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.
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Treachery and Witness Credibility: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery is established and why minor witness inconsistencies do not weaken a murder conviction.
Judge Fined for Using Judicial Prestige in Personal Dispute Over Piggery
Supreme Court rules judge violated judicial conduct by using his official title to pressure local officials in a personal dispute.
Acquittal and Civil Liability: When Reasonable Doubt Shields From Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an acquittal based on reasonable doubt also bars civil liability claims against the accused.
Retirement Pay Computation Must Include SIL and 13th Month Pay Even for Commission-Based Employees
Supreme Court clarifies that commission-based bus conductors are entitled to retirement pay computed with service incentive leave and 13th month pay inclusions.
CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes: The Golangco Doctrine on Arbitration Clauses
The Supreme Court clarifies that an arbitration clause in a construction contract automatically vests CIAC with jurisdiction over all disputes arising from it.
Protecting Children: Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Errors in Legal Citations
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of child's neighbor, clarifies correct law under RA 8353, and finds two counts of rape.
Probate Proceedings and Testamentary Provisions: Balancing Testator Intent with Statutory Limits
A Supreme Court ruling on enforcing a testator's 20-year non-partition directive, balancing testamentary intent against Civil Code limits on indivision.
Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason: Evidence and Conviction in People v. Lindo
The Supreme Court clarifies rape of a person deprived of reason, evidence admissibility, and conviction standards in People v. Lindo.
Judicial Ethics: Judge Fined for Using Official Position in Personal Dispute
Supreme Court fines judge P11,000 for using judicial letterhead to pressure officials in personal dispute over a relative's piggery business.
Job Evaluations and Employee Entitlements: Clarifying the Scope of Management Prerogative
Supreme Court clarifies that union security clauses cannot justify dismissal for exercising the right to self-organization during the freedom period.
Union Security Clauses and Employee Rights: Lessons from PICOP Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when union security clauses justify dismissal and how employee rights to self-organization are protected.
Accountability Prevails: Illegal Recruitment and the Promise of Overseas Employment
The Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for illegal recruitment in large scale, protecting OFWs from false promises of overseas employment.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: Employers' Burden of Proof in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as a valid ground for employee dismissal, and the employer's burden of proof.
Probable Cause vs Prosecutorial Discretion: The Perjury Case of Verzano v. Paro
A prosecutor cannot presume probable cause simply because a respondent fails to file a counter-affidavit. The Supreme Court explains why.
When "NANNY" Infringes "NAN": The Dominancy Test in Philippine Trademark Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a similar-sounding mark like NANNY infringes a registered trademark like NAN, applying the dominancy test.
Upholding Torrens Title Registered Owners Rights VS Claims OF Prior Possession
Security of Tenure Prevails: Tenant Rights in Agricultural Land Reform
Supreme Court affirms tenant security of tenure under agrarian reform, voiding landowner's attempt to dispossess farmer-beneficiaries of their landholding.
Preliminary Injunctions in Foreclosure: Clear Legal Right Required
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to stop extrajudicial foreclosure sales.
Drug Testing in Employment: Employer's Duty to Prove Accreditation for Valid Termination
When can a positive drug test justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies employer obligations under R.A. 9165.
Probable Cause and Prosecutor's Review: Lessons from Verzano v. Paro
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's finding of probable cause amounts to grave abuse of discretion, and how courts review such resolutions.
Reconveyance vs Quieting of Title: When Co-Owner Claims Do Not Prescribe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an action for reconveyance is imprescriptible, treating it as a suit to quiet title when the claimant remains in possession.
Sales Invoice Suffices for VAT Refund Claims: Disparity Between Goods and Services Eliminated
Supreme Court rules sales invoices can substantiate VAT refund claims for zero-rated services, not just official receipts.
Employer Liability in Criminal Cases: When Civil Liability Is Only Subsidiary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are subsidiarily liable for employee crimes, distinguishing quasi-delict from criminal civil liability.
Acquisitive Prescription: Good Faith and Just Title in Land Ownership Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a compromise agreement and a sale made during litigation cannot establish the good faith and just title needed for ordinary acquisitive prescription.