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.
Voluntary Confessions in Philippine Law: Safeguarding the Rights of the Accused
Understanding the constitutional safeguards governing voluntary confessions in Philippine criminal procedure, and how courts protect the accused.
Managerial vs. Supervisory Employees: Unionization Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes managerial from supervisory employees and why misclassification can block unionization rights.
Intent Is Key: Understanding Kidnapping Laws in the Philippines and Deprivation of Liberty
Learn how Philippine courts determine intent in kidnapping cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a child abduction case.
Think Before You Share: Understanding Republication Libel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sharing or republishing a news article becomes libel, and the crucial role of malice.
Mortgage Foreclosure After Death of a Debtor: Creditor Options in the Philippines
When a mortgagor dies, creditors have three legal options. Learn how extrajudicial foreclosure works under Philippine law.
Voluntary Confessions and Custodial Rights: Lessons from People v. Bacor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an extrajudicial confession is admissible, the role of counsel, and what makes a valid waiver of rights.
Navigating Mining Tax Refunds in the Philippines: Understanding R.A. 1435 and Its Limits
Philex Mining v. CIR clarifies that the 25% mining tax refund under R.A. 1435 is based on old rates, not actual taxes paid.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Estafa in Philippine Investment Schemes
Learn how the Supreme Court treats investment scams involving bouncing checks, deceit, and estafa under Philippine law.
Presumption of Innocence in Philippine Drug Cases: The Lagmay Acquittal
How the Supreme Court applied the presumption of innocence to acquit a drug suspect when prosecution evidence fell short of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Sheriffs Duty to Enforce Court Decisions Without Unnecessary Delay
A sheriff's ministerial duty to execute final judgments is explained through an administrative case on dereliction of duty.
Philippine Security of Tenure: Why Fixed-Term Employment Can't Sidestep Regularization
The Supreme Court strikes down a fixed-term contract scheme that blocked an employee's regularization, reaffirming constitutional security of tenure for Philippine workers.
Legal Interest Rates in the Philippines: When Does 6% vs 12% Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 6% or 12% legal interest applies—loans and forbearance versus other obligations. Learn the rules.
Credible Witness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Convict in Murder Cases
Philippine courts can convict on the testimony of a single credible witness. This article explains the rule and its limits.
Child Support Cannot Be Waived: Res Judicata in Philippine Family Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a child's right to support cannot be renounced or barred by a prior dismissal, citing Civil Code Articles 301 and 2035.
Demystifying Quieting of Title in the Philippines: Is It the Right Remedy for Your Land Dispute
Learn when Philippine courts allow quieting of title actions, what the requisites are, and whether this remedy fits your land dispute.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in the Philippines: Strict Rules, Rare Exceptions
Philippine courts strictly enforce the 15-day appeal period. Missing it can end a case, with only truly exceptional circumstances excusing delay.
Payroll Evidence in Philippine Labor Disputes: Ensuring Fair Hearings for Employers
A Supreme Court ruling on payroll evidence in labor disputes, protecting employers' right to present original documents for fair hearings.
Conditional Land Donations in the Philippines: Reversion Rights and Valid Sales
When a conditional land donation fails, when can the donor validly sell the property? The Supreme Court explains reversion rights.
Judicial Impartiality When Prior Involvement In A Case Disqualifies A Judge
A judge who previously served as prosecutor must inhibit from the case. Rule 137, Section 1 explained.
Who Bears the Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Disputes Over Unpaid Wages
A look at Ropali Trading v. NLRC, where the Supreme Court clarified who must prove payment of wages and commissions in labor cases.
Ministerial Duty vs Discretion: When a Clerk of Court Must Act and the Consequences of Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sheriff's duty to execute a deed of sale is purely ministerial, and the penalties for refusal.
Falsification of Public Documents: Upholding Integrity in Philippine Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's dismissal for forging a judge's signature, underscoring integrity in public service.
Use It or Lose It: Understanding Abandonment of Mining Claims in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines abandonment of mining claims, including annual work obligations, tax payments, and the consequences of non-compliance.