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.
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.
Multiple Homicides vs Complex Crime: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Criminal Law
When a single shooting spree kills four and wounds two, is it one complex crime or several separate crimes? The Supreme Court explains the distinction.
Protecting Your Innovation Understanding Utility Model Patents IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified COA's audit powers and the principle of quantum meruit in government construction contracts.
Recall Elections: Understanding the 25% Voter Requirement in the Philippines
Philippine law requires at least 25% of registered voters to initiate a recall petition. The Supreme Court explains why one person cannot start it.
Losing Control: Understanding Loss of Jurisdiction After Appeal in Philippine Courts
When a case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction. This administrative case explains the rule and its limits.
When Can a Company Lay Off Employees? Understanding Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee layoffs explained: valid dismissal requires just cause and due process. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Ombudsman's Power to Prosecute: Understanding Its Limits and Scope in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute public officials under R.A. 6770, clarifying constitutional limits.
Obeying Orders: Understanding Criminal Liability for Public Officials in the Philippines
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute public officials, explaining how criminal liability attaches.
Navigating Export Quotas: Understanding Administrative Agency Jurisdiction in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts respect administrative agency jurisdiction over export quota disputes, and when judicial intervention is proper.
Breach of Contract: Understanding Delay and Damages in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court defines delay in contracts, moral damages, and breach of obligation in this Philippine case analysis.
Adultery Lies AND Murder Convictions Understanding Circumstantial Evidence IN Philippine LAW
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Sator, explained in plain language.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Understanding Your Rights and Risks in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts define illegal recruitment, the penalties for large-scale offenses, and practical tips to avoid scams.
Judicial Recusal: Understanding Bias and Impartiality in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must inhibit and why late motions to disqualify are frowned upon.
Untimely Appeal Understanding Finality of NLRC Decisions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed NLRC finality on retrenchment rulings and why untimely appeals fail in Philippine labor cases.
Passion Provocation and Criminal Liability: Understanding Homicide in the Philippines
When does anger mitigate a killing? The Supreme Court explains passion or obfuscation, treachery, and homicide in People v. Valles.
Conspiracy and Murder: Understanding Shared Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how dying declarations, eyewitness testimony, and treachery establish murder liability beyond reasonable doubt.
Understanding Contract Interpretation: When a Windmill Deal Includes a Deep Well
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when contract terms include extra work, and when a typhoon is not a fortuitous event.
Perfecting an Appeal: Understanding Timeliness and Receipt of Court Decisions in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts treat appeal timeliness, notice of judgment, and receipt of decisions—key rules every litigant must know.
Understanding Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Avoiding Dismissal of Your Case
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping in the Philippines and why failure to file a motion for reconsideration can doom your case.
Robbery With Homicide: Understanding the Composite Crime in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that robbery with homicide is a single composite crime, regardless of how many people are killed.
Child Abuse and Parricide: Understanding the Legal Consequences in the Philippines
A father's brutal killing of his two-year-old son led to a parricide conviction. Learn the legal rules and penalties.
Understanding the Scope of Appeals in Philippine Labor Law: A Case on 13th Month Pay
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that the NLRC can only review issues raised on appeal, using a 13th month pay case as an example.
Juvenile Justice Understanding Mitigation AND Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
How Philippine courts treat juvenile offenders, minority as mitigating circumstance, and criminal liability under the law.
Understanding Evident Premeditation and Self-Dense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts prove evident premeditation and evaluate self-defense claims, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.