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.
Missed Deadline Dismissed Case Understanding THE 60 Day Certiorari Rule IN Philippine Labor Disputes
Learn how the 60-day certiorari rule works in Philippine labor cases, including how motions for reconsideration affect the deadline, from a Supreme Court ruling.
Spousal Violence and the Law: Understanding Parricide in the Philippines
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains the crime of parricide, its elements, penalties, and how courts determine guilt in spousal killing cases.
Earnest Money Perfected Contracts Understanding Philippine Property Sale Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, contract perfection, and rescission in property sales explained in plain language.
Understanding Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction by Rank: Lessons from George Uy v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies that Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over military officers depends on rank, not just the offense charged.
Pillbox Possession in the Philippines: Understanding Illegal Explosives and the Law
The Supreme Court explains what makes a — a homemade explosive device. The case is a practical guide for understanding how courts evaluate explosive devices, the importance of chain of custody in crim
Is Your Promotion a Demotion? Understanding Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
When does a promotion become a constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on involuntary resignation and demotion.
When Silence Implicates: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how mere presence and inaction during a crime can establish conspiracy and criminal liability.
Understanding Syndicate Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Liability and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts treat large-scale illegal recruitment, what makes it a syndicate offense, and how to avoid liability.
Individual Proof IS KEY IN Illegal Dismissal Cases Understanding Employee Status IN Philippine Labor LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on regular vs. seasonal employment and why individual proof is required in illegal dismissal claims.
Voluntary Confessions in Philippine Law: Safeguarding the Rights of the Accused
Understanding the constitutional safeguards governing voluntary confessions in Philippine criminal procedure, and how courts protect the accused.
When Is a Frontal Attack Treacherous? Understanding Alevosia in Philippine Criminal Law
A frontal shooting can still be treachery if sudden and unexpected, explains the Supreme Court in People v. Quiboyen.
Protecting Your Inheritance Understanding Co-Ownership and Partition Rights in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects co-owners' rights to inherited property, including when and how to demand partition of family assets.
When Family Disputes Meet the Courtroom: Understanding Compulsory Compromise in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts handle family disputes, using the Alitagtag rape case to explain legal principles and procedures.
Avoiding Double Lawsuits Understanding Litis Pendentia AND Forum Shopping IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts prevent duplicate lawsuits through litis pendentia and forum shopping rules, with practical guidance for litigants.
When Negligence Isnt Gross Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence is not "gross" enough to justify dismissal under the Labor Code.
Rape by Deprivation of Reason: Understanding Consent and Involuntary Intoxication in Philippine Law
Philippine law on rape by deprivation of reason, consent, and involuntary intoxication explained through Supreme Court rulings.
Intent Is Key: Understanding Kidnapping Laws in the Philippines and Deprivation of Liberty
Learn how Philippine courts determine intent in kidnapping cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a child abduction case.
When Presence Becomes Participation: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
Explore how the Supreme Court in People v. Sanchez defined conspiracy, distinguishing mere presence from concerted action in criminal liability.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Justice Understanding Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NLRC rules: supplemental motions for reconsideration filed beyond 10 days are barred.
Protecting Children: Understanding the Nuances of Rape Law and Parental Accountability in the Philippines
A father's conviction for raping his daughter clarifies Philippine rape law, qualifying circumstances, and the death penalty's proper application.
Think Before You Share: Understanding Republication Libel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sharing or republishing a news article becomes libel, and the crucial role of malice.
When Silence Speaks Volumes Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court found conspiracy from concerted acts in a brutal killing, and why a 13-year-old co-accused was acquitted.
Redundancy vs Retrenchment: Understanding Employee Rights in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between redundancy and retrenchment, and what employers must prove to validly terminate employees for economic reasons.
Habeas Corpus in the Philippines: Understanding Its Limits and Proper Use in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in criminal cases, using a 1999 death penalty ruling as guide.