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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Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Boundaries of Drug Law Enforcement in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in drug buy-bust operations, and why it matters.
Parental Incest and Rape Law in the Philippines: The Buado Case
How Philippine courts handle incestuous rape by a parent, the proof of minority required, and the effect of the death penalty abolition.
Who Can Sue: Understanding Legal Standing in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn who can file criminal cases in the Philippines, and how acquittal does not erase civil liability, using the Aglibot v. Santia case.
Seafarers' Rights: Timely Medical Exams and Disability Claims Under the POEA-SEC
A seafarer's disability claim survives if the employer fails to provide timely post-employment medical examination, as ruled in Career Philippines v. Serna.
Redundancy Programs Balancing Business Needs AND Employee Rights IN THE Philippines
Understand Philippine redundancy rules through Morales v. Metrobank: valid termination requires good faith, fair criteria, proper notice, and separation pay.
Unraveling Sequestration When Government Claims Meet Private Property Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the Migrant Workers Act, including illegal recruitment penalties and the joint liability rule for corporate officers.
Establishing Filiation: Clear and Convincing Evidence Required for Support Orders in the Philippines
Philippine courts require clear and convincing evidence to establish filiation for child support. Learn the legal standards and practical implications.
Probate of Wills in the Philippines: When Attestation Clause Errors Are Fatal
Philippine Supreme Court explains when attestation clause defects invalidate a will, and when substantial compliance may save it.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Psychological Incapacity Evidentiary Standards for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
Learn the evidentiary standards for proving psychological incapacity in Philippine marriage nullity cases, explained through the Mendoza ruling.
Accretion vs. Dried Riverbeds: Who Owns the Land in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies that land formed by a dried-up riverbed belongs to the State, not adjacent owners. Learn the rules on accretion and land registration.
Breach of Trust: Upholding Employers' Right to Terminate Managerial Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate managerial employees for breach of trust, examining the legal standards and evidentiary requirements.
Water Rights and Foreign Investment: Protecting Philippine Natural Resources
The Supreme Court clarifies constitutional limits on foreign ownership of water resources and power assets in the Philippines.
Perpetual Disqualification: How a Criminal Conviction Affects Candidacy in the Philippines
A criminal conviction can permanently bar a person from running for public office in the Philippines. Learn the rules on disqualification, substitution, and what voters should know.
Taxation of Non-Profit Hospitals: Balancing Charity and Commerce in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals lose income tax exemption and pay the 10% preferential rate under the NIRC.
Loan Restructuring vs Foreclosure: Borrower Rights in the Philippines
When does a pending loan restructuring stop a bank from foreclosing? The Supreme Court explains borrower rights and limits.
Judicial Accountability: Undue Delay and Misconduct Claims Against Judges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges face administrative liability for delay and misconduct, and when complaints merely substitute for lost judicial remedies.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly: The Timely Enforcement Duty in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs have a ministerial duty to execute writs promptly, with no discretion to delay absent a court order.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Indelible Duty to Safeguard Children in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining statutory rape, the rules on proving a child's age, and damages for child victims.
When Multiple Shots Mean Separate Crimes: Murder and Attempted Murder in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a single ambush produces separate crimes of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.
Zero-Rated Sales: Strict Invoicing Requirements for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: failure to comply with invoicing requirements is fatal to VAT refund claims. Learn the strict rules.
Oral Partition of Land: When Possession Establishes Ownership Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on oral partition, possession, and ownership rights over inherited land. Learn the legal rules.
When Creeks Shift: Land Ownership and Natural Watercourse Changes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who owns abandoned river beds when creeks change course naturally, and the burden of proof required.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Beyond Survey Plan Notations
Survey plan notations alone cannot prove land is alienable and disposable. Learn the required evidence for land registration in the Philippines.