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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CBA Duration and Bargaining Unit Scope After Corporate Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA renegotiation terms and bargaining unit coverage after a corporate spin-off.
Employer Liability for Seafarers' Death: Navigating Repatriation Risks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability when a seafarer dies during repatriation, clarifying the standard of care and compensation obligations.
Proving Employer-Employee Relationship: Key Factors and Evidence in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine employer-employee relationships and what evidence matters, based on a Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death claims.
The Importance of Positive Identification in Kidnapping Cases Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on positive identification in kidnapping cases, explaining why eyewitness testimony prevails over alibi.
When Judges Overstep: The Fine Line Between Debt Collection and Criminal Estafa
A Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability shows why simple non-payment of debt can never be treated as criminal estafa.
Mining Rights vs Land Ownership: What the Supreme Court Decided
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mining claims under the Philippine Bill of 1902 grant possessory rights, not absolute ownership over land.
Safeguarding Election Integrity: Proper Handling of Ballots and Court Records
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when court personnel may allow photocopying of election ballots and the duties of clerks of court.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable for Misconduct? Lessons from Benjamin v. Alaba
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge crosses the line from error to administrative liability, and why even well-meaning actions can breach judicial ethics.
How Philippine Courts Weigh Identification and Alibi in Robbery with Rape Cases
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when victim identification prevails over alibi and how courts distinguish robbery from robbery with rape.
Limits on Judicial Authority: When Can a Judge Issue a Warrant of Arrest?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause alone does not justify a warrant—judges must also find immediate custody necessary.
Treachery and Recidivism: How Aggravating Circumstances Shape Philippine Criminal Cases
A look at how treachery, recidivism, and habituality affect criminal liability, explained through a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Jurisdiction Over Maritime Crimes: Where Can You Be Tried?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on venue for crimes committed on board vessels in transit, explained in plain language.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on unlawful aggression and justifiable force.
Fencing Under P.D. 1612: Possession Alone Can Establish Guilt
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that mere possession of stolen goods creates a presumption of fencing under P.D. 1612, and how to rebut it.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Intent, Liability, and the Limits of Qualifying Circumstances
A Supreme Court ruling explains when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, and how conspiracy affects criminal liability in the Philippines.
When Courts Can Intervene in Private Agreements: A Lesson from ITEC v. Communication Materials and Design
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may intervene in private agreements, foreign corporations, and the limits of contractual freedom.
When Can a Foreign Corporation Sue in the Philippines? The ITEC Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when unlicensed foreign corporations may sue in local courts, with estoppel and doing business rules explained.
Judicial Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Negligence in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's hasty dismissal of criminal cases shows how abuse of authority and negligence erode public trust in courts.
Failure of Election vs. Election Protest: Key Differences Explained
Learn the legal distinction between a failure of election and an election protest, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Borja vs. COMELEC.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Understanding Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in murder cases, explained through the 1996 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Sotes.
Excessive Bail in the Philippines: Limits and Your Rights Under the Rules of Court
A Supreme Court ruling explains when bail becomes excessive and what judges must consider. Learn your rights.
Clerk of Court Negligence: Duty to Certify Court Documents Properly
A clerk of court's failure to certify copies of court documents is negligence. Learn the duties and consequences from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Perils of Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, alibi as weak defense, and treachery in murder cases.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Testimony and Delayed Reporting in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, witness credibility, and delayed reporting explained in plain language.