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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Defense of Insanity Requires Clear and Convincing Evidence in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict evidentiary standard for the insanity defense, requiring proof of complete deprivation of intelligence at the time of the crime.
Exclusive Ownership vs Successional Rights: Clarifying Property Claims in Inheritance Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when heirs acquire rights to property and how titles describe ownership in inheritance disputes.
Corporate Veil and Inheritance: When Heirs Can Claim Rights to Corporate Assets
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs may pursue claims over corporate assets in estate partition cases.
Upholding Attorneys Good Faith Erroneous Legal Advice Without Malice IS NOT Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers are not liable for honest mistakes or erroneous advice absent proof of malice or bad faith.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable for Registration in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two documents required to prove land is alienable and disposable for original registration.
Seafarers' Rights: Implied Contract Extension and Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied contract extension for seafarers and entitlement to permanent total disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Reconstitution of Title: Strict Compliance with Notice Requirements for Jurisdiction
Philippine Supreme Court nullifies a title reconstitution for failure to notify the registered owners' heirs, stressing mandatory notice rules.
Inconsistent Positions and Agency Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers From Deception
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling holds recruitment agencies and their officers solidarily liable for overseas workers' claims, rejecting inconsistent defenses as deception.
Lack of Treachery Reduces Murder to Homicide in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when lack of treachery reduces murder to homicide, affecting penalties and damages.
Tax Treaty Benefits: Prior Application Not Always Required for Refunds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when tax treaty benefits can be claimed without prior application, impacting refund claims.
Sharia Court Jurisdiction Limited to Cases Involving Only Muslim Parties in Real Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies Sharia District Court jurisdiction: real actions require all parties to be Muslims, voiding proceedings otherwise.
Probationary Employment: When a Job Description Can Define Clear Regularization Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a job description and duties suffice as reasonable standards for probationary employee regularization and dismissal.
Accrued Wages and Reinstatement: Employer's Obligation Despite Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must pay accrued wages when they delay reinstatement pending appeal, even if the dismissal is later upheld.
Self Defense Under Scrutiny: Establishing Credible Threat in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense claims fail in homicide cases, requiring credible threat and unlawful aggression.
Tax Refund vs Tax Credit: Execution Requirements in Local Tax Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of execution is needed for tax refunds or tax credits in local tax disputes.
Challenging the Sweetheart Defense: Consensual vs Forced Intimacy in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the "sweetheart defense" fails in rape cases, and how courts weigh consent against force and intimidation.
Breach of Public Trust: Official Position Cannot Shield Criminal Acts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for graft and estafa, ruling public office cannot shield criminal acts.
Possession Follows Ownership When a Writ of Execution Implies Possession of Land
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a writ of execution may place a winning party in possession of land even if the judgment does not expressly say so.
Perfecting Appeals in Labor Disputes: The Mandatory Bond Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employer's appeal in labor cases with monetary awards requires a mandatory bond, or the Labor Arbiter's decision becomes final.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: When Company Policies Justify Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on falsified daily time records as dishonesty, and when company policies justify dismissal for grave offenses.
Private Rights vs State Reservations: When Long Possession of Public Land Cannot Ripen Into Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unclassified public land cannot be privately owned without positive government act declaring it alienable and disposable.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Jurisdiction and the Alter Ego Doctrine in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that piercing the corporate veil requires jurisdiction over the parent company and proof of fraud, not mere ownership.
Judicial Accountability: Dismissal for Undue Delay and False Certifications
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows judges can be dismissed for gross inefficiency and dishonesty over delayed cases and false certificates of service.
Constructive Dismissal: When Unpaid Wages Force an Employee to Resign
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, unpaid wages, and when resignation is actually illegal dismissal.