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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Retroactive Application of Penal Laws Protecting Accused Rights in the Philippines
Explaining how the 1987 Constitution's abolition of the death penalty retroactively benefits accused persons whose crimes were committed before its ratification.
Dying Declarations in Philippine Murder Cases: Why Last Words Can Convict
Learn how dying declarations work under Philippine evidence law, and why they can convict an accused of murder even without other strong proof.
Objections to Election Returns Must Be in Writing: Lessons from Cordero v. Comelec
The Supreme Court explains why written objections and evidence are mandatory in pre-proclamation controversies under RA 7166.
When Family Disputes Meet the Courtroom: Understanding Compulsory Compromise in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts handle family disputes, using the Alitagtag rape case to explain legal principles and procedures.
Retroactive Application of Laws: How Courts Ensure Fair Justice When Laws Change
Philippine courts apply laws prospectively, but exceptions exist. This article explains retroactivity principles through a 1999 rape case.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Imperfect Recall Doesn't Equal Unreliable Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why minor inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony don't destroy credibility in criminal cases.
Upholding Court Authority: Why Lawyers Must Respect TROs and Face Disciplinary Action
A lawyer who defied a Court of Appeals TRO and misled a judge was suspended for two years. Learn the disciplinary rules.
When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Reprimand: The Villaflor v. Sarita Case
A lawyer who deliberately misreads a TRO to enforce a demolition order faces suspension. Learn the ethical limits of client advocacy.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Victim's Testimony in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts assess credibility in rape cases, and why a delayed report does not automatically destroy the prosecution's case.
Retroactive Registration: How Late Filings Can Validate Labor Union Petitions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late union registration can retroactively validate a certification election petition under labor law.
Retirement Pay Law Retroactivity: When RA 7641 Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Retirement Pay Law applies retroactively—and when it does not—in J.V. Angeles Construction v. NLRC.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription and Laches in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches bar property claims filed decades after a sale with pacto de retro.
Lost Your Election Protest? Understanding Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when election protests must be filed, and why pre-proclamation cases end after proclamation.
When Nature Calls: Can Your Employer Fire You for Using the Restroom?
Supreme Court rules answering the call of nature is not a just cause for dismissal—know your rights under Philippine labor law.
Employer-Employee Relationship and the Control Test: Lessons from Villa v. NLRC
The Supreme Court's ruling in Villa v. NLRC clarifies the control test in employer-employee relationships and the rules on evidence in illegal dismissal cases.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: When Can New Evidence Be Introduced on Appeal?
When can an employer introduce new evidence on appeal in a dismissal case? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process.
Lost Your Land Title in the Philippines? Understanding Reconstitution and RA 26
Learn how to reconstitute a lost or destroyed land title in the Philippines under RA 26, and what documents courts require.
The Irrefutable Confession: How Counsel and Corroboration Cement Convictions in Philippine Courts
A counsel-assisted, voluntary confession carries strong weight in Philippine courts, especially when corroborated by independent evidence. This case explains why.
Bail Denied When Evidence of Guilt Is Strong in Philippine Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when bail must be denied in capital offenses and why trial judges must summarize prosecution evidence.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts use the four-fold test to distinguish employees from independent contractors. Control is the key factor.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Upholding Children's Rights and Condemning Moral Depravity
A father's conviction for raping his 14-year-old daughter affirms that incestuous rape is a monstrous crime deserving the death penalty.
Contractor vs Employee: When a Principal Isn't the Employer in Service Agreements
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies when job contracting is legitimate, who bears liability for separation pay, and why control matters.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Weigh Eyewitness Accounts in Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on six counts of murder explains why minor inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony do not destroy credibility.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law (Ushio Marketing Case)
The Ushio Marketing case clarifies the control test for determining employer-employee relationships in Philippine labor law.