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.
Gross Neglect of Duty and Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Civil Service
When can mitigating circumstances lessen the penalty for gross neglect of duty? The Supreme Court clarifies in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas v. Bool.
Quasi-Delict Liability After a Vehicular Accident: Lessons from Laza v. Standard Insurance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver is negligent in a collision, the rules on vicarious liability, and what it takes to overturn factual findings on appeal.
Understanding Witness Reliability in Criminal Cases: Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how insanity defenses work in criminal cases and why witness credibility remains central to convictions.
Insanity Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: Key Insights from People v. Toledo
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity can exempt an accused from criminal liability in rape cases, and why the defense failed in this case.
Land Title Reversion in the Philippines: What Property Owners Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling on land title reversion explains when the State can cancel titles over public domain lands, even against innocent purchasers.
Attempted Rape with Homicide: Circumstantial Evidence and the Cabornay Case
The Supreme Court affirms that circumstantial evidence can convict in attempted rape with homicide, clarifying the standards under Philippine law.
When a Notarized Deed of Sale Fails: Consent Is Key in Philippine Property Transfers
A notarized deed does not guarantee a valid sale. The Supreme Court explains why genuine consent is essential in property transactions.
Understanding the Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Drug Cases: Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is crucial.
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: The Mahinay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in the Mahinay case clarifies the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against public servants.
Malversation and Anti-Graft Laws: Lessons from Sarion v. People on Public Fund Management
A Supreme Court ruling on malversation clarifies the duty of public officials to verify disbursements, with key lessons for government and contractors.
Understanding the Timely Filing of Appeals: A Crucial Lesson From Philippine Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the 30-day appeal period in tax disputes, using a land dispute analogy to explain finality and jurisdiction.
Employee Dismissal and Due Process: Lessons from the TESDA v. Abragar Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a void judgment in labor cases can be attacked, and why impleading indispensable parties matters.
Indispensable Parties in Labor Cases: Lessons from TESDA v. Abragar
Learn why impleading all indispensable parties is critical in labor disputes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in TESDA v. Abragar.
Statutory Rape and Intellectual Disability: The Villena Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that rape of an intellectually disabled person with a mental age below 12 constitutes statutory rape under Philippine law.
Compromise Agreements and Rescission: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
When can a compromise agreement be rescinded? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on non-performance and rescission under Article 2041.
The President’s Power to Withdraw from Treaties: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court clarified the limits of the President’s power to withdraw from international treaties. Learn the rules from the Rome Statute case.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Negligence Doesnt Justify Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when simple negligence or carelessness cannot justify termination, explaining the standards for loss of trust, gross neglect, and abandonment.
Contract Rescission in the Philippines: When Forfeiture Clauses and Mutual Restitution Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forfeiture clauses survive contract rescission and when mutual restitution applies under Article 1191.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Chain of Custody
A buy-bust conviction reversed because police failed the chain of custody rule under RA 9165. Learn the required links and witnesses.
Arson with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secured a Conviction
The Supreme Court affirmed an arson-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence. Learn the legal standard and key lessons.
When Credit Extensions Make Insurance Policies Valid: Chartis v. Cyber City
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-payment of premiums does not invalidate an insurance policy, and when insurers may collect.
Promissory Estoppel in Philippine Employment: When Employer Promises Bind
A Supreme Court ruling shows how employer assurances on retirement benefits can bind companies under promissory estoppel. Learn the key lessons.
Lessee Reimbursement for Improvements: The Bermon Marketing Case
Learn when lessees can claim reimbursement for improvements under Article 1678 and how contract terms can waive that right.