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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Minimum Wage Compliance: Employers Bear the Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes
Employers must prove wage payments in labor disputes. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in a delivery helper's underpayment case.
AWOL in the Judiciary: Dropping From the Rolls and Public Accountability
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee may be dropped from the rolls for absence without official leave under the 2017 RACCS.
When Alibi and Denial Cannot Overturn Positive Identification: A Philippine Law Perspective
Philippine Supreme Court explains when alibi and denial fail against positive identification, with rules on treachery and stop and frisk.
Libel in the Philippines: When Posting a Complaint Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of libel, including publication and malice, in a case involving posted criminal complaints.
When Can a City Demand Access to Private Property? The Caloocan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may demand access to private roads, balancing public service duties against property rights.
Safeguarding Minors: The Supreme Court's Stance on Trafficking and Probable Cause
The Supreme Court reinstates a qualified trafficking case, clarifying probable cause standards and protecting minors from exploitation.
Psychological Incapacity: Infidelity Alone Insufficient for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that infidelity and irreconcilable differences do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
When Can a Foreign Corporation Sue in Philippine Courts? The Monsanto Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unlicensed foreign corporation can sue in the Philippines, focusing on transactions through local indentors.
Constructive Dismissal vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Employee Rights and Business Needs
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor contracts cannot override statutory security of tenure; retrenchment requires proof of actual business losses.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Understanding Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how RA 11573 changed proof requirements for registering alienable and disposable land in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Heirship in Property Disputes: Can Ordinary Civil Actions Decide Inheritance?
The Supreme Court clarifies when heirship can be resolved in an ordinary civil action, not just special proceedings, for property disputes.
Domicile vs Residency: Protecting the Electorate's Choice in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between domicile and residency in election cases, protecting the electorate's choice.
Party-List Nominee Qualifications: Supreme Court Strikes Down Ban on Losing Candidates
The Supreme Court ruled Congress may set party-list nominee qualifications, but struck down the ban on losing candidates as violating equal protection.
Circumventing Procurement Laws: Supreme Court Affirms Dismissal of Local Officials
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of Buguias officials who bypassed competitive bidding under R.A. 9184, reinforcing public trust standards.
Combating Human Trafficking: Elements and Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of trafficking in persons under RA 9208, as amended, and the penalties for violators.
Upholding SEC Authority: Courts Cannot Enjoin SEC Orders on Investment Contracts
The Supreme Court holds a judge liable for gross ignorance of the law for issuing injunctions against an SEC cease and desist order.
Unmasking Labor Only Contracting Regular Employment Rights Prevail
Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules, affirming that workers performing core tasks for a principal are regular employees entitled to full protection.
Prejudicial Question in the Philippines: Suspension, Not Dismissal, of Criminal Cases
A prejudicial question suspends, not dismisses, a criminal case. Learn the rule from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Judge Suspended for Gross Ignorance in Nullity of Marriage Cases
Supreme Court suspends judge for one year for procedural lapses in nullity of marriage cases and unauthorized solemnization of marriages.
Beyond Irresponsibility: Defining Psychological Incapacity in Marriage Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a spouse's immaturity and irresponsibility rise to the level of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Omission of Drug Quantity in Information: Can Conviction Still Stand?
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Information's failure to state drug quantity affects conviction and penalty in drug cases.
Upholding Integrity: Dismissal and Penalties for Grave Misconduct and Insubordination in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court penalizes a court utility worker for gross insubordination and grave misconduct, reinforcing integrity standards in the judiciary.
Child Abuse Law: Grave Threats and Psychological Harm to Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies when threats against a child constitute child abuse under RA 7610, not just grave threats.
Inter-Company Loans and VAT: When Interest Income Is Not Taxable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when interest on inter-company loans is exempt from VAT and how prescription periods apply.