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.
Limits of Compensation Authority in Government Corporations: Insights from SSS v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies when GOCCs may grant employee benefits without presidential approval, and when officers may be excused from refunding disallowed amounts.
When a Dismissed Employee Can Vote: Certification Election Rules Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees may vote in certification elections and how blank ballots affect majority computation.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Can Be Held Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil and hold officers personally liable for fraud and mismanagement.
Understanding the Extinguishment of Criminal Liability Upon Death: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruli
When an accused dies pending appeal, criminal liability is extinguished. Learn the rules from a landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Garnishment and Legal Compensation in Banking: The BPI v. Central Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on bank liability, garnishment, and clearing house operations in BPI v. Central Bank.
Understanding Illegal Drug Possession: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a failed buy-bust becomes illegal possession, and what the chain of custody requires.
Intervention Rights in Property Disputes: The PRA Reclamation Case Explained
When can a third party intervene in a property dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in a reclamation case involving the Philippine Reclamation Authority.
Republic v. Heirs of Bernabe: Who May Sue for Reversion of Former Military Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Republic, not the BCDA, is the real party in interest in reversion cases involving former military reservations.
Discovery in Criminal Cases: Why Requests for Admission Do Not Apply
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling that requests for admission under Rule 26 apply only to civil cases, not criminal proceedings.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Recent Ruling
Learn how Philippine courts evaluate self-defense claims and treachery in murder cases, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Landmark Ruling on Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term contracts are invalid and workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule in the Philippines
Understand the mandatory third doctor rule in Philippine seafarer disability claims and why company physician assessments prevail when the rule is ignored.
Understanding Rape Convictions: Res Gestae and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts convict in rape cases when the victim cannot testify, using res gestae and circumstantial evidence.
Prescription Period for Oral Contracts: What Creditors and Debtors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the six-year prescription period for oral contracts and why timely action is critical for creditors and debtors.
Understanding Regular Employment: How Continuous Rehiring Affects Worker Status
The Supreme Court clarifies when continuous project rehiring makes a worker regular, not project, employee under Philippine labor law.
Recall of Appointments Without Notice and Hearing: Insights from a Landmark CSC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CSC may recall a civil service appointment without prior notice and hearing, and the limits of good faith.
Rehabilitation Proceedings Balancing Contractual Obligations AND Corporate Recovery
Explore how Philippine courts balance contractual obligations with corporate rehabilitation, ensuring fair treatment for creditors and debtors.
Proving Dismissal in Labor Disputes: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
Learn when resignation is voluntary or forced, and how employees must prove dismissal in illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: The Impact of Victim Recantation on Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases when the victim recants, and why recantation alone does not automatically overturn a conviction.
Government Procurement and Audit Disallowances: Lessons from a Landmark COA Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when government officials and contractors may be held liable for audit disallowances in public procurement projects.
Moral Ascendancy and Statutory Rape: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how moral ascendancy and recantation are treated under Philippine law.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Rulings
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies murder, distinguishing sudden attacks from forewarned confrontations in People v. Archivido.
Less Serious Physical Injuries: When Intent to Kill Is Absent
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mauling results in less serious physical injuries rather than attempted homicide, and how a brawl differs from a tumultuous affray.
Consent in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: The Bangayan Ruling Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court's Bangayan ruling clarifies when consent matters for victims aged 12 to 17 under RA 7610.