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.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies regular employment, constructive dismissal, and retirement rights in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Insubordination in Maritime Employment: Understanding Just Cause for Termination
A seafarer's refusal to obey lawful orders can be just cause for dismissal, but procedural due process still applies.
Default Judgments Understanding Due Process and Timely Responses in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat default judgments and why timely responses matter, based on a Supreme Court ruling on judicial delay.
Treachery and the Aswang Defense: Understanding Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery qualifies killings as murder, even when superstition—the (folkloric evil creatures).
Understanding Court Jurisdiction: When Can One Court Stop Another
A clear guide to Philippine court jurisdiction, hierarchy, and when one court can interfere with another's proceedings.
Security of Tenure: Understanding Reinstatement Rights After Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects employees from illegal dismissal and what reinstatement rights mean under the Labor Code.
When Can a Seaman Be Dismissed: Understanding Seafarer Rights and Obligations
Learn the legal grounds for dismissing a seaman in the Philippines, plus the rights and obligations of seafarers under Philippine maritime law.
When Is Moonlighting Disloyalty? Understanding Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee dismissal explained through a Supreme Court case on overseas domestic helpers, just causes, and due process.
Navigating Illegal Drug Possession Cases: Rights and Reclusion Perpetua
Understanding the Supreme Court's ruling on drug possession, constitutional rights during warrantless searches, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua.
Airline Liability for Stranded Passengers: Understanding Passenger Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Airlines v. Court of Appeals clarifies airline liability for stranded passengers, discrimination, and damages under Philippine law.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails against treachery, and how conspiracy and surrender affect criminal liability in murder cases.
Bouncing Checks and Continuous Crimes: Understanding Jurisdiction in BP 22 Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court treats multiple bouncing check violations as continuous crimes affecting jurisdiction in Philippine law.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Understanding the Limits of Justifiable Force in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine homicide cases, using the 1997 Maalat ruling as a guide.
Understanding Implied Trusts and Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied trusts, prescription periods, and extrajudicial settlements in property partition disputes.
Self Defense in the Philippines: Understanding Unlawful Aggression and Reasonable Means
Learn how Philippine courts test self defense claims through unlawful aggression, reasonable means, and provocation, as shown in People v. Artiaga.
Understanding Acceleration Clauses in Philippine Promissory Notes
Learn how Philippine courts interpret acceleration clauses in promissory notes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Mendoza v. Court of Appeals.
Insurance Claims Understanding Time Limits AND ALL Risks Policies IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that all-risks insurance claims prescribe in 10 years, not the one-year COGSA limit for carriers.
Understanding Retirement Benefits in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
A look at Philippine retirement benefits law, covering employee rights, employer obligations, and key rules under the Labor Code.
Freight Charges and Estoppel: Understanding Contractual Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies BOT turnover obligations, quantum meruit, and liability for irregular government disbursements in COA disallowance case.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law treats rape committed by a father against his daughter, including the role of moral ascendancy.
Moral Turpitude and Philippine Law: When Personal Conduct Impacts Professional Standing
Philippine law holds court employees to high moral standards. This case shows how personal misconduct can lead to administrative penalties.
Perfecting Contracts Understanding Offer Acceptance AND Reconveyance IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what makes a binding contract, and why reconveyance is not a substitute for rescission.
Common Carriers and Cargo Loss: Understanding Liability and Due Diligence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier liability for cargo loss, extraordinary diligence, and contributory negligence in shipping disputes.
Understanding Timeliness in Filing a Petition for Certiorari in the Philippines
Learn the reasonable period rule for filing certiorari petitions under Rule 65, as explained in Philgreen Trading v. Court of Appeals.