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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Missed Deadlines Lost Power Understanding Constitutional Limits on Sequestration in the Philippines
A writ of sequestration must be issued and served within 18 months, and a case filed within 6 months, or the order is automatically lifted.
Absolute vs Conditional Sale Understanding Philippine Real Estate Contracts
Learn the key differences between absolute and conditional sales in Philippine real estate, and what the Supreme Court says about buyer and seller rights.
When Loss of Trust Fails: Understanding Illegal Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face liability for illegal dismissal and wage claims of security guards under labor law.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Employee Status in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between regular and project employees, and the legal tests that determine employee status.
When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short Understanding Reasonable Doubt IN Philippine Rape Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two men convicted of rape-homicide, showing when circumstantial evidence fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The Last Words Speak Volumes: Understanding Dying Declarations in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts treat dying declarations as evidence, explained through a 1998 Supreme Court murder ruling.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Homicide vs. Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing becomes homicide, not murder, and why a weak self-defense claim can backfire.
Final Judgments ARE Final Understanding Immutability IN Philippine Administrative LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court in Caraan v. Court of Appeals clarified the preliminary nature of DAR determinations and the finality of judgments in agrarian disputes.
Tolerated Possession vs Ownership: Understanding Philippine Property Law and Land Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tolerated possession does not ripen into ownership, and when landowners can recover property.
Broadcasting Public Service: Understanding the Government's Right to Comelec Time
The Supreme Court upheld Section 92 of the Omnibus Election Code, requiring broadcast stations to give free air time to the COMELEC during elections.
Reinstatement VS Separation PAY Understanding Employee Rights After Illegal Dismissal IN THE Philippines 2
Ejectment VS Specific Performance Understanding Property Rights IN Lease Agreements
The Power of Witness Testimony: Understanding Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility in murder cases, and why affidavits of desistance rarely defeat solid prosecution testimony.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Undue Delay IN Philippine Ejectment Cases
A Philippine judge was fined for undue delay in an ejectment case. Here's what the Supreme Court's ruling means for litigants.
Seafarer Transfers Understanding Crewmember Rights AND Employer Prerogatives IN Vessel Assignments
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced crewmember rights and employer prerogatives in vessel transfer assignments for Filipino seafarers.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Justifying Circumstances and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how Philippine courts test self-defense and alibi claims, and why both failed in this murder and frustrated homicide case.
Unexpected Attack: Understanding Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
How a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies a killing as murder through treachery under Philippine law, explained through People v. Reyes.
Justice Delayed Rights Denied Understanding Judicial Delay AND Injunction Bonds IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules in labor cases, prioritizing worker convenience and substantial justice over technicalities.
Estate Settlement and Guardianship: Why Venue and Proper Petition Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies venue rules, proper petitions, and standing in Philippine estate settlement and guardianship proceedings.
Time Is of the Essence: Understanding the Prescription Period for Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
When does the 4-year prescriptive period for illegal dismissal start? The Supreme Court clarifies in Mendoza v. NLRC.
Navigating Property Disputes: Understanding Litis Pendentia in Ejectment Cases
Learn when litis pendentia applies in ejectment cases and why ownership disputes don't automatically stop eviction suits in the Philippines.
When Can Self Defense Claims Be Denied Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Explore when Philippine courts deny self-defense claims, using People v. Molas to illustrate how weak defenses fail against strong prosecution evidence.
Can an Employee Refuse to Work? Understanding Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
Explore when refusing work is legal in the Philippines, focusing on constructive dismissal, employee rights, and employer obligations under labor law.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project employees and regular employees in construction work, and when repeated contracts may indicate regular employment.