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.
Breach of Trust: Safeguarding Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissal of court employees for immorality, highlighting integrity standards and due process in administrative cases.
Prior Title Prevails: Resolving Overlapping Land Titles in the Philippines
When two Torrens titles cover the same land, the earlier one prevails. Learn the rules from the Supreme Court's ruling in Liao.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Intent and Deprivation of Liberty Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies what proves intent and deprivation of liberty in kidnapping-for-ransom cases involving minors.
Torrens System vs Fraudulent Land Titles: Priority of Registration Determines Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court rules that earlier registered titles prevail over later ones, even if both cover the same land. Learn the key principles.
Redundancy vs Due Process: When a Layoff Isn't Always Illegal
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to give 30-day notice doesn't make a valid redundancy layoff illegal—but backwages may still be owed.
Rape Conviction Upheld Even Partial Penetration Constitutes Rape Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that partial penetration—touching the labia—is enough to consummate rape.
Hold Departure Orders: Why Only Regional Trial Courts May Issue Them
A Supreme Court ruling reprimanding a judge clarifies that only Regional Trial Courts may issue hold departure orders in criminal cases.
Tourist Duty Free Shops v. Sandiganbayan: Limits of PCGG Sequestration and Litis Pendentia
The Supreme Court clarifies when litis pendentia applies and the limits of PCGG sequestration powers over corporations.
Unregistered Stock Transfers: Creditors' Rights vs. Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unregistered stock transfers and their effect on creditors' rights to levy shares.
Safeguarding Due Process in Election Proclamation Disputes: The Importance of Notice and Hearing
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process in election contests, emphasizing notice and hearing before proclamation.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Corporation Be Held Accountable for Its Affiliates' Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may disregard the separate legal personality of corporations and hold them liable for affiliates' actions.
Safeguarding Due Process in Election Disputes: The Limits of COMELEC's Power
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the boundaries of COMELEC's authority in election contests, ensuring due process.
Confessions and Counsel: Safeguarding Rights During Custodial Investigation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains what makes an extrajudicial confession valid, focusing on the right to counsel during custodial investigation.
Tenant Rights Prevail: Security of Tenure and Agrarian Reform in Greenfield v. Cardama
The Supreme Court affirms that agricultural tenants enjoy security of tenure and cannot be summarily dispossessed, reinforcing CARP beneficiary rights.
Tenant Rights Prevail: Security of Tenure in Agrarian Reform Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that agricultural lessees retain security of tenure under CARL, even when landowners claim conversion or termination of lease.
Gunpowder Residue and Witness Credibility: Evaluating Evidence in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, conspiracy, and treachery in murder convictions, explained through a 2000 Supreme Court ruling.
No Work, No Pay: Defying a Lawful Transfer Order Justifies Wage Denial
Employees who defy a lawful transfer order cannot claim wages under the "no work, no pay" principle, as the Supreme Court ruled in AKELCO v. NLRC.
Upholding Tenant Rights Establishing Tenancy Despite Conflicting Evidence
Supreme Court ruling clarifies how substantial evidence and rental receipts establish bona fide tenancy under agrarian law.
Conspiracy and Treachery in a Chicken Theft Murder: Lessons from People v. Barona
When does a killing become murder? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy and treachery in a fatal chicken theft case.
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: The Napolcom Commissioners Case
When Congress declared Napolcom commissioners' terms expired, the Supreme Court struck it down as a violation of security of tenure.
Double Jeopardy vs Duplicity: Defective Informations and Fair Trial Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy, duplicity in informations, and fair trial rights in rape convictions.
Negligence Liability of Cargo Surveyors: Duty of Care in Handling Liquid Bulk Cargo
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on surveyor negligence in liquid cargo discharge, explaining the standard of care and liability for unsupervised pumping operations.
Confession as Key Evidence in Rape With Homicide Case: People v. Valla
A confession made to barangay officials after finding a victim's body can convict. The Supreme Court explains when extrajudicial admissions are admissible evidence.
Corporate Veil vs Probate: Protecting Corporate Identity in Estate Proceedings
When can a probate court include a corporation's assets in a deceased person's estate? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits.