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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
PCGG Sequestration and Voting Rights: Director Qualifications in Quo Warranto Cases
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on PCGG's voting of sequestered shares and director qualifications in quo warranto cases.
Understanding the Scope of Appeals in Philippine Labor Law: A Case on 13th Month Pay
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that the NLRC can only review issues raised on appeal, using a 13th month pay case as an example.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: When Doubt Leads to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, hearsay confessions, and reasonable doubt in robbery-homicide cases.
Rape Conviction Based on Credible Testimony: Force, Intimidation, and Victim Behavior
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape: credible victim testimony, force and intimidation standards, and post-incident conduct as proof.
The Weight of Circumstantial Evidence in Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on parricide explains how direct testimony, not just circumstantial evidence, can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Navigating Telecommunications Franchises: Competition vs. Public Interest
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling on government telephone operations clarifies that franchises are not exclusive and competition serves the public interest.
Credibility of Mentally Retarded Rape Victims: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible testimony of a mentally retarded victim, clarifying competency rules.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure: When Notice and Publication Are Valid
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what counts as proper notice and publication in extrajudicial foreclosures, protecting buyers and lenders.
Alibi vs Eyewitness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Decide Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when alibi fails against positive eyewitness identification, and how minority affects sentencing in murder cases.
Overseas Employment Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of a seafarer, covering due process, overtime pay, and overseas employment contract rights.
Overcoming the Onus of Proving Increased Risk for Compensation Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving increased risk of non-occupational diseases for employees' compensation claims under PD 626.
Can a CBA Override Minimum Wage Laws? Lessons from Manila Fashions v. NLRC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a CBA can condone or waive mandatory wage order increases, and why minimum wage laws prevail.
Negligence Trumps Fortuitous Events: Service Shops Must Insure Customer Vehicles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a service shop's failure to insure customer property makes it liable for loss by fire, even if the fire is a fortuitous event.
Understanding Evident Premeditation and Self-Dense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts prove evident premeditation and evaluate self-defense claims, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Probation After Appeal Understanding THE Waiver Rule IN THE Philippines
Learn how appealing a conviction waives probation eligibility in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings and the Probation Law.
Earnest Money and Conditional Obligations: Navigating Real Estate Sales in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, conditional obligations, and what happens when a seller fails to deliver in Philippine real estate sales.
Usury Law Interest Rates: When Courts Can Intervene in Stipulated Loan Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts can reduce stipulated interest rates on loans under the Usury Law and CB Circular 905.
Publication Requirement: The Real Limit on Administrative Rule-Making Power
A Supreme Court ruling on PITC's trade regulations underscores the publication requirement for administrative issuances to be valid and effective.
Judicial Misconduct: Neglect of Duty and Insubordination in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's failure to follow procedural rules and obey a superior's directive, resulting in a fine.
Seafarer's Rights: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, due process requirements, and evidentiary standards in maritime employment cases.
When Reinstatement Becomes Impossible: Separation Pay in Lieu of Reinstatement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a final judgment ordering reinstatement may be set aside and separation pay granted instead.
Drug Possession Penalties: How Quantity Matters Under the Dangerous Drugs Act
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how drug quantity determines penalties, reducing life imprisonment for small amounts of shabu.
Judicial Accountability: Understanding Culpable Negligence in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a judge's error becomes culpable negligence, and why good faith matters in administrative cases.
The Clerk's Duty and Timely Record Submission in Philippine Courts
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinct duties of clerks of court and stenographers in transmitting case records on appeal.