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.
DTR Rules and Office Hours for Government Employees: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on falsified DTRs clarifies strict office hours, the 40-hour work week, and flexi-time limits for government employees.
Illegal Demolition as Grave Coercion: Property Rights and Due Process in the Philippines
When does demolition become a crime? The Sy case shows how unlawful property destruction can constitute grave coercion under Philippine law.
Death Penalty Abolition Impact on Penalties for Attempted Crimes in the Philippines
How R.A. 9346 changed penalties for attempted qualified rape—explained through People v. Bon, including the reclusion temporal ruling.
Supplemental Complaints and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Young v. Sy
The Supreme Court clarifies when supplemental complaints are allowed and why filing both an appeal and certiorari amounts to forum shopping.
Stepfather Convicted of Qualified Rape: Lessons from People v. Arsayo
A stepfather's rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter yields a qualified rape conviction, reclusion perpetua, and key lessons on evidence and penalties.
Judicial Reconstitution of Lost Titles and the Limits of the Bercede Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may rely on "other documents" to reconstitute lost titles, and how the Bercede guidelines apply.
Suspended Sentences for Juvenile Offenders: Limits and Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a juvenile offender cannot get a suspended sentence, even under RA 9344.
Employee Termination: Just Cause and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for valid employee termination in the Philippines, focusing on just cause and due process requirements.
Proximate Cause in Homicide Cases: Lessons from Operiano v. People
The Supreme Court explains when a kick that leads to a fatal fall constitutes homicide, clarifying proximate cause rules in the Philippines.
Discernment of Minors in Philippine Criminal Law: Juvenile Responsibility Explained
A 12-year-old's rape conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, clarifying when minors act with discernment under Philippine law.
Good Faith as a Defense in Philippine Election Offenses: The Garcia Case
When can good faith excuse an election officer's error? The Garcia ruling explains intent in vote canvassing offenses under RA 6646.
Attempted vs. Consummated Rape in the Philippines: The Penetration Rule in People v. Miranda
Philippine law once required penile penetration for consummated rape. People v. Miranda shows why digital penetration meant attempted rape—and a lesser penalty.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: Rabanal v. People and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court's ruling in Rabanal v. People shows how inconsistent eyewitness testimony and contradicting physical evidence can lead to acquittal.
SSS Death Benefits: Proving Spousal and Child Dependency in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on SSS death benefit claims, focusing on proving dependency for spouses and legitimacy for children.
Intent to Kill: How Philippine Courts Determine Attempted and Frustrated Homicide
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish attempted from frustrated homicide through intent to kill, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Voluntary Inhibition of Judges in the Philippines: Impartiality and Public Trust
How Philippine courts handle voluntary inhibition of judges, ensuring impartiality and public trust in the judiciary, with practical guidance.
Notarization Essentials: Why Personal Appearance Before a Notary Public Is Non-Negotiable in the Philippines
A lawyer who notarized a document without one affiant's personal appearance was suspended and disqualified. Learn the notarization rules.
Court Employee Misconduct: When a Clerk's Text Message Undermines Judicial Integrity
A court clerk's text to a sheriff about a pending custody order led to a fine for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Cannot Be Waived: People v. Flores
The Supreme Court rules that appellate courts cannot dismiss death penalty appeals for failure to file briefs, as review is mandatory.
Discretion in Government Bidding: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court explains the wide discretion of government agencies in bidding awards and the limits of judicial review.
Sleeping on the Job: When Can Philippine Employers Terminate for Just Cause?
Philippine employers may terminate employees for sleeping on duty if company rules are violated, but due process and proportionality still matter.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: The Case of Frustrated Homicide in the Philippines
When does a frustrated homicide conviction lead to disbarment? The Supreme Court explains moral turpitude and a lawyer's duty of good character.
Administrative Accountability: When Can You File a Complaint Against a Philippine Court Employee
Learn when a complaint against court personnel prospers or fails, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Mikrostar Industrial Corporation v. Mabalot.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.