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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Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Evolution of Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for statutory rape, clarifying how Philippine law protects minors and how penalties evolved under RA 8353.
Upholding Collective Bargaining: Why CBA Amendments Need Both Parties' Consent
A CBA binds both employer and union. Unilateral changes violate the law and the non-diminution rule, as this Supreme Court ruling shows.
Foreclosure on Agrarian Land: Landowner Rights and SAC Jurisdiction Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners can claim just compensation and the limits of Special Agrarian Court jurisdiction over foreclosed agrarian properties.
Constructive Dismissal: When Unpaid Wages Force an Employee to Resign
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, unpaid wages, and when resignation is actually illegal dismissal.
Wage Order Exemptions: Balancing Regional Flexibility and National Standards
The Supreme Court affirms regional wage boards' power to grant exemptions, provided NWPC review and approval are secured.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Deadlines and Invoice Requirements Under Philippine Tax Law
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in CIR v. Silicon Philippines clarifies the mandatory 120+30 day prescriptive periods for VAT refund claims and invoice requirements.
Non-Diminution of Benefits: When Employer Practices Become Enforceable Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on non-diminution of benefits—when employer practices ripen into enforceable rights under the Labor Code.
Probation vs Appeal: Choosing Your Legal Path in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat probation versus appeal in criminal cases, and why choosing the wrong remedy can forfeit your right to appeal.
Superior Strength in Group Assaults: Establishing Murder Liability
How Philippine courts treat "superior strength" as a qualifying circumstance in group assaults, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employees From Forced Resignation
When an employer makes work conditions impossible, the law treats it as constructive dismissal. Learn how the Supreme Court protects employees' security of tenure.
Constructive Dismissal: When Forced Resignation and Unpaid Wages Become Illegal Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal when an employer withholds work assignments to force resignation, and procedural rules that protect labor.
Dangerous Drugs Act: Why Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165 safeguards.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason
The Supreme Court affirms the rape conviction of a man who sexually abused a mentally deficient minor, clarifying the distinction between "demented" and "deprived of reason" under the Revised Penal Co
Continuing Suretyship in the Philippines: Liability for Future Debts Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a surety's liability for future debts under a Continuing Suretyship, and when courts may reduce attorney's fees.
Judicial Accountability: Balancing Efficiency and Due Process in Court Management
A Supreme Court ruling on judge accountability shows how administrative efficiency must yield to due process and evidence-based discipline.
Accountability in Public Spending: Limits on Extraordinary Expenses for Government Officials
Supreme Court ruling on TESDA's disallowed extraordinary expenses clarifies limits on government officials' EME and refund liability.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Land Titling Case for Five Years
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting a client's land titling case for five years, violating Canons 17 and 18 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Client Neglect and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Six Months
Philippine Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for neglecting a client's land titling case and appearing against the client without consent.
Medical Negligence: Establishing the Standard of Care in Anesthesia
The Supreme Court clarifies when res ipsa loquitur applies in medical negligence cases and why expert testimony on the standard of care remains essential.
Property Disputes: Jurisdiction and Estoppel in Free Patent Repurchase Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on RTC jurisdiction over free patent repurchase actions and the principle of jurisdiction by estoppel.
Default Judgments: Excusable Negligence and Timely Remedies in Philippine Courts
Understand default judgments in Philippine courts, the strict rules on excusable negligence, and the timely remedies available to defendants.
Default Judgments: Excusable Negligence and Timely Remedies in Philippine Courts
Understand when Philippine courts set aside default orders, what counts as excusable negligence, and the remedies available to defendants.
When a Case Becomes Moot: The Peñafrancia Sugar Mill Ruling on Forum-Shopping
The Supreme Court dismisses Peñafrancia Sugar Mill's petition as moot after the SRA revoked the assailed sugar orders, explaining when courts abstain from deciding.
When Can a Property Buyer Be Liable in a Forcible Entry Case?
The Supreme Court rules that a subsequent buyer of property cannot be held liable for nominal damages unless it violated the plaintiff's rights.