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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Ballot Authentication: How Missing BEI Signatures Affect Election Validity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unsigned ballots are spurious, and how voter intent prevails over technical omissions.
Tax Sale Notice: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Tax Delinquency Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sale notice requirements, protecting registered owners' property rights in delinquent real property auctions.
Election Protests Ensuring Fair Canvassing AND Valid Proclamations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election protests, canvassing irregularities, and the validity of proclamations in electoral disputes.
Election Protests Understanding Demurrer to Evidence and Waiver of Rights in Philippine Law
Learn how filing a demurrer to evidence waives the right to present defense evidence, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Consent and Legal Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that carnal knowledge of a mentally retarded woman whose mental age is below twelve constitutes rape.
Judicial Misconduct and Unauthorized Travel: When a Judge Abandons the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses a judge for repeated unauthorized travel abroad, abandoning court duties and litigants.
Rape Conviction: Credible Testimony and Victims' Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how courts weigh victim testimony, the sweetheart defense, and damages awards.
Employee Theft and Due Process: Navigating Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee theft, just cause, and the two-notice rule in termination cases.
The Limits of Mission Orders: When Can Civilians Carry Firearms Legally in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mission orders, civilian firearm possession, and the limits of authority to issue gun permits.
Accountability in Judiciary Funds: A Practical Guide for Court Personnel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on JDF and Fiduciary Fund mishandling clarifies deposit rules, interest accounting, and court personnel liability.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Loss of Trust and Confidence: A Philippine Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the high standard for dismissing employees on grounds of loss of trust and confidence.
Granting Bail Without a Hearing: A Judge's Error and Its Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on a judge fined for granting bail in rape cases without a hearing, a grave error.
Rape Conviction Based on Sole Testimony: Understanding Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a rape conviction can rest on the complainant's sole testimony, and why alibi and denial fail against positive identification.
The Right to Preliminary Investigation: A Shield for Liberty in Philippine Criminal Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a regular preliminary investigation is a substantive right, not a mere technicality, protecting the accused from arbitrary detention.
Malicious Prosecution: Probable Cause and Legal Malice in Unfair Competition Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing unfair competition charges constitutes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of absent probable cause and legal malice.
Homicide vs Robbery With Homicide: Key Distinctions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a killing is simple homicide, not robbery with homicide, and why robbery must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Common Carriers and Fortuitous Events: When Is a Carrier Liable for Passenger Injury
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a tire blowout is not a fortuitous event and why common carriers face a presumption of negligence in passenger injury cases.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements: A Philippine Law Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of first refusal in a lease binds the lessor, and why sublessees generally cannot enforce it.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When It Nullifies a Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence can void a judgment, and why final judgments protect innocent buyers.
Judicial Immunity and the 90-Day Rule: When Judges Face Liability for Delay
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges are immune from suit for erroneous decisions, but delay in deciding cases within 90 days is administrative liability.
Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders: Balancing Labor Rights and Employer Interests in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strikes, return-to-work orders, and the delicate balance between labor rights and employer interests.
Overriding Commissions After Retirement: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether employees can claim commissions earned before retirement but paid after. Learn the rules.
Rape Conviction: Slightest Penetration Suffices; Escape Injuries Count
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration consummates rape, and injuries from escaping the assault are chargeable to the rapist.
Contract to Sell Rescission: When Installment Buyer Protections Do Not Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Republic Act 6552 protections do not apply and how contract to sell rescission works under Civil Code.