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.
Employer Liability and Disability Benefits for Overseas Filipino Workers
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies employer liability and disability benefits for overseas Filipino workers in this detailed legal analysis.
Estafa and Falsification: How RA 10951 Changed Penalties in Philippine Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how RA 10951 reduced penalties for estafa and falsification, affecting sentencing and probation eligibility.
Quiet Title Actions and Jurisdiction: When Courts, Not DARAB, Decide Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not DARAB, have jurisdiction over quiet title actions involving alleged tenants.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Legal Compliance Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies procedural rules on chain of custody in drug cases, ensuring legal compliance and protecting rights.
Employee Dismissal for Loss of Trust and Confidence: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence is a valid ground for dismissing an employee, and why vague company rules cannot justify termination.
SALN Misdeclarations and Loans: When Public Officials Avoid Administrative Liability
Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's failure to fully declare assets in SALNs is not grave misconduct or dishonesty.
Understanding the Legal Battle Over Unclaimed Horse Racing Dividends in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on who gets unclaimed horse racing dividends—the racing club or the government regulator. A clear guide.
Understanding Consent and Force in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies force, threat, intimidation, and the "sweetheart theory" in rape convictions under Article 266-A of the RPC.
Shareholder Death and Corporate Meetings: Quorum and Voting Rights Under Philippine Law
How a shareholder's death affects quorum and voting rights in Philippine corporations, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Mallare v. A&E Industrial Corporation.
Consent and Intoxication in Rape Cases: Key Lessons from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine law on rape and intoxication: when severe drunkenness or unconsciousness negates consent, and why credible testimony can convict.
Novation in Philippine Estafa Cases: When Settlements Prevent Criminal Liability
Learn when amicable settlements can extinguish criminal liability for estafa under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sorongon v. People.
Navigating Collective Negotiation Agreement Incentives in Philippine Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies when CNA incentives may be granted to managerial employees and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Protecting Environmental Rights: Understanding the Writ of Kalikasan in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the writ of kalikasan may issue, requiring proof of environmental law violation and large-scale damage.
Protecting Privacy and Security: Understanding the Writ of Amparo in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that the writ of amparo protects families of suspected rebels from surveillance, upholding privacy and spousal privileges.
Arbitration Awards and Judicial Review: The Adapon Case on Enforceability in the Philippines
Philippine courts may only vacate arbitral awards on limited grounds. The Adapon case clarifies the scope of judicial review.
Seafarer Claims and Agency Transfers: What the Supreme Court Ruled
Learn how agency transfers affect seafarer liability claims, including the original manning agency's continuing responsibility under Philippine law.
The Limits of Certiorari and the Finality of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an acquittal can still carry civil liability, and the procedural consequences of filing a demurrer to evidence.
Understanding Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation Laws in the Philippines: Protecting Our Youth
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lascivious conduct and child abuse under R.A. 7610 in a teacher's conviction.
Extinctive Novation: When a New Loan Cancels an Old Debt and Invalidates Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how extinctive novation cancels old debts and why foreclosing on extinguished obligations is premature and void.
Understanding the Elements of Rape and the Power of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling explains the elements of rape and why a credible victim's testimony can be enough to convict.
The Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When a Civil Case Outcome Bars Criminal Prosecution
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the prejudicial question doctrine to dismiss falsification charges after a civil case settled the core issue.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When Lack of Medical Assessment Means Permanent Disability
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a company-designated physician's failure to issue a definite medical assessment within 120 days can entitle a seafarer to permanent disability benefits.
What Happens to an Administrative Case When the Respondent Dies? (Philippines)
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether death of a respondent ends a pending administrative case, citing due process and heirs' protection.
HLURB Decisions in Homeowners’ Association Disputes: Appeal to the CA, Not the OP
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that HLURB decisions on intra-association disputes must be appealed directly to the Court of Appeals, not the Office of the President.