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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Retroactivity and Creditability of Wage Increases in Collective Bargaining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when CBA wage increases retroact and whether they can be credited against future mandated wage increases.
When CBA Wage Hikes Count: Retroactivity and Creditability Under Article 253-A
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when CBA wage increases are retroactive and not creditable against future mandated wage hikes.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies: When Can Election Returns Be Excluded?
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limited grounds for excluding election returns in pre-proclamation controversies and why fraud claims belong in election protests.
When Retirement Pay Applies: The Retroactive Effect of RA 7641 Explained
Learn when RA 7641 retirement pay applies retroactively. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Philippine Scout Veterans v. NLRC.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Service of Notice and Timelines in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how service of notice and appeal timelines work in Philippine labor cases, and why R.A. 7641's retroactive application has limits.
Retroactive Application of Retirement Laws: When R.A. 7641 Does Not Apply
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when R.A. 7641 retirement benefits apply retroactively and when they do not, explained in plain language.
Rape of a Minor by a Parent: Credibility and Defenses in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assess a child victim's testimony in incestuous rape cases and why minor inconsistencies do not destroy credibility.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws: When a Final Sentence Can Be Modified
Explore when favorable penal laws apply retroactively and whether a final sentence can be modified, based on People v. Caco.
Losing Control: Understanding Loss of Jurisdiction After Appeal in Philippine Courts
When a case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction. This administrative case explains the rule and its limits.
Retroactive Application of Penalties: When Can Criminal Sentences Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when reduced criminal penalties apply retroactively, using a drug case as an example.
When Witness Inconsistency Undermines a Murder Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when minor witness inconsistencies do not destroy a rape conviction and how credibility is assessed.
Retroactivity of Tax Rulings: When the BIR Cannot Apply a Revoked Ruling Against You
The Supreme Court explains when the BIR cannot retroactively apply a revoked tax ruling to assess deficiency taxes against a taxpayer.
Venue in Personal Actions: Why Actual Residence Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts determine proper venue for personal actions and why actual residence—not domicile—controls the choice of forum.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in Philippine labor law, using an insurance agent case.
Marijuana Possession and the Retroactive Application of Favorable Criminal Laws in the Philippines
Explaining when procedural laws apply retroactively, using the Subido v. Sandiganbayan ruling on jurisdiction and vested rights.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish independent contractors from employees using the control test, based on the Encyclopaedia Britannica case.
Retroactive Application of Reduced Penalties: A Guide to R.A. 7659
When can a final sentence be reduced by a new law? The Supreme Court explains the retroactive effect of R.A. 7659 on drug penalties.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on a lone eyewitness's testimony, explaining why silence during a crime does not destroy credibility.
When Disputes Over TROs Are Judicial, Not Administrative: Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline against judges.
Challenging Election Results: The PRE Proclamation Controversy and Venue Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on Comelec's power to change ballot revision venue in election protests, citing Cabagnot v. Comelec.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Gabris
How Philippine courts assess a child rape victim's testimony, and why minor inconsistencies do not destroy credibility.
How Philippine Courts Interpret Lease Agreements and Advance Deposits
Clear lease terms and receipts control contract interpretation. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on advance deposits and rescission.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws: When Does a Lighter Sentence Apply
Explaining when Philippine courts apply a new, lighter penal law retroactively, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Magtibay.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Attack
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery, why it qualifies killing as murder, and what Patrolla v. People teaches about intent and attack.