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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Lessons from People v. Uy
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for robbery with homicide, and why unexplained flight and possession of stolen goods matter.
Courts Cannot Second-Guess Executive Road Project Choices: Torrecampo vs MWSS
Supreme Court clarifies courts cannot enjoin government infrastructure projects based on policy disagreements, only on grave abuse of discretion.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drugs: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rulings on the chain of custody rule in drug cases and how it protects the accused's rights.
Philippine Savings Bank v. Castillo: Mutuality of Contracts and Unilateral Loan Interest Adjustments
Philippine Supreme Court rules that banks cannot unilaterally increase loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing the principle of mutuality of contracts.
Administrative Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Ombudsman, PAGC, and the CSC Appeal Route
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling clarifies concurrent jurisdiction among anti-graft bodies and why appeals must go to the CSC first.
Perfecting Appeals: Timely Docket Fee Payment as a Jurisdictional Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies that timely payment of docket fees is jurisdictional in appeals, but may be relaxed for substantial justice in criminal cases.
Perfecting Appeals: The Critical Role of Timely Docket Fee Payments in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on late appeal filings, docket fees, and the doctrine of reckless imprudence under Philippine law.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties for ICT Use in VAWC Cases
Supreme Court clarifies how social media authorship is proven and raises penalties when VAWC crimes use ICT.
Constructive Dismissal and Optional Retirement: The Ondevilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and separation pay in illegal dismissal cases involving managerial employees.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reconstitute lost land titles under RA 26, easing rigid evidence standards after disasters.
Delayed Birth Registration Validity and Legal Presumptions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on delayed birth registration, legal presumptions, and evidentiary weight in civil cases.
Torrens Title Integrity Resolving Ownership Disputes Arising From Erroneous Land Inclusion
The Supreme Court clarifies that Torrens title ownership alone does not determine possession rights in ejectment cases involving corporate factions.
Delayed Payment Claims and COA Audit Powers: The Lotrim Construction Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the strict application of procedural rules in government contract disputes.
Prosecutors Discretion Prevails Understanding The Limits OF Bureau OF Customs Authority IN Smuggling Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Customs cannot control criminal prosecutions—that power belongs to public prosecutors.
Seafarer Disability Claims Proving Entitlement to CBA Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what seafarers must prove to claim collective bargaining agreement disability benefits over POEA contract amounts.
Unmasking Deceptive Sales Tactics: Supreme Court Upholds Consumer Protection in Aowa Case
The Supreme Court affirms DTI's closure order against Aowa for deceptive sales schemes, strengthening consumer protection under the Consumer Act.
When Judges Cite Non-Existent Cases: Lessons from Monticalbo v. Judge Maraya
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges face discipline for citing non-existent cases, and why administrative complaints are not substitutes for appeals.
Deprivation of Liberty: Understanding Kidnapping and Illegal Detention of Minors in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when taking a child constitutes kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.
Custody Consequences: Understanding Failure to Return a Minor Under Philippine Law
Learn what constitutes the crime of kidnapping and failure to return a minor under Philippine law, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Employer's Duty of Care: When Is a Philippine Company Liable for an Employee's Illness?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for employee illness under Article 161 of the Labor Code in Ocean Builders v. Cubacub.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When the Clock Starts Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for anti-graft offenses begins, applying the doctrine to behest loans.
Due Process for Casual Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that casual government employees enjoy security of tenure and cannot be dismissed without cause and due process.
Dinagat Islands Case: Supreme Court on Province Creation Requirements
The Supreme Court's Dinagat Islands ruling clarifies the constitutional and statutory requirements for creating a new province in the Philippines.
Breach of Public Trust: Why Appearances Matter in Philippine Civil Service
The Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Sandiganbayan clarifies how public officers can be held liable for breach of public trust, even through corporate vehicles.