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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Conspiracy and Falsification: Probable Cause in Private Document Cases
How the Supreme Court clarified that conspiracy allegations in falsification cases need only probable cause at preliminary stages, not proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Due Process Prevails: Demotion Without Notice Violates Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on due process in employee discipline, examining demotion without notice and seafarer abandonment cases.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Contractual Freedom To Settle Disputes Out of Court
The Supreme Court approved a compromise agreement ending a subrogation dispute, affirming parties' freedom to settle litigation through mutual concessions.
Judicial Misconduct Maintaining Propriety AND Upholding Public Trust IN THE Judiciary
Lessor's Lien vs Chattel Mortgage: Rights Over Leased Property After Default
When a lessor takes a tenant's property for unpaid rent and a lender later claims the same items under a chattel mortgage, who wins? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Probable Cause vs. Proof of Conspiracy: Lessons from Victorias Milling v. Padilla
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges need only probable cause, not proof beyond reasonable doubt, to find conspiracy at the warrant stage.
Abandonment of Post: Employers’ Rights and Seafarers’ Responsibilities Under Philippine Law
A seafarer who fails to rejoin his vessel after approved leave may be liable for abandonment, not illegal dismissal.
Breach of Warranty in Realty Sale: Buyer Entitled to Reduced Purchase Price
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on breach of warranty in realty sales and the buyer's right to proportionate price reduction.
Taxing Power Showdown: How Franchise Agreements Interact With Local Taxes in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on whether "in lieu of all taxes" clauses in franchises exempt broadcasters from local franchise taxes.
Protecting the Young: Statutory Rape Conviction and the Weakness of Alibi
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that alibi cannot defeat positive identification in statutory rape cases involving minors.
Finality Prevails: Nullifying Titles and Reverting Illegally Acquired Public Lands
The Supreme Court reaffirms that final judgments on land title nullification and reversion to public domain are immutable and must be executed.
Insider Trading Rules Stand Even Without Implementing Rules, High Court Rules
Supreme Court clarifies insider trading provisions are self-executing and enforceable even without implementing rules, protecting investors.
Finality OF Judgment Upholding Interest Awards Despite Ambiguous Wording IN Court Decisions
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Fit-to-Work Assessment Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims: the company-designated physician's fit-to-work certification controls absent a third-doctor review.
Conspiracy and Liability in Rape: Understanding Shared Criminal Intent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules in rape cases, explaining when co-accused share criminal liability.
Illegal Recruitment: Simple vs Large Scale — A Crucial Distinction in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when illegal recruitment becomes large scale, and why the number of victims matters in Philippine criminal law.
Shareholder Rights Inclusion IN General Information Sheet VS Corporate Book Registration
Attorney Disbarred for Abandoning Client After Receiving Full Payment for Legal Services
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who took full payment but abandoned client's case, violating the duty of fidelity and diligence.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Intimidation in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how victim testimony, intimidation, and corroborating evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Expanding Protection: Conspiracy and In-Laws Under the Anti-VAWC Act
The Supreme Court rules that parents-in-law can be held liable under R.A. 9262 through conspiracy, expanding protection for women.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why Water Rate Disputes Must First Go to the NWRB
The Supreme Court rules that water rate disputes must first be elevated to the NWRB before going to court, reinforcing the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies.
Treachery Defined: When a Sudden Attack Constitutes Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, raising a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Upholding Judicial Responsibility A Fine FOR Neglecting Summary Procedure Rules
Security of Tenure Prevails: Fixed-Term Contracts Must Not Circumvent Workers’ Rights
The Supreme Court rules that fixed-term contracts cannot be used to circumvent an employee's security of tenure under Philippine labor law.