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.
Can Philippine Universities Revoke Degrees? Academic Integrity and Due Process
The Supreme Court affirms a university's power to revoke degrees obtained through fraud, provided due process is observed.
De Facto Judges in the Philippines: When Are Court Decisions Valid After Retirement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a retired judge's decision remains valid under the de facto judge doctrine.
Missed Deadline Dismissed Case Understanding THE 60 Day Certiorari Rule IN Philippine Labor Disputes
Learn how the 60-day certiorari rule works in Philippine labor cases, including how motions for reconsideration affect the deadline, from a Supreme Court ruling.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies: A Key Principle in Philippine Labor Disputes
Why skipping the appeal to the Labor Secretary doomed a union's election protest before the Supreme Court.
Barangay Appointments: Why Sangguniang Barangay Approval Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a Punong Barangay cannot appoint or replace barangay officials without Sangguniang Barangay approval.
Ensuring Fair Retirement Benefits for Government Employees with Work-Related Illnesses
Supreme Court ruling on permanent total disability benefits for government employees who retire early due to work-related illnesses.
Permanent Total Disability Claims: Protecting Retirees' Right to Full Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on permanent total disability benefits for retired government employees, explained in plain language.
Torrens Title vs. Fraud: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how the Torrens system protects land ownership in the Philippines and why proving fraud requires clear and convincing evidence, based on a landmark Supreme Court case.
Judicial Accountability and Efficiency: Addressing Delays in Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A look at how the Supreme Court enforces judicial accountability to prevent delays and errors in Philippine courts.
SK Election Disputes: Court Jurisdiction After Proclamation Explained
Learn when courts, not election officers, handle SK election disputes after proclamation, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
When Figures and Words Disagree: Election Recounts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election recounts are required after discrepancies between written words and figures on election returns.
Illegal Dismissal and Early Retirement: Protecting Employees from Unjust Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demotion becomes illegal dismissal and the rules on optional retirement under Philippine labor law.
Conviction on Circumstantial Evidence: Lessons from People v. Sison on Witness Credibility in Philippine Crimi
The Supreme Court affirms a homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence and credible witness testimony, clarifying the rules on state witnesses and evident premeditation.
Cash Advances and Malversation: When Failure to Liquidate Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when unpaid cash advances constitute malversation under Article 217 and why arraignment waives objections.
When Can Philippine Police Arrest Without a Warrant? Know Your Rights
Philippine law allows warrantless arrests in specific situations. This article explains those rules using a Supreme Court case.
Breach of Trust: When Philippine Employers Can Terminate Employees for Loss of Confidence
Philippine law allows employers to dismiss employees for loss of trust and confidence. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
When SC Justices Split Evenly: Tie Votes and Case vs Matter Resolutions Explained
Learn how Philippine Supreme Court divisions resolve tie votes, why case vs matter resolutions differ, and what happens when justices split evenly.
How Eyewitness Testimony Secures Justice in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains how a lone eyewitness's testimony can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in murder cases, as shown in People v. Mante.
Spousal Violence and the Law: Understanding Parricide in the Philippines
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains the crime of parricide, its elements, penalties, and how courts determine guilt in spousal killing cases.
Accomplice or Conspirator? Decoding Criminal Liability in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lookout is an accomplice, not a conspirator, in murder cases.
Earnest Money Perfected Contracts Understanding Philippine Property Sale Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on earnest money, contract perfection, and rescission in property sales explained in plain language.
Sudden Violence and Treachery: Understanding Murder in Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguishes murder from homicide through treachery, using a 1999 stabbing case as an example.
Implied Trusts and Foreign Ownership: The Yap Heirs Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when implied trusts over Philippine land fail, and why constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership bar recovery.
Conspiracy in Murder: When Presence Does Not Prove Guilt (G.R. No. 127754)
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in murder cases: mere presence at the crime scene is not enough to convict.