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.
Proving Actual Damages in Philippine Courts: Why Evidence Matters
A look at how Philippine courts decide damages claims, using a Supreme Court case to show why solid evidence beats mere assertions.
Why Initial COMELEC Election Cases Must Be Decided by a Division, Not En Banc
Learn why the Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc ruling in an SK election protest, citing the constitutional rule on divisions.
Unseen Crimes, Unshakable Justice: How Circumstantial Evidence Convicts in Rape-Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in rape-homicide cases, as shown in People v. Dizon.
Missed the Deadline, Missed Justice: Why Timely Tax Ordinance Appeals Matter
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows why taxpayers must appeal local tax ordinances within 30 days or lose their chance to challenge them.
Judicial Rank vs Salary Grade: Understanding Position Classification in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court explains why equal salary grades do not mean equal judicial rank, clarifying position classification in the Court of Appeals.
Appealing a Criminal Case in the Philippines: Understanding the Risk of Increased Penalties
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how appealing a criminal conviction can lead to increased penalties, not just a chance at acquittal.
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.
Age of Consent in the Philippines: Why the Sweetheart Defense Fails in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape cases involving victims under 12, and why the sweetheart defense cannot defeat a prosecution.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: The Importance of Evidentiary Precision in Philippine Rape Cases
A look at People v. Ladrillo, where the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused due to the prosecution's failure to prove the date and facts beyond reasonable doubt.
Proving Psychological Incapacity for Marriage Annulment in the Philippines: The Hernandez Case
Learn how the Supreme Court in Hernandez v. Hernandez clarified what evidence is needed to prove psychological incapacity for marriage annulment.
Lost Cargo Claims in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule for Arrastre Operators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day claim period for lost cargo against arrastre operators and the shipper's load and count rule.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Government-Owned Corporations: The PNCC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies SEC jurisdiction over GOCCs organized under the Corporation Code, using the PNCC dispute as a landmark example.
Constructive Dismissal vs Abandonment: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between constructive dismissal and abandonment of work, and what employees must prove.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials: The Salary Grade 27 Rule Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a public official's position classification, not actual salary, determines Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
How Eyewitness Credibility Decides Murder Cases in Philippine Courts
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows how credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine murder convictions.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws in the Philippines: When Can a Sentence Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when favorable penal laws apply retroactively, reducing sentences even after conviction and while serving time.
Why Illegal Dismissal Cases Belong in Labor Courts: A Guide to Jurisdiction
Learn why illegal dismissal cases belong in labor courts and how the Supreme Court protects probationary employees' security of tenure.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Decide Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification versus alibi in murder cases, explaining why credible witnesses prevail over alibi defenses.
When a Bouncing Check Isn't Estafa: Checks as Loan Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when postdated checks given as loan security, not payment, cannot result in estafa conviction.
Probation Denied: Why Evading Civil Liability in the Philippines Can Cost You Your Freedom
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: evading civil liability after conviction can disqualify you from probation and lead to imprisonment.
The Power of Witness Testimony: Examining Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court weighs eyewitness credibility against alibi defenses in Philippine criminal cases, and why positive identification prevails.
Due Process in Elections: When COMELEC Cannot Invalidate Votes
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's cancellation of a candidate's nickname votes for lack of notice and hearing, reaffirming due process in election cases.
Robbery with Homicide: Understanding Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, witness credibility, aggravating circumstances, and damages in People v. Paraiso.
Ejectment and Your Business: Understanding Privity to Avoid Surprises
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a business can be bound by an ejectment case even if not named as a party-defendant.