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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When a Judge's Oversight Becomes Judicial Misconduct: The Ty-De Zuzuarregui Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's procedural lapse amounts to grave abuse of discretion, and the rules on prejudicial questions.
Confessions and Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: People v. Sace
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence and a spontaneous confession, explaining key evidentiary rules.
Toll Fee Deductions and Due Process: Protecting Employee Wages and Rights in Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court rules on illegal wage deductions from commissions and clarifies the 30-day preventive suspension rule in labor cases.
Confessions and Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide: People v. Sace
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence and a spontaneous confession, explaining key evidentiary rules.
Safeguarding Employee Rights: The Imperative of Due Process in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Genesis Transport clarifies preventive suspension limits, valid dismissal, and illegal wage deductions under the Labor Code.
Protecting THE Integrity OF Ballots THE Imperative OF Evidence IN Philippine Election Contests
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms: Defining Murder and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, surprise shooting amounts to treachery for murder, and why using an unlicensed firearm can raise the penalty.
Reformation of Instruments: Proving True Intent Beyond Notarized Deeds
Explore when Philippine courts allow reformation of a notarized deed and why clear, convincing evidence is required to override its presumption of regularity.
Compassionate Justice vs Legal Obligation: Limits of Financial Assistance in Authorized Dismissals
Supreme Court rules employers cannot be forced to pay extra financial assistance beyond separation pay mandated by law for valid closures.
Reinstatement After Suspension: The Process for Lawyers to Resume Practice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the procedure for lifting a lawyer's suspension, requiring a sworn statement of compliance before resuming practice.
Constructive Dismissal Redefining Unreasonable Employee Transfers Under Philippine LAW
When does a job transfer become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on unreasonable transfers in Philippine Veterans Bank v. NLRC.
Upholding DUE Process THE Automatic Lifting OF Sequestration Orders FOR Unimpleaded Entities
Reinstating Appeals Substantial Justice Over Technicalities IN Perjury Cases
Finality Prevails: Citizenship Challenges Barred After Judgment in Property Disputes
A losing party cannot raise a buyer's citizenship after judgment becomes final. The Supreme Court explains why res judicata bars such challenges.
Agrarian Reform: DAR's Authority in Beneficiary Selection Prevails Over DARAB Adjudication
Supreme Court clarifies that identifying and selecting CARP farmer-beneficiaries is an exclusive administrative function of the DAR Secretary, not the DARAB.
Protecting Minors Positive Identification AND Exemplary Damages IN Rape Cases
Conspiracy in Labor Disputes: Defining Employee Involvement in Fraudulent Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's seemingly minor act in a fraudulent scheme constitutes conspiracy justifying dismissal.
Who Picks Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries? The DAR, Not DARAB, Decides
Supreme Court clarifies that the DAR Secretary—not DARAB—has exclusive jurisdiction to identify and select qualified CARP farmer-beneficiaries.
CARP Land Use Classification and Exemption Requirements Explained
Learn when land is exempt from CARP coverage based on use classification before June 15, 1988, and why "reserved for residential" is not enough.
Energy Sector Disputes Clarifying Jurisdiction Between the ERC and DOE
Supreme Court clarifies which agency hears energy disputes: the ERC's jurisdiction is limited, while the DOE handles distribution issues.
Competitive Bidding VS Reasonable Classification Constitutionality OF Procurement Restrictions
Election Gun Ban and Airsoft Guns: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's inclusion of airsoft guns in the election gun ban but excluded replicas and imitations.
Probable Cause and Ombudsman Discretion: Incomplete Audit Does Not Bar Malversation Charges
The Supreme Court rules that an incomplete COA audit does not prevent the Ombudsman from finding probable cause for malversation of public funds.
Good Faith Prevails: Protecting Innocent Purchasers in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on innocent purchasers for value, good faith, and extinguishment of claims in property disputes.