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.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children and Understanding Consent
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how the law protects children and how consent is treated in such cases.
Employee vs. Partner in the Philippines: The Villaruel Case on Proof of Partnership
When is a worker an employee, not a partner? The Villaruel case clarifies the burden of proof and protects workers' labor rights.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Understanding Intent and Participation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence proves conspiracy and guilt beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
Free Patent Restrictions: Can Leasing or Mortgaging Your Land Cause Reversion to the State?
Learn when leasing or mortgaging free patent land can void your title and cause reversion to the State.
Project vs Regular Employee: What Brahm Industries Teaches About Valid Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between project and regular employees, and the due process required for lawful dismissal in the Philippines.
Overriding Commissions After Retirement: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether employees can claim commissions earned before retirement but paid after. Learn the rules.
Franchise Boundaries: When NPC Can Supply Power Over Existing Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when NPC may directly supply power within areas covered by existing electric franchise holders.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law requires both just cause and due process for valid dismissal. Learn the rules from Aquinas School v. Magnaye.
The Clerk’s Duty: Accurate Case Reporting and the Efficient Administration of Justice in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk fined for issuing a subpoena to a life-term prisoner without authority, underscoring diligence in court duties.
Redemption After Execution Sale: Ownership Disputes Do Not Stop the Clock
Philippine law gives judgment debtors one year to redeem property sold at execution. Ownership disputes do not suspend that deadline.
Common Carriers and Passenger Safety: The Standard of Extraordinary Diligence in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires common carriers to exercise extraordinary diligence in ensuring passenger safety. This article explains the legal standard and its practical implications.
Retroactivity and Creditability of Wage Increases in Collective Bargaining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when CBA wage increases retroact and whether they can be credited against future mandated wage increases.
NTC Collegiality: How the Supreme Court Settled Regulatory Decision-Making in Philippine Telecoms
The Supreme Court ruled the NTC is a collegial body; a single commissioner cannot decide cases alone. Learn the rule and its impact.
Withdrawing A Guilty Plea: Navigating the Consequences in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn when a guilty plea can be withdrawn in Philippine courts, its mitigating effects, and how aggravating circumstances must still be proven.
SK Election Age Requirements: The Supreme Court Ruling Explained
Understand the age qualification rules for Sangguniang Kabataan elections and the key Supreme Court ruling that clarified them.
Service of Court Decisions in the Philippines: The Laza Case and Due Process
Learn how Philippine courts rule on valid service of decisions, the "sufficient discretion" standard, and the Laza v. Court of Appeals case.
Shared Guilt Establishing Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide Under Philippine Law
When does a getaway accomplice become liable for murder? Philippine law on conspiracy in robbery with homicide explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Sheriff’s Fees in the Philippines: Rules, Limits, and the Abellera Case
Learn the legal limits on sheriff’s fees in the Philippines, the Abellera ruling on excessive charges, and practical safeguards for litigants.
Encroachment Disputes: Rights and Obligations of Landowners and Builders in the Philippines
When a building encroaches on a neighbor's land, what are the parties' rights? The Supreme Court explains good faith, Article 448 options, and remedies.
Death Penalty in the Philippines: Compelling Reasons and Heinous Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the death penalty applies for heinous crimes and why reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty under Philippine law.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Can a Client Get a New Trial in the Philippines?
When a lawyer's repeated absences prevent a client from presenting defense evidence, the Supreme Court may order a new trial to protect due process.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure Venue: Why Judges Must Follow Act 3135, Not the Rules of Court
A judge's fine for gross ignorance of the law clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure venue follows Act 3135, not general venue rules.
Mental Incapacity as a Ground for Dismissal: The Alagaban Case and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law allows dismissal for mental incapacity, but only with strict due process. The Alagaban case shows how courts balance employee rights and workplace efficiency.
Check-Off Provisions in Philippine Labor Law: Employer Liability for Uncollected Union Dues
When an employer fails to deduct union dues under a CBA check-off, is it liable for the uncollected amount? The Supreme Court clarifies.