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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Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines: Protecting Assets From Spousal Debt
Learn how Philippine courts treat conjugal property when one spouse incurs personal debt, and what the Imani v. Metrobank ruling means for creditors and families.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and why self-defense failed in People v. Manulit.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
When a Guilty Plea Is Not Enough: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains why a guilty plea to a capital offense still requires the prosecution to prove guilt and the precise degree of culpability.
Unfair Labor Practices: The Duty to Bargain Collectively in the Philippines
When does an employer's refusal to negotiate become an unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on the duty to bargain collectively.
Indirect Employers' Solidary Liability: Protecting Workers' Monetary Claims Under the Labor Code
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on indirect employers' solidary liability for workers' wages, 13th month pay, and other monetary benefits.
Patent Rights AND Forum Shopping Understanding THE Limits OF Intellectual Property Protection
Co-Ownership in the Philippines: Inheritance and Property Rights Explained
Understand co-ownership in Philippine inheritance law, including property rights, partition rules, and how courts resolve disputes among co-owners.
The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Cabanilla
In People v. Cabanilla, the Supreme Court rejected the sweetheart defense, showing why a claim of a love affair rarely defeats a credible rape charge.
Balancing Agrarian Reform: The SAC's Duty in Just Compensation Determination
A look at Land Bank v. Rivera, clarifying the court's role in valuing lands under PD 27 and the LBP's exemption from costs.
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Mishandling Court Funds: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court ruled on the severe consequences for clerks of court who mishandle judiciary funds, emphasizing their duty as custodians of public money.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Upholding Decorum Court Employee Fined FOR Disrespect AND Violating Rules ON Transcript Fees
Unauthorized Absences and the Limits of Disciplinary Action: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on PLDT v. Teves clarifies when unauthorized absences justify dismissal and when they do not.
When Sheriffs Cross the Line: Execution Without a Demolition Order
A sheriff demolished a house using only a writ of execution, without a demolition order. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Proving Alienability and Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to register land title under PD 1529, emphasizing proof of alienability and possession since 1945.
Late Certiorari Filing Binds Clients to Counsel's Negligence: Labao v. Flores
Supreme Court rules that a client is bound by counsel's failure to file certiorari on time, stressing strict compliance with reglementary periods.
Paraffin Tests and Witness Credibility in Philippine Homicide Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts weigh negative paraffin test results against eyewitness testimony in homicide cases, and why credibility prevails.
Partial Summary Judgments: Why They Are Not Immediately Executable
A partial summary judgment is interlocutory, not final. It cannot be executed while the main case is pending, explains Philippine Business Bank v. Chua.
Untimely Appeal: How Attorney Negligence Can Doom Your Case
Learn how attorney negligence in filing an appeal can doom your case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability.
When the Secretary of Labor May Award Higher Wages Than a Union MOA
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the Labor Secretary can grant wage increases higher than a union's memorandum of agreement.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Inconsistent Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave contradictory testimonies, casting doubt on the identity of the seized drugs.
When Can Employees Be Fired for Participating in a Strike in the Philippines
Philippine law protects rank-and-file strikers from dismissal for mere participation in an illegal strike, but union officers face stricter liability.