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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Independent Contractor vs Employee: Defining the Lines in Media Talent Engagements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TV or radio host is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the control test.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules Clarifying Timelines for Certiorari Petitions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies retroactive application of procedural rules and timelines for certiorari petitions in administrative case against RTC judge.
Homeowners' Open Space Claims vs Subdivision Rules: When Laws Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on whether P.D. 957's open space requirement applies retroactively to subdivisions approved before 1976.
Defining Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the control test for distinguishing independent contractors from employees, protecting workers' rights under Philippine labor law.
Perfecting Appeals: Why Timely Docket Fees Matter in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require timely payment of appellate docket fees to perfect an appeal. Learn the rules and practical lessons from Navarro v. Metrobank.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules When Amended Laws Affect Pending Cases
When procedural rules change mid-case, retroactivity applies. Learn how the Supreme Court resolved this in Siena Realty.
Duress or Deception: When Fear Fails as a Defense in Kidnapping for Ransom
The Supreme Court explains when uncontrollable fear is not a valid defense in kidnapping for ransom cases.
Perfecting Appeals: Timeliness of Docket Fee Payments Under Amended Rules
When must appellate docket fees be paid? The Supreme Court clarifies that procedural rules cannot retroactively impair a perfected appeal.
Witness Credibility in Robbery With Homicide: Prior Conduct Does Not Bar Believability
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that a witness's bad character or prior conduct does not automatically destroy credibility in robbery with homicide cases.
Election Returns and Missing Seals: Limits of Pre-Proclamation Controversies
Supreme Court rules missing inner paper seals on election returns are formal defects, not grounds for exclusion in pre-proclamation cases.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules Ensuring Timely Appeals in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when procedural rules apply retroactively, allowing a late certiorari petition to proceed.
Jurisdiction Over PNP Officers: Salary Grade Thresholds and Retroactive Application in Criminal Cases
Explaining Escobal v. Garchitorena on Sandiganbayan jurisdiction, salary grade thresholds, and retroactive application of R.A. 7975.
Weaponizing Fear: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Victim's Delay in Reporting
The Supreme Court has ruled that a victim's delay in reporting a rape does not destroy her credibility, especially when the delay is explained by threats and fear.
Mining Rights vs National Patrimony: The La Bugal Case on Foreign Control of Philippine Resources
Explaining the Supreme Court's La Bugal ruling on the Philippine Mining Act and foreign ownership limits over the country's mineral resources.
Can Courts Retroactively Change BP 22 Penalties After Final Judgment? SC Says No
SC rules that Admin Circular 12-2000 on BP 22 penalties is not a penal law, so it cannot be applied retroactively to final judgments.
When Tax Regulations Apply: Retroactivity vs Prospectivity in Philippine Law
Understanding when tax regulations apply retroactively or prospectively under Philippine law, with key principles and practical guidance.
TRO Limits: Administrative Circular No. 20-95 and Judicial Misconduct
A judge's TRO without summary hearing violated Administrative Circular No. 20-95, resulting in a fine for grave abuse of authority.
When Is a Land Sale "Conveyed" for Repurchase? Notarial Deed Prevails
A notarized deed's date controls the five-year repurchase period under the Public Land Act, the Supreme Court rules.
Dwelling AS AN Aggravating Circumstance Retroactive Application AND THE Right TO BE Informed
Release of Seized Evidence Before Trial: Upholding Prosecutorial Authority and Due Process
A judge's order releasing seized evidence before trial drew administrative sanctions. Learn the rules on custody of evidence and prosecutorial control.
Defying Court Orders Corporate Officers Held Liable For Contempt AND Restitution
Corporate officers who defy court orders to return property can be held in contempt and ordered to pay restitution personally, even if a fire later destroys the property.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Inconsistencies in Victim's Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in testimony don't destroy credibility and what constitutes carnal knowledge.
Control Is Key: Determining Employer-Employee Relationships in Outsourcing Arrangements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes liable for outsourced workers, emphasizing control over contractual labels.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Minor Inconsistencies DO NOT Negate A Victims Testimony
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling minor inconsistencies in a victim's testimony do not destroy credibility. Learn the key rules.