IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine labor law holds principals solidarily liable for wage violations of their contractors and the rules on valid dismissal.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
Philippine law allows force only against unlawful aggression. Learn the limits of self-defense and why alibi rarely works.
Final Judgments Are Immutable: Goking v. Villaraza on Execution Limits
A final judgment cannot be altered through a motion for execution. Goking v. Villaraza explains the limits of post-judgment remedies.
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.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of Persons Deprived of Reason in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that rape of a mentally incapacitated person can be proven through circumstantial evidence, securing justice for voiceless victims.
Principals Liability FOR Contractors Wage Violations KEY Protections FOR Workers IN THE Philippines
When can a principal be held liable for a security agency's failure to pay minimum wage? The Supreme Court explains joint and solidary liability under Philippine law.
Can Employers Ban Marriage? The Illegality of Anti-Marriage Policies in the Philippines
Philippine law bans anti-marriage policies for women. Learn the rules, the PT&T case, and what to do if dismissed for getting married.
Rape Conviction Upheld: When Penetration Is Proven Beyond the Finger
Philippine Supreme Court explains why digital penetration plus penile entry constitutes rape, not just acts of lasciviousness.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: When an Attack Qualifies as Murder
The Supreme Court explains how treachery elevates killings to murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Resistance in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how victim testimony and resistance are weighed in Philippine criminal law.
Discharge of an Accomplice as a State Witness: Safeguarding Justice in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that trial courts' factual findings and witness credibility assessments are conclusive unless arbitrary, in a murder conviction.