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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Navigating Res Judicata in Property Disputes: When Prior Judgments Bind Future Claims
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of property disputes, with insights from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jurisdiction.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: When Can a Judge Be Sanctioned for Incompetence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when judges face sanctions for incompetence versus mere judicial error, citing De Vera v. Judge Dames II.
Burden of Proof in Conspiracy: When Family Ties Aren't Enough for a Homicide Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, family ties, and the burden of proof in homicide cases—what the prosecution must establish.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Why Dismissing One Case Doesn't Always Mean Dismissing All
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping requires two pending cases; a dismissed appeal doesn't automatically trigger the rule.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction Despite Delay in Reporting
Philippine Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape conviction, ruling that delay in reporting and lack of resistance do not undermine victim credibility.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Fixed-Term Contracts and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular, and why fixed-term contracts do not permit illegal dismissal.
When Judges Are Held Liable for Gross Ignorance of the Law in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for gross ignorance of the law, setting standards for judicial competence and accountability.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases: The Insanity Defense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for the insanity defense in robbery with homicide cases, requiring complete deprivation of reason.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Why Jurisdictional Compliance Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Republic v. Estrada explains why strict compliance with RA 26 publication and notice requirements is mandatory in land title reconstitution cases.
Supreme Court Clarifies Penalty for Shabu Sale: Death Sentence Reduced to Reclusion Perpetua
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on drug sale penalties, conspiracy, buy-bust operations, and when death penalty is not automatic.
No Back Wages for Teachers in Illegal Strikes: Understanding Justifiable Suspensions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on back wages for teachers in illegal strikes, explaining when suspensions are justifiable and what exoneration means.
Beyond Occupational Disease: How Philippine Law Compensates Death Benefits for Heart Ailments Alongside Cancer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compensable heart disease and death benefits under PD 626, even when cancer is non-occupational.
Reasonable Doubt and Insanity Defense: When Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Philippine Murder Cas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies insanity defense and treachery in murder cases, reducing death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
When Negligence Isnt Gross Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence is not "gross" enough to justify dismissal under the Labor Code.
Protecting Your Land Title From Fraudulent Claims: Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protected landowners from fraudulent registration and what it means for your property rights.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Imperfect Recall Doesn't Equal Unreliable Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why minor inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony don't destroy credibility in criminal cases.
When Is Force and Intimidation Proven in Rape Cases? Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Standards
The Supreme Court explains how force and intimidation are proven in rape cases, and why the death penalty requires specific allegations in the information.
The Power of Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Victim Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, and the importance of properly alleging qualifying circumstances.
Fatal Flaw in Rape Cases: Why Faulty Charges Can Reduce Penalties in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how defective rape informations and weak evidence can affect penalties, using the Monfero case as guide.
Regular vs Project Employee in the Philippines: Security of Tenure and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regular and project employees, and the employer's burden to prove project employment status.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds BLR Authority In Union Account Audits Ensuring Transparency AND Accountabilit
The Supreme Court affirms the Bureau of Labor Relations' jurisdiction over union account audits, clarifying appellate procedure under Philippine labor law.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Justice Understanding Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NLRC rules: supplemental motions for reconsideration filed beyond 10 days are barred.
No Premium, No Policy: Philippine Insurance Law on Payment and Coverage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that fire insurance policies require actual premium payment before coverage attaches, rejecting implied credit arrangements.
Beyond Employer-Employee Disputes: When Philippine Courts Take Over Damage Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when damage claims from employment disputes belong in regular courts, not labor arbiters.