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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From Double Murder to Arson: How Intent Shapes Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when setting fire to a house is murder or arson, and why intent determines the crime.
Seafarers Disability Claim Denied Strict Compliance With Reporting Rules
Philippine Supreme Court denies seafarer's disability claim for failing the mandatory three-day post-employment medical examination rule under the POEA contract.
The High Cost of Deceit: Dismissal for Court Employees in Bigamy and Corruption Case
A look at how the Supreme Court treats dismissal of court employees involved in bigamy and corruption, and the consequences.
Jurisdictional Estoppel When Participation Waives Objections in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how active participation in trial can bar a party from later questioning the court's jurisdiction in property cases.
Ensuring Fair Representation: The Constitutionality of Legislative District Creation Based on Population
The Supreme Court struck down a law creating Malolos City's legislative district for failing the 250,000 population requirement and territorial contiguity rule.
Warsaw Convention Limits Philippine Courts' Jurisdiction Over International Air Travel Claims
Philippine courts lack jurisdiction over claims arising from international flights under the Warsaw Convention, as shown in Lhuillier v. British Airways.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide: The Unbroken Chain of Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict in rape with homicide, and the penalties and damages that follow.
Liability for Dishonored Checks: Clarifying Banks' Duty of Care and the Impact of Incorrect Marking
The Supreme Court clarifies when banks are liable for dishonoring checks, distinguishing DAIF from DAUD and explaining damages.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Misconduct and Disrespect to the Court
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath, the Code of Professional Responsibility, and for disrespecting court processes.
Free Speech vs Child Protection: MTRCB's Power to Suspend TV Programs
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that allowed MTRCB to suspend a TV program for violating its G-rating with vulgar language, balancing free speech and child protection.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: No Financial Assistance for Terminated Employees
The Supreme Court rules that employees dismissed for theft or dishonesty are not entitled to separation pay or financial assistance.
Mootness in Maritime Law: When Supervening Events Nullify Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court explains when supervening events render cases moot, using a maritime CPC dispute as the key example.
Deemed Approved Leave: What Happens When Government Agencies Ignore Leave Applications
When government agencies fail to act on leave applications within five working days, the leave is deemed approved. Learn the rules and protections.
Project VS Regular Employment Clarifying Tenure IN THE Construction Industry
Due Process in Union Expulsion: Protecting Workers From Unfair Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies that employers must observe procedural due process before dismissing workers under a union security clause.
When Court Personnel Face Misconduct: The Bengson Case on Private Dealings
Court employees must uphold integrity even in private deals. The Bengson case shows when misconduct applies.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: What Suazo v. Suazo Teaches About Proving Nullity of Marriage in th
The Supreme Court in Suazo v. Suazo clarifies what evidence is needed to prove psychological incapacity for marriage nullity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
When Company Employees Become Illegal Recruiters: The Legal Line
Philippine law on illegal recruitment: when employees of a company can be held liable as illegal recruiters, and the legal boundaries.
Res Judicata and Final Judgments: What Torres v. Medina Means for Litigants
The Supreme Court explains when a final judgment bars a new lawsuit, using a foreclosure dispute to illustrate res judicata's elements and limits.
Court Personnel Misconduct: When Private Dealings Taint the Judiciary
A legal researcher's private transaction led to administrative liability. The Supreme Court explains why court employees must be beyond reproach in personal dealings.
Valid Service of Summons on Residents Temporarily Abroad: The Palma Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substituted service of summons is valid for residents temporarily out of the country, and explains when voluntary appearance waives jurisdictional objections.
NPC Not Exempt from Legal Fees: Supreme Court Clarifies Rule on Court Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies that the National Power Corporation must pay filing fees and other legal fees, affirming the Court's exclusive power over procedural rules.
Deception and Deployment: Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how illegal recruitment in large scale differs from estafa, and why both can apply to the same fraudulent scheme.
Valid Summons Substituted Service Permissible FOR Filipinos Temporarily Abroad
Substituted service of summons is valid for Philippine residents temporarily abroad, per the Supreme Court in Palma v. Galvez.