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.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests Under RA 9165: What the Supreme Court Said
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buy-bust arrests are valid without a warrant and how penalties are imposed under RA 9165.
Misclassified Field Personnel: Overtime Pay and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on truck driver misclassified as field personnel, entitled to overtime pay, and illegally dismissed for complaining.
Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: Legality, Rights, and Case Analysis
The Supreme Court explains when buy-bust arrests are valid, how courts weigh police testimony, and what penalties apply under RA 9165.
Venue Stipulations in Philippine Contracts: When a Chosen Court Isn't Exclusive
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when contract venue clauses are binding and exclusive, and when they merely add another option for filing suit.
Accrual Accounting and the All-Events Test: Deducting Business Expenses in Philippine Tax Law
When can a business deduct expenses under accrual accounting? The Supreme Court explains the all-events test in this Philippine tax case.
Rule 42 Dismissal: How Defective Verification and Annexes Can Kill an Appeal
A Supreme Court ruling on Rule 42 petitions shows how verification defects and missing certified copies can doom an appeal before the Court of Appeals.
Final Say on Ballots: Understanding COMELEC's Role in Philippine Election Protests
The Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's authority over ballot appreciation in election protests, explaining why courts defer to its factual findings.
Fixed-Term Employment in the Philippines: When Contracts Don't Guarantee Fixed Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fixed-term employment contracts are invalid for circumventing security of tenure.
Land as Attorney’s Fees: Enforcing Written Contracts for Legal Services in the Philippines
Philippine courts uphold written attorney’s fee contracts, even those paid in land, provided the essential elements of a valid contract are present.
Workplace Libel in the Philippines: When Accusations Against Superiors Lead to Dismissal
Philippine law on workplace libel: when accusations against superiors become criminal and grounds for dismissal. Learn the rules.
Invalid Summons in Foreclosure: Protecting Due Process Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on invalid summons in foreclosure, due process, and why quasi in rem actions still require proper service.
Urban vs Agricultural Pesticides: Understanding FPA Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority regulates only agricultural pesticides, not urban pest control products.
Suing Your Security Agency After a Robbery: The Post-Robbery Agreement Rule
When can a bank sue its security agency after a robbery? The Supreme Court explains post-robbery agreements and insurance claims.
Is 24% Interest Legal in the Philippines? Bacolor v. Banco Filipino Explained
The Supreme Court in Bacolor v. Banco Filipino ruled that a 24% annual interest rate agreed upon in writing is not usurious or unconscionable.
Treachery and Eyewitness Testimony: Key Elements in Philippine Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, explaining how treachery is established and why positive eyewitness identification defeats the defense of alibi.
When Is a Buy-Bust Operation Legal in the Philippines? Key Rules from People v. Nicolas
Philippine courts uphold buy-bust operations as valid drug enforcement, even without prior surveillance. Learn the essential elements and your rights.
Zoning Regulations vs Contractual Obligations: Balancing Public Welfare and Private Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on zoning ordinances, police power, and the non-impairment of contracts clause.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Employee Rights Under the Boundary System
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jeepney drivers under the boundary system, illegal dismissal, and employee rights to reinstatement and backwages.
Divorce and Remarriage in the Philippines: Validity and Legal Capacity Explained
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a Filipino divorced by a foreign spouse may remarry, and how courts determine legal capacity and estate venue.
Estate Settlement Venue and Remarriage After Foreign Divorce: Key Philippine Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate settlement venue means actual residence, and a Filipino divorced by a foreign spouse may remarry.
Prescription Periods in Labor Disputes: Why Filing on Time and in the Right Court Matters
A Supreme Court ruling on prescription of money claims in labor cases, and why filing in the wrong court can be fatal.
Petition for Relief in the Court of Appeals: When Can You Revive a Dismissed Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court explains why the RTC cannot annul a DARAB decision and when the CA can take jurisdiction over a dismissed appeal.
Self-Defense or Murder? Understanding Justifiable Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense is valid and why a killing without treachery is homicide, not murder.
Philippine Wage Orders: The Limits of Regional Wage Board Authority
The Supreme Court rules that regional wage boards cannot grant across-the-board increases to all workers, only minimum wage earners.