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 and Eyewitness Testimony: Conviction for Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness identification and treachery, rejecting alibi defenses.
Supreme Court Voids 'Right to Top' Clause in Government Asset Sale: Osmeña v. PSALM
The Supreme Court invalidated a 'right to top' provision in a government land lease, reaffirming that competitive public bidding protects public interest.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Employee's Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Law
In illegal dismissal cases, employees must first prove they were dismissed. The Supreme Court clarifies this burden in Tri-C General Services v. Matuto.
Demurrer to Evidence Dismissal Upheld for Insufficient Proof of Installment Sale and Insurable Interest
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a demurrer to evidence works and why a plaintiff who fails to prove his case can lose even before the defense presents evidence.
Beyond 120 Days: Seafarer’s Right to Permanent Total Disability Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer is deemed permanently and totally disabled under the 120-day rule and POEA-SEC.
Corporate Identity Theft Protecting Your Brand Name Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protects corporate names from confusing similarity, and what businesses must prove to secure exclusive brand rights.
Unjust Enrichment in Lease Agreements When a Burnt Building Doesnt Excuse Rent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee liability for rent after a building on leased land burns down, explained in plain language.
Prescription in Labor Disputes: The Importance of Timely Execution of NLRC Decisions
A Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for executing NLRC decisions and the consequences of delay in enforcing labor judgments.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Procedural Compliance in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for qualified rape, underscoring the weight of credible victim testimony and the importance of procedural compliance.
Tenancy vs Ownership: Who Hears Agrarian Disputes?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a case is an agrarian dispute for DARAB and when it belongs in regular courts, using a Bulacan land case.
Navigating the Shoals of Forum Shopping: Dismissal of Damages Claim Reversed
The Supreme Court clarifies that forum shopping requires identity of causes of action, not just identity of parties.
Circumstantial Evidence and Murder Conviction: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for murder, applying the Rules of Court standard.
Loan Restructuring Qualified Acceptance and the Absence of a Binding Agreement
When a borrower's "acceptance" of a bank's restructuring offer is qualified, it becomes a counter-offer, not a binding contract.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Procedures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break the chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Balancing Landowner Rights and Social Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed in agrarian reform cases, balancing landowner rights with social justice.
Security of Tenure vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Rights in Security Agency Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the balance between security of tenure and management prerogative in security agency employment.
Construction Contracts and Legal Interest: Determining Liability in Government Projects
The Supreme Court clarifies when 6% legal interest applies to unpaid construction claims against government agencies and local governments.
Causal Connection Is Key in Seafarer Disability Claims for Work-Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove a causal connection between their illness and work to receive disability benefits.
Premature Disability Claims: Seafarers Must Follow Medical Assessment Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim is premature and why following the POEA-SEC medical assessment procedure matters.
Sheriffs Duty Timely Reporting In Writ Execution Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs mandatory duty to file periodic returns in writ execution, imposing administrative liability for delay.
Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Leaving a Job Is Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
Tightening the Reins: Fraud Allegations and Preliminary Attachments in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when fraud justifies a writ of preliminary attachment, requiring particularized allegations, not mere conclusions.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Untimely Filing: Strict Adherence to Procedural Rules in Labor Disputes
A three-day delay doomed a petition in a labor case, as the Supreme Court reaffirmed that the 60-day