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.
Rank-and-File vs Managerial Employees: Key Evidence for Union Certification in the Philippines
Learn what evidence proves managerial or supervisory status in Philippine union certification elections, based on the A.D. Gothong case.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Landowners' Right to Fair Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on landowners' right to just compensation in agrarian reform, valuation standards, and the jurisdiction of Special Agrarian Courts.
Soliciting Gifts for Official Action: Understanding Graft and Corruption in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine law punishes public officers who solicit gifts for official favors, explained through the Supreme Court's Tecson v. Sandiganbayan ruling.
Union Officer Elections Must Follow Union Constitution and Bylaws: USTFU Case
Supreme Court rules union officer elections must follow the union's constitution and bylaws, not general faculty assemblies.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
Homicide vs Murder: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent and qualifying circumstances distinguish homicide from murder, and explains cyber libel prescription rules.
Supreme Court on Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262 and Cybercrime Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262 and raises the penalty for using social media under RA 10175.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: A Guide for Litigants
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is a judicial matter for appeal, not an administrative case for discipline.
Lawyer's Courtroom Bullying and Defiance of IBP Orders Draw PHP 155,000 Fine
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer PHP 155,000 for shouting at court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming lawyer conduct standards.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can Killing Be Justified?
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limits of self-defense in murder cases. Learn the three elements required to justify killing.
NLRC Remand Orders and Due Process in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NLRC may remand labor cases for further proceedings without violating due process rights.
When a Spousal Sale Is Void: Buyer Beware in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when sales between spouses are void, why in pari delicto does not apply, and what buyers must check.
The Searching Inquiry: Why Guilty Pleas in Capital Cases Demand Extra Care
Philippine Supreme Court explains why guilty pleas to capital offenses require a searching inquiry to protect the accused's constitutional rights.
Treachery and Passion: Understanding Murder and Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when sudden attacks qualify as treachery and why passion and obfuscation may reduce criminal liability.
Forcible Abduction with Rape: Why "Sweetheart" Status Does Not Equal Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that romantic relationships never imply consent to sexual acts, especially when force or abduction is involved.
Lost Land Title: When Solicitor General Notice Is Not Required in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the Solicitor General need not be notified in lost title replacement proceedings under PD 1529.
Protecting Sugar Workers Rights Understanding Non-Diminution of Benefits in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court explains how the non-diminution of benefits rule protects sugar workers when new laws replace old ones.
Credible Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases Upholding Justice Despite Recantation
How Philippine courts weigh credible eyewitness testimony in rape cases, even when victims recant, ensuring justice prevails.
When Presence Is Not Proof: Conspiracy and Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of murder based on mere presence at the crime scene, explaining the strict rules on conspiracy.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. Batoon
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a minor rape victim's candid testimony prevails over defense claims of impossibility and delay.
When Lawyers May Hold Client Funds: The De Vera Case on Attorney's Liens and Trust Duties
A lawyer's right to claim fees does not justify withholding client funds. The Supreme Court's ruling in De Vera explains the limits.
Piece-Rate Workers Can Be Regular Employees: The Lambo v. NLRC Ruling
How the Supreme Court ruled that piece-rate tailors are regular employees entitled to full labor rights under Philippine law.
Prescription Periods for Behest Loans: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
When does prescription begin for behest loan offenses? The Supreme Court clarifies the discovery rule under Act No. 3326.
Prescription of Behest Loan Cases: When Does the Clock Start for Anti-Graft Charges?
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription begins for behest loan cases under RA 3019, emphasizing discovery over commission.