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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Accomplice vs Principal in Murder Cases: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person is a principal rather than an accomplice in murder, and how complex crimes apply to multiple shootings.
Unions Cannot Waive Individual Workers' Rights Without Their Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unions can compromise individual workers' claims without their consent, and the limits of collective bargaining authority.
Multiple Victims, Separate Crimes: Complex vs. Multiple Offenses in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when multiple shootings of several victims constitute separate crimes, not a complex crime, under Article 48.
Ejectment vs. Ownership: Why Forcible Entry Cases Can Proceed Despite Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forcible entry cases proceed independently of ownership disputes; RTC erred in dismissing ejectment appeal.
Dismissal Without Malicious Prosecution: Why Probable Cause Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a dismissed criminal case does not automatically mean malicious prosecution. Learn the legal distinction.
Voluntary Appearance and Estoppel: How Jurisdictional Defects in Philippine Courts Can Be Cured
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary appearance and estoppel can cure jurisdictional defects in criminal cases before the Sandiganbayan.
How Tax Declarations and Possession Solidify Property Rights in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when tax declarations prove ownership and how adverse possession cures defective titles.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a rape victim's credible testimony alone can convict an accused beyond reasonable doubt.
Regular vs Project Employees: Key Differences and Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies regular vs project employee status, tenure security, and monetary claims under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Credible Testimony in Rape Cases: Why a Victim's Account Alone Can Lead to Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape victim's lone testimony suffices for conviction, and why alibi and delay in reporting do not defeat it.
Judicial Impartiality in Philippine Courts: Upholding Fairness in Case Assignments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial impartiality and fair case assignments, protecting due process and public trust in courts.
Lawyer Ethics Matter: Why Misconduct Investigations Proceed Despite Complainant Withdrawal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer disciplinary cases continue despite complainant withdrawal, and silence is not admission of guilt.
Reformation of Contracts in the Philippines: Navigating Unforeseen Events and Economic Shifts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract reformation, fortuitous events, and extraordinary inflation in lease agreements. Learn key legal principles.
What Constitutes Inducement to Commit a Crime: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains when words or orders amount to "inducement" making one a principal by induction, using a kidnapping case.
When Arbitration Clauses Do Not Bind Third-Party Buyers in Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses in contracts bind only parties, not third-party land buyers.
When BIR Regional Directors Can File Tax Collection Cases: The Hizon Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies BIR regional directors' authority to file tax collection suits and the prescription rules under the NIRC.
Victim Testimony Alone CAN Convict In Rape Cases: People v. Flores
Philippine Supreme Court ruling in People v. Flores confirms a rape victim's credible testimony alone is sufficient for conviction.
Credible Witness Testimony IN Rape Cases Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.
Appealing a Criminal Case in the Philippines: Understanding the Risk of Increased Penalties
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how appealing a criminal conviction can lead to increased penalties, not just a chance at acquittal.
Lost Cargo Claims in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule for Arrastre Operators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day claim period for lost cargo against arrastre operators and the shipper's load and count rule.
Constructive Dismissal vs Abandonment: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between constructive dismissal and abandonment of work, and what employees must prove.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws in the Philippines: When Can a Sentence Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when favorable penal laws apply retroactively, reducing sentences even after conviction and while serving time.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Weigh Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi, and when treachery applies in criminal cases.