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.
Supreme Court Clarifies Penalty for Shabu Sale: Death Sentence Reduced to Reclusion Perpetua
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on drug sale penalties, conspiracy, buy-bust operations, and when death penalty is not automatic.
When Buy-Bust Operations Stand Firm: Upholding Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions from a buy-bust operation, clarifying conspiracy rules and correcting the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua.
When Negligence Isnt Gross Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence is not "gross" enough to justify dismissal under the Labor Code.
Ipso Facto Resignation: When Philippine Politicians Lose Their Seats by Running for Another Office
The Supreme Court explains why elective officials are deemed resigned upon filing a certificate of candidacy for a different position.
Rape by Deprivation of Reason: Understanding Consent and Involuntary Intoxication in Philippine Law
Philippine law on rape by deprivation of reason, consent, and involuntary intoxication explained through Supreme Court rulings.
No Back Wages for Teachers in Illegal Strikes: Understanding Justifiable Suspensions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on back wages for teachers in illegal strikes, explaining when suspensions are justifiable and what exoneration means.
When Heart Disease Makes a Death Claim Compensable Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a non-occupational illness like cancer does not bar death benefits if a compensable heart ailment caused death.
Home Invasion and Victims' Rights: Understanding Robbery with Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains robbery with rape, a special complex crime, and the rights of victims in home invasion cases.
Ensuring Valid Candidacy: Why Proper Nomination Is Crucial in Philippine Elections
Learn why a defective party nomination invalidates a certificate of candidacy, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Recabo vs. COMELEC.
Preliminary Investigations: Why Judges Must Follow Procedure — Domingo v. Reyes
A judge who rewrites a criminal complaint during preliminary investigation violates Rule 112. The Supreme Court explains why procedure matters.
Reasonable Doubt and Insanity Defense: When Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Philippine Murder Cas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies insanity defense and treachery in murder cases, reducing death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Navigating the Insanity Defense in Philippine Law: Burden of Proof and Presumption of Sanity
The Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense in Philippine criminal law, emphasizing the presumption of sanity and the accused's burden to prove insanity beyond reasonable doubt.
Protecting Your Land Title From Fraudulent Claims: Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protected landowners from fraudulent registration and what it means for your property rights.
The Power of Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Victim Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, and the importance of properly alleging qualifying circumstances.
When a Warrantless Arrest and Search Fail: Lessons from People v. Chua Ho San
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police searched his bag without probable cause, reaffirming constitutional protections.
Fatal Flaw in Rape Cases: Why Faulty Charges Can Reduce Penalties in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how defective rape informations and weak evidence can affect penalties, using the Monfero case as guide.
Intent Is Key: Understanding Kidnapping Laws in the Philippines and Deprivation of Liberty
Learn how Philippine courts determine intent in kidnapping cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a child abduction case.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Imperfect Recall Doesn't Equal Unreliable Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why minor inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony don't destroy credibility in criminal cases.
Warrantless Arrests and Searches in the Philippines: What People v. Chua Ho San Teaches Us
Understand when warrantless arrests and searches are valid in the Philippines, and learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Chua Ho San.
When Is Force and Intimidation Proven in Rape Cases? Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Standards
The Supreme Court explains how force and intimidation are proven in rape cases, and why the death penalty requires specific allegations in the information.
Beyond Penetration: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration is enough to consummate rape, distinguishing it from attempted rape in a father-daughter case.
Regular vs Project Employee in the Philippines: Security of Tenure and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regular and project employees, and the employer's burden to prove project employment status.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds BLR Authority In Union Account Audits Ensuring Transparency AND Accountabilit
The Supreme Court affirms the Bureau of Labor Relations' jurisdiction over union account audits, clarifying appellate procedure under Philippine labor law.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Justice Understanding Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NLRC rules: supplemental motions for reconsideration filed beyond 10 days are barred.