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.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
Learn how Philippine courts handle rape cases, the role of victim testimony, and the legal framework addressing sexual abuse.
Tenancy Disputes and Jurisdiction: Courts vs. Agrarian Reform Boards
Understanding when courts or DARAB have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Understanding Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Explore the Salafranca case on illegal dismissal, security of tenure, and due process for regular employees in the Philippines.
Reinstatement Is Immediately Enforceable: Understanding Self-Executing Reinstatement Orders in Philippine Labo
When a labor arbiter orders reinstatement, it is immediately enforceable—even pending appeal. The employer must act at once or pay wages.
Wage Distortion In The Philippines Understanding Collective Bargaining And Legal Remedies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies wage distortion, collective bargaining rights, and legal remedies for employees facing demotion or illegal dismissal.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Understanding Your Right to Back Wages
The Supreme Court clarifies when private school teachers gain permanent status, what constitutes illegal dismissal, and how back wages are computed.
Second Chances in Court: Understanding Appeals After Amended Judgments
When a trial court amends its decision after you've appealed, do you need to file another notice of appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Bribery in the Philippines: Understanding the Anti-Graft Law and Its Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's extortion explains Philippine bribery law, the Anti-Graft Law, and the penalties for public officers.
Rape and Unconsciousness: Understanding Consent and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine law on rape and unconsciousness: when consent is impossible and how courts treat statutory rape and sexual assault cases.
Understanding Court Jurisdiction in Forcible Entry Cases in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in forcible entry cases, based on a Supreme Court administrative ruling.
Reinstatement or Separation Pay: Understanding Illegal Dismissal Remedies in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts decide between reinstatement and separation pay in illegal dismissal cases, using a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Missed Deadlines Lost Rights Understanding Prescription AND Laches IN Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how prescription and laches bar stale property claims in the Philippines, with key rules and practical guidance.
Project Employee Rights Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN Philippine Labor LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court protects project employees from illegal dismissal under Philippine labor law, including rules on termination and remedies.
Use It or Lose It: Understanding Abandonment of Mining Claims in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines abandonment of mining claims, including annual work obligations, tax payments, and the consequences of non-compliance.
Speedy Justice Delayed: Understanding Summary Procedure in Philippine Courts
A judge's delay in acting on a summary procedure case leads to a severe reprimand, highlighting the importance of speedy justice.
Protecting Children: Understanding Statutory Rape Laws in the Philippines
A landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains statutory rape, victim testimony, and damages in child sexual abuse cases.
Execution Pending Appeal: Understanding When Philippine Courts CAN Order Immediate Payment
Learn when Philippine courts may allow execution pending appeal, the "good reason" requirement, and why financial distress alone is not enough.
Buyer Beware Understanding Mortgage Foreclosure Risks When Purchasing Property in the Philippines
Learn from Ligon v. Court of Appeals why buyers of mortgaged Philippine property face serious foreclosure risks and what due diligence requires.
Personal Service IS Priority: Understanding Mandatory Pleading Service in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when personal service of pleadings is mandatory under Section 11, Rule 13, and what happens when lawyers skip it.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Defenseless Victims
The Supreme Court explains treachery, conspiracy, and self-defense in a murder case involving three brothers who shot an unarmed victim.
Final Judgment Is Final: Understanding Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
When can a final criminal judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of annulment of judgment and due process.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why accused persons claiming self-defense must prove it, and how courts assess such claims.
Mortgage Preference vs Corporate Rehabilitation: Understanding Creditor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on creditor rights, mortgage preference, and payment rules under the Civil Code explained in plain language.
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.