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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Treachery in Multiple Shooting: How a Cascade of Violence Proved Guilt
When one sudden attack fells several victims, treachery may qualify each offense—explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Oandasan.
Judicial Impartiality: A Judge's Duty to Disqualify in Cases Involving Relatives
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must disqualify themselves from cases involving relatives, even at the warrant stage.
Procedural Due Process in Employment Termination: The Right to a Hearing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must provide a hearing or conference, not just written notices, before validly dismissing employees.
VAT Refunds for Ecozone Enterprises: The Cross Border Doctrine Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when ecozone enterprises can claim VAT refunds and how the Cross Border Doctrine affects input tax claims.
Citizenship Revocation and Deportation: Due Process in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullified a deportation order based on flimsy evidence, underscoring that citizenship revocation demands substantial proof and due process.
Reinstatement Salaries After Business Closure: Employer Liability Rules
When a company validly closes, can workers still claim reinstatement salaries from a reversed Labor Arbiter ruling? The Supreme Court explains.
Boundary Disputes Between LGUs: When the RTC Can Take Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may hear LGU boundary disputes even without prior sanggunian settlement.
Land Retention Rights Disqualification Due to Extensive Land Ownership Under Agrarian Reform Law
A landowner with 68 hectares of agricultural land cannot claim retention rights under agrarian reform law, explains the Supreme Court.
Philippine Airlines v. Ligan: When Contracting Arrangements Hide Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court affirms that PAL illegally dismissed workers hired through a labor-only contractor, reinforcing security of tenure protections.
When Selling Another’s Property Is Not Estafa: The Ison Case
The Supreme Court explains when a false claim of ownership does not amount to estafa, and why the prosecution must prove deceit beyond reasonable doubt.
LRTA v. Pili: When a Government Agency Answers for a Subsidiary's Labor Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government-owned corporation can be held liable for the monetary claims of a subsidiary's employees.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Primacy of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on circumstantial evidence and the credible testimony of a 16-year-old victim who was rendered unconscious during the assault.
Who Represents the People? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Authority in Criminal Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that only the Office of the Solicitor General may appeal criminal cases, not private complainants.
Betrayal of Trust: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Father-Daughter Rape Case
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for statutory rape of his 9-year-old daughter, clarifying the rules on alibi, denial, and damages.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: What Corporate Restructuring Means for Employee Rights
When is a resignation truly voluntary? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction in Malixi v. Mexicali Philippines.
Qualified Theft Conviction Upheld: When Circumstantial Evidence Proves Guilt Beyond Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified theft conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when such evidence suffices to prove guilt.
Heirs Discord Upholding Partition Rights In Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that no co-heir may be forced to remain in co-ownership, and explains strict rules on appeals.
Misrepresentation in a Contract to Sell Does Not Automatically Mean Estafa
The Supreme Court acquitted a seller of estafa despite a false claim of ownership, showing that not every misrepresentation in a contract is a crime.
When Defective Informations Can Be Amended: Lessons from a Libel Case on Venue and Publication
The Supreme Court clarifies when defective informations in libel cases may be amended before arraignment, and when dismissal is proper.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Restructuring
When does a resignation become involuntary? Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes voluntary resignation from illegal dismissal in corporate transfers.
Immutability of Judgments: When Final Decisions Stand Firm
Explaining the immutability of judgments through LBP v. Hababag, Sr., where the Supreme Court denied reconsideration and clarified interest rules.
Accountability for All: Criminal Liability and Kidnapping for Ransom Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping for ransom clarifies liability of principals and accomplices under Article 267, RPC.
Estafa Acquittal: When Lack of Proof of Deceit and Reliance Wins the Case
A look at Ison v. People, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused of estafa for failure to prove deceit and reliance beyond reasonable doubt.
Defining Misconduct in Public Service: The Faller Case on Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in public service, and when receiving funds without proper documentation becomes an administrative offense.