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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Corporate Reorganization VS Illegal Dismissal Protecting Employee Rights During Corporate Restructuring
When a company merely changes its name or restructures, it cannot use that as a pretext to terminate employees without valid cause.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Invoicing Rules and the Definition of Capital Goods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict invoicing requirements and capital goods definition for VAT refund claims in Bonifacio Water Corporation case.
Bigamy and Prior Annulment: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Odtuhan
A prior annulment of the first marriage does not automatically erase bigamy liability. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Odtuhan.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Defense of Alibi: Assessing Credibility in Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on how courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial and alibi in murder prosecutions, with practical guidance.
Habeas Corpus: When Can a Court-Ordered Detention Be Challenged
The Supreme Court explains when habeas corpus cannot be used to challenge a detention—and what remedy is available instead.
Consummation of Rape: Penetration, Force, and Legal Standards in Philippine Law
Philippine jurisprudence on rape requires proof of penetration and force or intimidation. This article explains the legal standards and practical implications.
Duty of Candor: When Exercising a Right Becomes an Abuse of Right
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on abuse of rights under Article 19, Civil Code, and liability for damages in water disconnection case.
Upholding Prior Possession in Forcible Entry and the Burden of Proof in Property Disputes
Philippine Tourism Authority v. Sabandal-Herzenstiel clarifies prior possession and burden of proof in forcible entry cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why minor procedural lapses do not automatically acquit an accused.
Breach of Public Trust: Dual Roles, OIC Appointments, and Ethical Violations in UP Diliman
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on graft and ethical violations by UP officials who appointed a Chancellor to dual paid positions.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court rules positive identification by credible eyewitnesses outweighs denial and alibi defenses in murder cases.
Rape and Consent: Why Love Does Not Justify Sexual Assault in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that being sweethearts is not a license for non-consensual sex, upholding rape convictions and clarifying the sweetheart defense.
Upholding Prior Possession in Forcible Entry Cases: Philippine Tourism Authority v. Sabandal-Herzenstiel
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases, and how force may be implied.
Presidential Prerogative vs Artistic Integrity: The National Artist Awards Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to confer the Order of National Artists and its limits under Philippine law.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Resignation Does Not Preclude Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: resigning from government service does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty committed while in office.
Breach of Trust vs Due Process: When Dismissed Employees Get Separation Pay in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when validly dismissed employees may receive separation pay, distinguishing just causes under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Independent Civil Actions and Criminal Liability: Prejudicial Questions in Estafa Cases
When does a civil case suspend a criminal prosecution? The Supreme Court clarifies the prejudicial question rule in estafa cases.
Just Cause Dismissal Still Requires Due Process: Nominal Damages for Twin-Notice Violation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that even valid dismissals for just cause require the twin-notice rule; failure to comply merits nominal damages.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissing an employee for just cause still requires procedural due process, or the employer pays nominal damages.
Double Dipping Denied Retirement Benefits VS Separation PAY IN Redundancy Cases
Self-Defense Claims and the Degree of Injury: When Assault Becomes Attempted Murder
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies self-defense burdens, treachery, and why a non-fatal wound means attempted, not frustrated, murder.
No Separation Pay for Employees Dismissed for Cause: Key Labor Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employees validly dismissed for just causes like breach of trust are not entitled to separation pay.
The Court's Duty of Independent Assessment in Dismissing Criminal Cases
When prosecutors move to withdraw an Information, trial courts must independently assess the merits—not just perfunctorily deny the motion.
Gross Negligence in Cash Advances Is Breach of Public Trust: Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan
Public officials who approve irregular cash advances face graft liability. The Supreme Court explains gross negligence, bad faith, and conspiracy in Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan.