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.
Robbery With Homicide Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Philippine LAW 2
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, explaining the elements of the crime and how the prosecution must establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Tolerated Possession vs Ownership: Understanding Philippine Property Law and Land Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tolerated possession does not ripen into ownership, and when landowners can recover property.
When Should a Judge Inhibit: Safeguarding Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges must voluntarily inhibit to protect judicial impartiality, explained in plain language.
Second Chances in Labor Disputes: Appealing NLRC Decisions Despite Deficient Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deficient appeal bond should not bar an employer's appeal from reaching the NLRC merits.
Are Commissions Part of Minimum Wage in the Philippines? Employee Compensation Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether sales commissions count toward minimum wage compliance under the Labor Code, and explains due process rules for dismissal.
When a Complaint Is Dismissed, Does the Counterclaim Fall With It?
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a compulsory counterclaim survives the dismissal of the main complaint — and when the defendant must object to keep it alive.
Due Process and Court Clerk Negligence: Why Notice of Orders Matters in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court holds court clerks liable for failing to notify a party of a dismissal order, underscoring due process in litigation.
When Dismissal Fails: The Burden of Proof in Drug-Related Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer's burden of proof in drug-related dismissals, requiring clear evidence, not speculation, for valid termination.
Management Prerogative vs. Unfair Labor Practice: Work Schedules and Paid Lunch Breaks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when changing work schedules and removing paid lunch breaks is valid management prerogative, not unfair labor practice.
When Workplace Fear Leads to Constructive Dismissal: Philippine Seafarers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal for seafarers who quit due to well-founded fear for their safety at work.
Surety vs Guarantor: Co-Maker Liability in Philippine Loans Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a surety and a guarantor in co-maker loan agreements, and when a creditor may sue one alone.
Circumstantial Evidence in Kidnapping: Conspiracy, Principal and Accessory Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence proves conspiracy or principal liability, and when it only supports accessory liability in kidnapping.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
How Philippine courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, and why child witnesses are often deemed credible in incest cases.
Motion to Dismiss Denied: Courts Must First Examine the Merits, Not Just Allegations, in Philippine Property D
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a motion to dismiss for lack of cause of action requires courts to examine the merits of a property dispute, not just the allegations.
Rent-a-Car Liability in the Philippines: When Is the Owner Liable for Lessee’s Negligence?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when rent-a-car companies are liable for lessee negligence under quasi-delict and vicarious liability rules.
The High Cost of Negligence: Why Banks Must Exercise Due Diligence in Mortgage Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on GSIS v. Salonga clarifies that banks and lending institutions cannot claim good faith by merely relying on titles.
Philippine Labor Law: Workplace Venue Not Always Mandatory for Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: NLRC venue rules are permissive, not mandatory. Worker convenience and substantial justice can override workplace location.
Fixed vs Percentage Docket Fees: Annulment of Real Estate Contracts Qualifies for Fixed Fees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when annulment of real estate contracts warrants fixed docket fees rather than percentage-based fees.
Justice Delayed Rights Denied Understanding Judicial Delay AND Injunction Bonds IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules in labor cases, prioritizing worker convenience and substantial justice over technicalities.
Upholding Integrity: Why Government Employee Absenteeism and Dishonesty Lead to Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how habitual absenteeism and dishonesty by a court employee warranted dismissal from service with forfeiture of benefits.
When AWOL Is Not Grounds for Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when absence without leave (AWOL) is not valid grounds for dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Missed Deadline NOT Justice Denied When Excusable Negligence Saves A Labor Appeal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a late labor appeal may be excused due to honest mistake, and when separation pay replaces reinstatement.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility: Key Elements in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains dying declarations, witness credibility, and conspiracy in murder convictions of three brothers.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Forensic Evidence: When Reasonable Doubt Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused where eyewitness accounts conflicted with forensic findings, explaining when reasonable doubt prevails.