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.
Floating Status or Illegal Dismissal: Security Guard Rights in the Philippines
When does a security guard's off-detail become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court explains the six-month floating status rule and employee rights.
Robbery vs. Highway Robbery in the Philippines: Key Distinctions Explained
Philippine law distinguishes simple robbery from highway robbery under P.D. 532. Learn how the Supreme Court clarified this crucial difference.
Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting: Lessons from NPC v. PHESCO
When is a principal liable for torts of a labor-only contractor's employee? The Supreme Court explains in NPC v. PHESCO.
Philippine Drug Case Conspiracy When Presence Equals Guilt
Supreme Court explains how mere presence at a drug sale can prove conspiracy and lead to conviction as a principal.
Credibility of Child Rape Victims: Why Trial Court Observations Matter in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction, and explains conspiracy in robbery with rape.
Executive Orders vs Agency Circulars: Navigating Pilotage Fee Regulations in the Philippines
When an executive issuance and agency circulars conflict over pilotage fees, which prevails? The Supreme Court settles the hierarchy.
When Private Immorality Leads to Public Disbarment: Understanding Lawyer Ethics in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's private misconduct—abandoning his family—can lead to disbarment.
Navigating PD 1818: When Philippine Courts Cannot Halt Infrastructure Projects
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of PD 1818, which bars courts from enjoining government infrastructure projects, in Garcia v. Burgos.
Writ of Possession in Expropriation: When Demolition Is Implied | Philippine Law
In expropriation cases, a writ of possession can include the power to demolish structures. Learn the rule from Knecht v. Desierto.
Eyewitness Identification and Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: People v. Caisip
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, alibi, and treachery in murder cases, explained through People v. Caisip.
Broadcasting Public Service: Understanding the Government's Right to Comelec Time
The Supreme Court upheld Section 92 of the Omnibus Election Code, requiring broadcast stations to give free air time to the COMELEC during elections.
Exceeding Authority or Political Vendetta: Ombudsman Dismissal of Local Officials in the Philippines
When can the Ombudsman's dismissal of a local official be overturned? The Supreme Court explains in Constantino v. Desierto.
Unraveling Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: The Gungon Case and Its Implications
The Gungon case clarifies how Philippine courts prove conspiracy through circumstantial evidence and how complex crimes are penalized.
Superior Strength in Murder: How Conspiracy Establishes Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy and superior strength qualify a killing as murder, with practical legal takeaways.
Quasi-Delict vs Criminal Negligence: Civil Liability in Philippine Accidents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's negligence creates civil liability under quasi-delict, even without a criminal conviction.
When a Lawyer's Private Misconduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
A lawyer's private misconduct can warrant suspension. This case explains when bad checks and deceitful conduct trigger discipline.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Balancing Public Use and Private Property Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may expropriate private land for socialized housing, and the due process limits on eminent domain.
When Is Detention NOT Illegal: Understanding Serious Illegal Detention in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when detention is not illegal and why consent and credible evidence matter in serious illegal detention cases.
Subleasing Restrictions: Understanding Lease Agreements in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats subleasing without consent, the risks for landlords and tenants, and practical tips for valid lease agreements.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes project from regular employees and protects workers' security of tenure under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
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.
Graft and Corruption: Understanding Undue Injury Under Philippine Law
Explaining undue injury in Anti-Graft law through Amper v. Sandiganbayan, where a city engineer used a government backhoe for treasure hunting.
Attorney Withdrawal Upholding Client Rights AND Ethical Obligations IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer withdraw from a case in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on attorney withdrawal and client protection.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment orders strictly, citing a lawyer in contempt for defying a restitution order.