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.
Proof of Payment: Why Vouchers Aren't Receipts Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies why disbursement vouchers are not receipts and what actually proves payment in civil cases.
Proving Continuous Employment for Retirement Benefits Under RA 7641
The Supreme Court clarifies when retirement benefits under RA 7641 apply and what evidence proves continuous employment.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: Understanding BP 22 in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, the reason for issuing a bouncing check is immaterial to criminal liability. Learn the rules.
Worthless Checks Valid Debt BP 22 Applies Despite Payee Discrepancies
Supreme Court affirms BP 22 convictions for worthless checks, ruling that payee discrepancies do not negate liability for issuing bouncing checks.
Liability for Security Guard Actions: Clarifying Employer Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a business is liable for a security guard's wrongful acts and when the security agency bears responsibility.
Abuse of Authority: A Judge's Unlawful Order for Warrantless Arrest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the limits of judicial authority in drug cases.
Challenging Entrapment When Buy-Bust Operations Must Meet Strict Standards in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a buy-bust operation is valid and when an accused can challenge it as entrapment.
When Courts Must Independently Assess Criminal Case Dismissals: Judicial Discretion vs Agency Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may independently review prosecutorial dismissals of criminal cases versus deferring to agency authority.
Second Chances Denied: The High Cost of Procedural Missteps in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why "honest mistake" rarely justifies a new trial—and why procedural deadlines and rules are strictly enforced.
Habitual Absenteeism of Court Employees: Accountability and Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court defines habitual absenteeism for court employees and clarifies that personal obligations do not excuse unauthorized absences.
Fencing Law, Inconsistent Testimony, and the Burden of Proof in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a jeweler of fencing, stressing that inconsistent testimony and hearsay cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When a Suspension Order Against an Elective Official Takes Effect Immediately
The Supreme Court clarifies when suspension orders against elective local officials are immediately executory, even during an election period.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Regular Employment: What Employers and Workers Must Know
A Supreme Court ruling explains when fixed-term employment is valid and how it differs from regular employment under Philippine labor law.
Fencing Conviction Reversed: Proving Knowledge of Stolen Goods in Philippine Law
Supreme Court acquits jeweler of fencing, stressing the need for competent proof of value and knowledge that goods were stolen.
Control Test vs Independent Contractor: Manila Water Ruling on Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court explains when a contractor is labor-only, not independent, and when workers become regular employees under Philippine labor law.
When a "Duplicate Original" Becomes a Technicality: Velasco v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "duplicate original" copy satisfies appeal requirements, and when dismissal for technicality becomes grave abuse of discretion.
Serving Time Before Deportation: Criminal and Immigration Law Intersect
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that convicted aliens must serve their prison sentence before deportation under the Immigration Act of 1940.
Rape and Consent: Examining the Boundaries of Sexual Assault in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction, clarifying how force and lack of consent are established in Philippine law.
Employee Transfers Management Rights VS Constructive Dismissal Claims
When is a transfer a valid management prerogative and not constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains in Mendoza v. Rural Bank of Lucban.
Rape and the Shadow of a Bolo: Establishing Intimidation as Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court explains when a bolo turns rape into a qualified offense, and why the death penalty was reduced to reclusion perpetua.
When Public Service Meets Financial Benefit: Balancing Compensation for Water District Board Members
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits on compensation for water district board members under PD 198, balancing strict rules with good faith.
Age and Relationship as Essential Proofs for Qualified Rape Conviction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why minority and relationship must be both alleged and proven before the death penalty for qualified rape can be imposed.
Transfer of Employees Is a Valid Managerial Prerogative Unless Done in Bad Faith
The Supreme Court explains when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal and when it is a valid exercise of management prerogative.
Shareholder Rights vs PCGG Authority: Jurisdiction in Corporate Disputes Involving Government Assets
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction limits in corporate disputes involving sequestered assets and stockholder pre-emptive rights.