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.
Finality of Administrative Decisions: Why Timeliness Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why final and executory administrative decisions cannot be reopened, and the importance of reglementary periods.
Client Liability Clarified: Solidary Responsibility for Agency Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client-employer is solidarily liable for agency workers' claims, distinguishing back wages from service incentive leave pay.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: When Officers Face Criminal Risk in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers are criminally liable for bouncing checks under BP 22, including defenses and penalties.
Grave Coercion vs. Illegal Detention: How Intent Shapes Philippine Criminal Liability
Philippine law distinguishes grave coercion from illegal detention by the accused's intent. Learn how the Supreme Court applies this test.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: Enforcing Judgments Against Transferee Companies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforcing labor judgments against successor companies that assume liabilities of the original employer.
Verbal Promises and Real Property: Why Oral Land Donations Fail in the Philippines
Oral donations of land are void under Philippine law. Learn why verbal promises cannot transfer real property ownership.
Ombudsman Decisions in Administrative Cases: Appealing to the Right Court
Learn which court hears appeals from Ombudsman administrative disciplinary decisions, following the Supreme Court's ruling in Namuhe v. Ombudsman.
Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases: Why Mere Presence Isn't Enough
The Supreme Court acquits two brothers in People v. Abina, clarifying that mere presence or simultaneous acts don't prove conspiracy in murder.
Limits of Contempt Power: When Can You Actually Be Held in Contempt of Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limits of contempt power—when a court order binds you and when it does not.
Eyewitness Testimony and Murder Conviction: Insights from the De la Cruz Case
How a single eyewitness's positive identification secured a murder conviction and what it means for criminal cases in the Philippines.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Murder: The Special Complex Crime Explained
Philippine law treats kidnapping for ransom that ends in death as one special complex crime. Learn the rule from People v. Ramos.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Non Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that unpaid docket fees on increased claims become a lien on judgment, and actual damages need competent proof.
Reinstatement or Separation Pay: Understanding Illegal Dismissal Remedies in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts decide between reinstatement and separation pay in illegal dismissal cases, using a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Challenging Ejectment Delays: Certiorari When Summary Procedure Fails
Learn when certiorari can challenge indefinite suspension of ejectment cases under the Rules on Summary Procedure, per Go v. Court of Appeals.
Supreme Court on Actual Damages: Proving Loss in Maritime Collision Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies actual damages rules: hearsay price quotations lack probative value, nominal damages may apply when loss unproven.
Apparent Authority in Corporate Contracts: When a President's Actions Bind a Philippine Company
The Supreme Court explains when a corporate president's contracts bind the company, even without board approval, under the doctrine of apparent authority.
Delayed Reporting in Rape Cases: Why Fear and Trauma Don't Discredit a Victim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that delayed reporting of rape doesn't automatically discredit a victim's testimony.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What People v. Larin Teaches About Child Protection
Understand lascivious conduct under RA 7610 through People v. Larin, and how Philippine law protects children from sexual abuse.
Corporate Authority in Property Sales: Why Board Approval Matters in the Philippines
A corporate officer cannot sell company land without board approval. Learn the due diligence steps to protect your property transaction.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Due Process
A Hong Kong judgment against a Quezon City resident was unenforceable in the Philippines because the foreign court never acquired jurisdiction over him.
Who Bears the Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Disputes Over Unpaid Wages
A look at Ropali Trading v. NLRC, where the Supreme Court clarified who must prove payment of wages and commissions in labor cases.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at People v. Ebrada, where the Supreme Court rejected self-defense and upheld treachery in a fatal stabbing.
Parental Consent in Philippine Adoption: Upholding Natural Parents' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when a natural parent's consent is required for adoption and what abandonment truly means under Philippine law.
Positive Identification in Murder Cases: The Delmendo Ruling on Eyewitness Testimony
How the Supreme Court in People v. Delmendo weighed eyewitness testimony, positive identification, and treachery in affirming a murder conviction.