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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Upholding Conviction IN Drug Cases THE Importance OF Credible Testimony AND Chain OF Custody
Employer-Employee Relationship: The Control Test and SSS Coverage for Farm Workers
When does a farm worker become a regular employee entitled to SSS coverage? The Supreme Court explains the control test and its implications.
Tax Clearance Not Required for Bank Liquidation: Protecting Creditor Rights
Supreme Court rules banks under PDIC liquidation need no BIR tax clearance, protecting creditor preference rights under the Civil Code.
DARAB Jurisdiction and Land Sale Nullification: Key Lessons from a 2013 Ruling
When can the DARAB nullify a land sale? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of its jurisdiction in this 2013 ruling.
Defining Regular Employment Security Benefits FOR Seasonal Farm Workers IN THE Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal farm workers are regular employees entitled to SSS coverage and benefits under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining force, intimidation, witness credibility, and damages in Philippine criminal law.
Accountability in Homicide: Liability Beyond the Mortal Blow
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a co-assailant in a fatal mauling can be convicted of homicide even without delivering the fatal blow.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: Supreme Court on Employee Dismissal and Company Procedure
When is a dismissal valid despite procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause, due process, and nominal damages in labor cases.
Stock Certificate Delivery: A Prerequisite for Valid Stock Transfer in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why physical delivery of stock certificates is essential to transfer ownership and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Finality of Ombudsman Decisions: Limited Judicial Review in Administrative Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the proper remedy for appealing Ombudsman decisions and the limits of judicial review in administrative cases.
A Chain of Circumstances: Proving Robbery with Homicide Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court upheld a robbery with homicide conviction built on circumstantial evidence after rejecting a flawed line-up and a coerced confession.
Quitclaims and Labor Rights: Can Waivers Extinguish Employer Liability
When can a quitclaim bar an employee's labor claims? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and waiver validity.
Quitclaims and Labor Rights: Can Waivers Extinguish Employer Liability?
When can a quitclaim bar an employee's labor claims? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and valid waivers in Vigilla v. PCCr.
Forum Shopping Dismissal of Labor Case Reversed for Lack of Basis
Supreme Court clarifies that filing separate labor standard and illegal dismissal cases in different fora does not constitute forum shopping.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from defective tax sales and uphold due process in property forfeiture cases.
Breach of Company Policy in Employee Termination: Due Process Lessons from SURNECO v. Gonzaga
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows that violating your own company procedure during dismissal can cost an employer P30,000 in nominal damages even if the dismissal is valid.
Overseas Dreams, Local Schemes: Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Economic Sabotage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on large-scale illegal recruitment, syndicate liability, and penalties for overseas employment fraud.
When Attorney's Fees Are Not Automatic: The Rule of Article 2208
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may award attorney's fees under Article 2208 of the Civil Code, requiring clear factual and legal justification.
The Testimony of a Minor as Sufficient Proof in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a minor's credible testimony alone can prove statutory rape, even without medical evidence of injury.
Publication Requirement Prevails: Unpublished Handwritten Addendum Has No Legal Effect
Supreme Court rules unpublished handwritten addendum to a presidential proclamation has no force of law, reaffirming the indispensable publication requirement.
Support Pendente Lite: Defining Indispensable Needs in Marital Separation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what expenses count as support pendente lite and which deductions are allowed in marital separation cases.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Child Victims' Testimony in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, holding that a child victim's credible testimony prevails over the absence of physical injuries.
Just Compensation and Government Delay: Valuing Property at the Time of Taking
The Supreme Court clarifies when just compensation is valued and how legal interest accrues in expropriation cases involving government delay.
Conviction for Statutory Rape of Minor Upheld Despite Accused’s Denial and Alibi
Philippine Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of an uncle who assaulted his 5-year-old niece, rejecting alibi and denial defenses.