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.
Attempted Rape in the Philippines: Elements, Intent, and Legal Consequences
Learn the legal distinction between consummated and attempted rape in the Philippines, including the elements of intent, overt acts, and interruption.
PCGG Sequestration Orders: Due Process and Valid Authority Requirements
The Supreme Court rules that PCGG sequestration orders require at least two Commissioners and a prima facie showing, protecting due process rights.
Overseas Workers Compensation Who Pays When Injury Strikes Abroad
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that overseas employers may not be liable for medical benefits when the host country's social insurance law places that burden on a state fund.
Recto Law Explained: Deficiency Claims After Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure
Understand Article 1484 (Recto Law) and when sellers can still recover attorney's fees after foreclosing on installment-sold personal property.
Treachery in Philippine Law: Understanding Murder vs. Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, distinguishing it from homicide in People v. Compendio.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: When Is It Enough for Conviction
When does a witness's positive identification suffice for conviction? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Compendio.
Amending Pleadings: When Can You Change Your Legal Strategy Mid-Case?
Learn when Philippine courts allow supplemental or amended complaints to change relief sought mid-case, based on Superclean Services v. HDMF.
Illegal Dismissal: When Can an Employer Terminate an Employee in the Philippines
Philippine law requires just cause and due process for valid termination. This case explains serious misconduct and loss of confidence rules.
Probable Cause in the Philippines: What You Need to Know
Learn how Philippine courts define probable cause, why it matters in criminal cases, and what the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling means for you.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Unlawful Aggression and the Cabiles Case
Philippine self-defense law requires unlawful aggression, reasonable force, and no provocation. The Cabiles case shows how courts test these elements.
Enforcing Labor Rights Understanding Prescription AND Jurisdiction IN Philippine Labor LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on labor claim prescription, jurisdiction, and enforcement of compromise agreements in MWSS v. NLRC.
When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.
Confessions and Conspiracy: Understanding Robbery with Homicide in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts treat extrajudicial confessions, conspiracy, and robbery with homicide, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Credibility of Child Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's testimony is credible and how statutory rape is proven.
How Philippine Courts Interpret Lease Agreements and Advance Deposits
Clear lease terms and receipts control contract interpretation. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on advance deposits and rescission.
When Is a Shipping Company Responsible for Cargo Damage? Key Lessons from Philippine Home Assurance v. Eastern
A ship fire, salvage charges, and extra freight—who pays? The Supreme Court clarifies carrier liability and negligence in cargo shipping.
Right of Way Disputes in the Philippines: The Least Prejudicial Rule Explained
Learn how Philippine courts choose the least prejudicial right of way under the Civil Code and the Quimen case.
Fire Insurance Premiums: When Partial Payment Is Not Enough in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether partial premium payment makes a fire insurance policy valid and binding.
Employee Misconduct and Valid Dismissal: Lessons from Flores v. NLRC
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for misconduct? The Supreme Court's ruling in Flores v. NLRC provides clear guidance.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent, Alibi, and Aggravating Circumstances Explained
A look at People v. Feliciano on robbery with homicide, the weakness of alibi, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding Consent and Penalties
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases, from consent rules to penalties, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Sheriff Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for grave abuse of authority and extortion in enforcing writ of attachment, reaffirming strict ethical standards for court officers.
Habitual Absences vs Security of Tenure: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Dismissal Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual absences justify dismissal, balancing employee security of tenure against employer prerogatives in shipping.
The Best Evidence Rule: Proving Payment and Authority in Philippine Law
Philippine National Bank v. Court of Appeals clarifies when the best evidence rule requires producing an original document to prove payment and agency authority.