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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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.
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.
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.
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.
When Can an Employee Claim Retirement Benefits After Termination: Philippine Case Study
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee terminated for redundancy can still claim voluntary retirement benefits under a company program.
Trade Secrets vs Employee Rights Know Your Boundaries
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employer claims of trade secrets justify dismissal, and the limits of confidentiality policies.
The Importance of Proper Notice in Philippine Legal Proceedings: A Case Analysis
A Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, credibility of witnesses, and the weight of evidence in murder and frustrated murder cases.
Rape Conviction and Consent: Credibility and Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attempted rape clarifies consent, credibility, and evidence standards in criminal cases.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When a New Company Inherits Labor Obligations
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a successor company can be held liable for its predecessor's labor obligations.
Understanding Insubordination in the Workplace: When Can an Employee Be Dismissed?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when refusal to obey orders justifies dismissal for insubordination, with practical guidance for employers and employees.
Mutuality of Contracts: Why Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts.
Navigating Direct Assault: Understanding Its Complexities and Implications in Philippine Law
A look at the Supreme Court ruling in People v. Abalos, explaining the elements of direct assault and its complex crime implications.
Perfecting an Appeal: Understanding the Importance of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict procedural compliance in appeals and the limits of administrative interpretation of law.
Establishing Employer-Employee Relationship Is Key to Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why proving employer-employee relationship is essential before an illegal dismissal case can prosper.
Understanding Solidary Liability in Philippine Promissory Notes: Inciong Jr. v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling explains what signing a promissory note "jointly and severally" means, and why co-makers cannot escape liability.
Confessions and Conspiracy: Understanding Robbery with Homicide in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts treat extrajudicial confessions, conspiracy, and robbery with homicide, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Rape and Statutory Rape: Understanding the Nuances of Consent and Age in Philippine Law
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the key difference between statutory rape and rape by force, and why proving the victim's age matters.