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.
Beware Illegal Recruiters: Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence for Syndicate Preying on Job Seekers
The Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for large-scale illegal recruitment, warning Filipinos against unscrupulous individuals promising overseas jobs.
Parental Rape in the Philippines: The Right to Counsel and the Death Penalty
When a father is accused of raping his daughter, the Supreme Court still requires effective counsel—explained in People v. Bermas.
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.
Beyond Kicking: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man who kicked a murder victim, explaining when mere presence or minor acts do not prove conspiracy.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Understanding Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Nava
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy in murder is proven through acts showing unity of purpose, not just prior agreement.
Credible Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Victim Accounts Matter in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a minor rape victim's credible, detailed testimony alone can sustain a conviction, explaining key rules on credibility.
When Is a Policeman's Death Work-Related? Compensability for Law Enforcement Families in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer's death is compensable under PD 626, and when the 24-hour duty rule does not apply.
Supreme Court Reconsiderations: Minute Resolutions and Finality of Judgments in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court treats minute resolutions, second motions for reconsideration, and finality of judgments in Philippine civil procedure.
Navigating Automatic Stay Orders Suspending Claims During Corporate Rehabilitation in the Philippines
Learn how PD 902-A's automatic stay suspends labor claims during corporate rehabilitation, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Rubberworld.
Novation Is Not a Get-Out-of-Jail Free Card: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when novation can extinguish criminal liability in estafa cases, and when it cannot.
Retroactive Registration: How Late Filings Can Validate Labor Union Petitions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late union registration can retroactively validate a certification election petition under labor law.
Irresistible Force: When You Are Not Criminally Liable Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when acting under irresistible force or duress exempts a person from criminal liability, acquitting a tricycle driver of robbery with homicide.
Safeguarding Suffrage When CAN Philippine Elections GO Manual
When can Philippine elections shift from automated to manual counting? The Supreme Court explains in Loong v. COMELEC.
Bouncing Checks as Guarantees in the Philippines: BP 22 and Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that checks issued as guarantees or deposits still fall under BP 22 criminal liability when dishonored.
Retirement Pay Law Retroactivity: When RA 7641 Does Not Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Retirement Pay Law applies retroactively—and when it does not—in J.V. Angeles Construction v. NLRC.
Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Prioritize the Vulnerable
Philippine courts give weight to a rape victim's credible testimony, especially when vulnerable. Learn the rules from a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating Homeowners Association Disputes: HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the HIGC, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over homeowners association disputes, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Defining Rape in the Philippines: Is Penetration Always Necessary?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration is not required for rape; mere touching of the labia by the male organ suffices.
When Supervening Events Trump Dismissal: Due Process and Equity in Philippine Administrative Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how supervening events and equity can overturn an administrative dismissal despite valid due process.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: When Are Allowances Included?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when monthly allowances form part of the salary base for computing separation pay under the Labor Code.
Protecting the Accused: The Vital Searching Inquiry in Philippine Capital Offense Cases
A guilty plea in a capital case demands a searching inquiry. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Sevilleno.
Philippine Supreme Court on Default Orders: When a Late Answer Is Excusable
The Supreme Court explains when a party's failure to answer on time may be excused and how courts should liberally treat default orders.
When Allowances Count as Wages: Separation Pay Computation Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when allowances form part of wages for separation pay computation under Article 283 of the Labor Code.