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.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Circumstantial Evidence and Forensic Test Limits in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court ruled that the absence of hymenal laceration does not negate rape, and why a father's moral ascendancy can substitute for force.
Homicide vs Murder: When Sudden Anger Rules Out Treachery in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a sudden, angry shooting is homicide, not murder, because treachery was not proven.
Validity of Quitclaims in Philippine Labor Law: Protecting Workers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that quitclaims and waivers of labor rights are against public policy, especially when executed without counsel or DOLE assistance.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Trust Victim Testimony, Especially in Incest
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's testimony, especially in incest cases, can convict despite lack of physical evidence.
Rape Conviction: Why Victim Testimony and Intimidation Matter in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape and sexual assault convictions, explaining how a child victim's testimony outweighs denial and alibi defenses.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Supreme Court Clarifies Labor Law Distinction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a worker is an independent contractor's employee rather than the principal company's regular employee.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Loss of Confidence: Philippine Jurisprudence
Understand when loss of confidence justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Coca Cola Bottlers v. NLRC.
Fighting Case Delays: Your Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects your constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, even against the Office of the Ombudsman.
Proving Guilt Beyond Doubt: How Circumstantial Evidence Leads to Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how circumstantial evidence and credible witness testimony can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
Treachery in Murder: When a Swift Attack Qualifies as Murder in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, stealthy attack on an unsuspecting victim qualifies as treachery, elevating a killing to murder.
Philippine Franchise Tax: Local Governments' Power to Tax and the Limits of "In Lieu of All Taxes" Exemptions
The Supreme Court rules on whether local governments can impose franchise taxes despite "in lieu of all taxes" exemptions under PD 551.
Navigating Liability in Ship Repair: Negligence and Limited Liability Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipyard negligence, res ipsa loquitur, and limits of contractual liability limitation clauses.
Void Contracts and Official Overreach: Due Process in Philippine Law
When can public officials take over a leased public market? The Supreme Court clarifies void contracts, due process, and criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
When Can Your Boss Transfer You? Understanding Lawful Orders and Insubordination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court explains when a transfer is a valid management prerogative and when refusing it becomes insubordination.
Circumstantial Evidence and Homicide vs. Murder: Key Lessons from People v. Agsunod
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining abuse of superior strength and why alibi fails.
Philippine Contract Law: When Written Agreements Prevail Over Verbal Claims
Explaining Gold Loop Properties v. PITC, where the Supreme Court upheld a written contract over claims of a different verbal agreement.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Credibility Is Key in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on credible eyewitness testimony, explaining how courts weigh witness credibility over alibi defenses.
Voluntary Confessions and Custodial Rights: Lessons from People v. Bacor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an extrajudicial confession is admissible, the role of counsel, and what makes a valid waiver of rights.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Death Claims: Employer Must Prove Suicide to Avoid Liability
In Lapid v. NLRC, the Supreme Court ruled that employers must prove suicide to avoid death benefits under the POEA contract.
Robbery With Rape in the Philippines: Understanding the Complexities and Victims Rights
The Supreme Court explains when rape accompanies robbery as a single crime, and affirms victims' rights and evidentiary rules.
Demand Is Key: Understanding Rescission in Philippine Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer can still pay after missing a deadline in a property sale, and why demand for rescission matters.
Navigating Nepotism in the Philippine Civil Service: Indirect Influence and Landmark Rulings
The Supreme Court clarifies that nepotism in the civil service covers indirect influence, not just direct appointments, in CSC v. Dacoycoy.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Estafa in Philippine Investment Schemes
Learn how the Supreme Court treats investment scams involving bouncing checks, deceit, and estafa under Philippine law.
Presumption of Innocence in Philippine Drug Cases: The Lagmay Acquittal
How the Supreme Court applied the presumption of innocence to acquit a drug suspect when prosecution evidence fell short of proof beyond reasonable doubt.