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.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Voluntary Resignation and Quitclaims Prevail
Supreme Court ruling on when a resignation and quitclaim are voluntary, and what evidence employees must present to prove illegal dismissal.
Finality of Judgments: No Recomputation After Decision Becomes Executory
A final labor ruling cannot be recomputed or increased. Learn the finality rule and its exceptions from De Ocampo v. RPN-9.
NCIP Jurisdiction: Protecting Indigenous Rights vs. Rights of Non-Indigenous Parties
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP has jurisdiction over disputes involving indigenous peoples and non-indigenous parties under IPRA.
Positive Identification and Alibi in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Cuesta
The Supreme Court explains when positive identification prevails over alibi and why sudden attacks do not always amount to treachery.
Finality vs. Recomputation: Computing Monetary Awards in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A final illegal dismissal ruling does not bar recomputation of back wages and separation pay. Learn the rules and key dates.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Suicide as a Defense Against Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains when an employer may escape liability for seafarer death benefits by proving suicide as a willful act.
Loan Payments and Proof: When a Certification Can Tip the Scales in Debt Disputes
A car loan dispute shows how a certification of payment can shift the burden of proof in Philippine debt cases.
Inducement in Homicide: When Words Lead to Criminal Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Ambagan v. People on when spoken words can make a person liable as principal by inducement in homicide.
Redundancy Dismissals: Strict Compliance With Labor Code Imperative
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for valid redundancy termination, including mandatory DOLE notice and fair selection criteria.
Untimely Appeal: The Perils of Procedural Lapses in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how missing the 60-day appeal period in labor cases can cost a party the case entirely.
When a Rape Victim's Testimony Alone Can Convict: The Carrera Case
The Supreme Court affirms that a credible rape victim's testimony, even without corroborating physical evidence, can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Personnel Actions and the Courts: When CSC Jurisdiction Yields to Judicial Review
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may hear personnel actions involving public officers despite CSC jurisdiction.
Ombudsman's Probable Cause Discretion and Grave Abuse in Public Official Cases
Courts rarely interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings unless grave abuse of discretion is clearly shown. This case explains the rule.
Third Party Beneficiaries and Compromise Agreements: When Excluded Parties Cannot Claim Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise agreements benefit only named parties, not excluded third parties under stipulation pour autrui.
How Marital Status Determines Property Ownership in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how marital status affects property ownership, co-ownership rules, and the validity of selling property without spousal consent.
VAT Refund Timelines: Strict Compliance Prevails Over Prior BIR Rulings
Supreme Court clarifies mandatory 120+30 day VAT refund periods; late judicial claims fail despite BIR Ruling No. DA-489-03.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Limits of Personal Liability for Corporate Acts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Citizenship by Naturalization: Balancing National Sovereignty and Refugee Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on naturalization of a refugee, clarifying the "lucrative income" requirement and reciprocity under the Naturalization Law.
Bail and Treachery: Reassessing Provisional Liberty in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when bail may be granted in murder cases and how treachery must be proven by strong evidence.
Public Health Workers' Benefits: Balancing Magna Carta Rights and Budget Rules
Supreme Court rules on DBM-DOH and DBM-CSC circulars affecting hazard pay, subsistence allowance, and longevity pay for public health workers.
Bigamy and the Second Spouse: Liability as an Accomplice Under Philippine Law
When can a second spouse be held liable for bigamy in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on accomplice liability and marriage validity.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony Prevails Over Minor Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in victim testimony do not impair credibility when the essential facts are clearly established.
Breach of Trust as Ground for Dismissal: Manager's Dishonest Dealings Upheld
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a manager who failed to account for funds and licenses, ruling that loss of trust and confidence was justified.
Demolition Orders and Due Process: Key Lessons from the Alangdeo Case
The Supreme Court invalidated a demolition order in Alangdeo v. City Mayor of Baguio, reinforcing due process and legal safeguards for property owners.