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.
Habeas Corpus and Premature Release: Why Appeals Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why a convicted person cannot use habeas corpus to secure release while an appeal is still pending.
Why Summary Petitions Fall Short in Land Ownership Battles: Quevada v. Glorioso
The Supreme Court explains why a summary petition for inscription cannot resolve genuine ownership disputes over registered land.
Labor-Only Contracting vs. Legitimate Job Contracting: Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains the difference between labor-only contracting and legitimate job contracting, and who bears liability for workers' claims.
Seniority Matters: Why Fair Retrenchment in the Philippines Requires More Than Just Financial Losses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: financial losses alone don't justify layoffs—seniority must be considered in employee selection.
Premature Writ of Demolition: Due Process and the Sheriff's Duty in Philippine Execution
When can a sheriff implement a writ of demolition, and what happens when a motion for reconsideration is pending? The Supreme Court's ruling in A.M. No. P-98-1268 offers guidance.
Regular Employment for Private School Teachers: Security of Tenure and Contract Renewal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on private school teachers' security of tenure, probationary periods, and illegal dismissal through non-renewal of contracts.
Loss of Confidence and Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Law on Breach of Trust in Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of confidence justifies dismissal and when it does not, protecting employee tenure rights.
Electric Cooperative Membership and Director Eligibility: Key Rules from Espina v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on electric cooperative membership requirements and director eligibility under P.D. 269, explained in plain language.
Protecting Children: Understanding Statutory Rape Laws in the Philippines
A landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains statutory rape, victim testimony, and damages in child sexual abuse cases.
Employee Status in Outsourcing: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court on Separation Pay
Learn when a resigning employee may claim separation pay under Philippine law, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling on company practice.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Gross Ignorance of Law and Impropriety in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross ignorance of law and impropriety, and what it means for judicial accountability in the Philippines.
Robbery vs. Highway Robbery in the Philippines: Key Distinctions Explained
Philippine law distinguishes simple robbery from highway robbery under P.D. 532. Learn how the Supreme Court clarified this crucial difference.
Regular Employment After One Year of Service Prevails Over Fixed-Term Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when repeated fixed-term contracts cannot defeat an employee's right to regular employment and security of tenure.
Retirement Benefit Claims Under CBAs: Who Has Jurisdiction in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over retirement benefit claims arising from collective bargaining agreements, distinguishing Labor Arbiter and Voluntary Arbitrator authority.
Credibility of Rape Victims in Philippine Courts: Why Delayed Reporting and Minor Inconsistencies Don't Always
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that delayed reporting and minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not automatically destroy credibility or warrant acquittal.
Void Deeds of Sale: Protecting the Vulnerable in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is void from the start, and why the vulnerable need protection.
Protecting Children: Why Age Matters in Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how a minor victim's age affects credibility, evidence, and penalties in rape cases under Philippine law.
Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting: Lessons from NPC v. PHESCO
When is a principal liable for torts of a labor-only contractor's employee? The Supreme Court explains in NPC v. PHESCO.
Duplicity in Criminal Charges: How Improperly Worded Informations Can Impact Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when duplicitous informations violate an accused's right to be informed and how convictions may still stand.
Credible Witness or Coached Testimony: Why Doubt Can Acquit in Philippine Theft Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a Meralco employee of qualified theft, emphasizing that uncorroborated and improbable witness testimony cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Avoiding Illegal Dismissal Claims
The Supreme Court explains the substantive and procedural requirements for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, and why weak evidence leads to illegal dismissal.
Supervisory and Rank-and-File Unions: Same Federation, Same Company, Allowed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when supervisory and rank-and-file unions may affiliate with the same federation without violating Article 245.
Publication Is Key: Ensuring Government Transparency and Rule of Law in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why administrative circulars must be published to be effective, ensuring transparency and rule of law.
Publication of Implementing Rules: The De Jesus v. COA Doctrine on Administrative Circulars
Supreme Court rules on when administrative circulars must be published to be effective, using DBM-CCC No. 10 as the case example.