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.
Payroll Evidence in Philippine Labor Disputes: Ensuring Fair Hearings for Employers
A Supreme Court ruling on payroll evidence in labor disputes, protecting employers' right to present original documents for fair hearings.
Valid Service of Summons in Revival of Judgment Cases: Jurisdiction Lessons from Arcenas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when substituted service of summons is invalid in revival of judgment actions, and why courts must acquire jurisdiction over the defendant.
Bail Denied When Evidence of Guilt Is Strong in Philippine Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when bail must be denied in capital offenses and why trial judges must summarize prosecution evidence.
Conditional Land Donations in the Philippines: Reversion Rights and Valid Sales
When a conditional land donation fails, when can the donor validly sell the property? The Supreme Court explains reversion rights.
Timber License Boundary Disputes: Why Accurate Surveys Are Non-Negotiable
A Supreme Court ruling on timber license boundary disputes shows why precise surveys and strict compliance with agreements are critical for logging companies.
Writ of Possession in Eminent Domain: Why Immediate Government Possession Is Key
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that courts must issue writs of possession promptly in expropriation cases under, even if the government already occupies the property.
Civil Service Coverage in the Philippines: Clarifying Exemptions for Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that all government agencies, including intelligence bureaus, fall under civil service coverage despite statutory exemptions.
Limits of Local Government Reclamation: Pasay City Ordinance and Foreshore Lands
Supreme Court ruling on the limits of local government reclamation powers under RA 1899, clarifying what counts as foreshore lands.
Judicial Impartiality and Due Process in Philippine Land Reclamation Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judicial impartiality, due process, and the proper interpretation of "foreshore lands" under RA 1899.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Mentally Incapacitated Person and the Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in P
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction where the victim was a severe mental retardate, relying on the credible testimony of a single eyewitness.
Earnest Money Matters Understanding Refundability in Philippine Real Estate Deals
When can a seller keep earnest money in a failed property deal? The Supreme Court explains the rules on refunds under Philippine law.
Defining Status Quo Ante in Philippine Injunctions: Verzosa v. Court of Appeals
Learn how the Supreme Court defines "status quo ante" in injunctions, and why amended complaints relate back to the original filing date.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Why Clear and Convincing Evidence Matters in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused when prosecution evidence fails to meet the required standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Upholding Children's Rights and Condemning Moral Depravity
A father's conviction for raping his 14-year-old daughter affirms that incestuous rape is a monstrous crime deserving the death penalty.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Second Chances in Court: Understanding Appeals After Amended Judgments
When a trial court amends its decision after you've appealed, do you need to file another notice of appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Understanding Your Right to Back Wages
The Supreme Court clarifies when private school teachers gain permanent status, what constitutes illegal dismissal, and how back wages are computed.
Security of Tenure for Private School Teachers: The NAMAWU v. San Ildefonso College Ruling
When do private school teachers gain permanent status, and what does illegal dismissal mean? The Supreme Court's ruling in NAMAWU v. San Ildefonso College provides clear answers.
Separation of Powers: Why Courts Stay Out of Senate Leadership Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why it dismissed a quo warranto petition challenging the Senate minority leader's selection, citing separation of powers.
Finality of Administrative Decisions: Why Timeliness Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why final and executory administrative decisions cannot be reopened, and the importance of reglementary periods.
When Employers Are Liable for Employee Negligence: The MMTC Bus Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer vicarious liability for employee negligence, damages for death of a minor, and proof required.
Philippine Bail Petitions: Why Orders Denying Bail Must Detail Prosecution Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: bail denial orders must summarize prosecution evidence. Learn the rule from Aleria v. Velez.
Client Liability Clarified: Solidary Responsibility for Agency Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client-employer is solidarily liable for agency workers' claims, distinguishing back wages from service incentive leave pay.
Unlicensed Firearm Use in Homicide: Navigating Philippine Law After RA 8294
The Supreme Court clarifies that under RA 8294, using an unlicensed firearm in a killing is an aggravating circumstance, not a separate crime.