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.
Philippine Election Law: RTC Jurisdiction Over Election Offenses Despite Lower Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: Regional Trial Courts keep exclusive jurisdiction over election offenses even if penalties are six years or less.
Strained Relations Doctrine in Illegal Dismissal: Reinstatement Prevails Over Separation Pay
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that strained relations doctrine cannot defeat an illegally dismissed employee's right to reinstatement.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases Within 90 Days
Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days and clerks' duty to transmit records promptly.
Why Original Checks Are Crucial in Bouncing Check Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies why original checks must be presented as evidence in BP 22 and estafa cases.
Why Regional Trial Courts Lack Jurisdiction Over Reckless Imprudence Cases
Learn why the Supreme Court ruled that Regional Trial Courts lack jurisdiction over reckless imprudence cases involving light felonies and property damage.
Re-Election and Criminal Liability: Why Public Officials Can Still Face Suspension for Past Misdeeds
Re-election does not erase criminal liability. The Supreme Court clarifies preventive suspension still applies to public officials for prior-term offenses.
When Is Killing Justifiable Self-Defense in the Philippines? People v. Magaro
The Supreme Court explains when killing is justifiable self-defense and when it is homicide, using People v. Magaro as a guide.
Reasonable Doubt and the Presumption of Innocence in Philippine Criminal Justice
How the Supreme Court applies the presumption of innocence and reasonable doubt standard in a statutory rape case, and what this means for criminal trials.
When Self Defense Becomes Homicide: Treachery and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a claim of self-defense fails and why a killing is homicide, not murder, absent treachery.
When Private Immorality Leads to Public Disbarment: Understanding Lawyer Ethics in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's private misconduct—abandoning his family—can lead to disbarment.
Self-Defense or Murder: Understanding Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and why a killing may be homicide, not murder, in People v. Solis.
Executive Orders vs Agency Circulars: Navigating Pilotage Fee Regulations in the Philippines
When an executive issuance and agency circulars conflict over pilotage fees, which prevails? The Supreme Court settles the hierarchy.
Navigating PD 1818: When Philippine Courts Cannot Halt Infrastructure Projects
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of PD 1818, which bars courts from enjoining government infrastructure projects, in Garcia v. Burgos.
Premature Foreclosure and Damages Claims: What Happens After the Auction Sale
Philippine Supreme Court rules foreclosure sale does not moot a damages claim for premature foreclosure. Know the legal implications.
Night Shift Differential Pay in the Philippines: Who Bears the Burden of Proof?
In claims for night shift differential pay, the employer bears the burden of proving payment, not the worker. Learn the rule from this Supreme Court case.
Protecting Dreams Preventing Scams Understanding Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa IN Philippine Overseas Employm
The Supreme Court explains when illegal recruitment and estafa apply to overseas employment scams, and why victims can recover.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Why Full Consignation Is Crucial in Philippine Agrarian Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a tenant's redemption of agricultural land fails without consigning the full redemption price in court.
Warranting Precision: Why Describing the Right Place Is Crucial in Search Warrants
The Supreme Court explains why the place to be searched must be described with precision, and the consequences of a vague warrant.
How Philippine Courts Assess Witness Credibility and Nighttime Aggravation
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling explains how trial courts weigh witness credibility, self-defense claims, and when nighttime aggravates a crime.
Internal Rules of Congress and Law Validity: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that Congress's internal rules, when violated, do not invalidate laws, citing Arroyo v. De Venecia.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Encroachment and Builder in Bad Faith in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle property encroachment and the consequences of being a builder in bad faith, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Repossession Expenses and Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure: Understanding Mortgagor Liabilities
When foreclosure becomes a fait accompli, can a mortgagor still sue for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Protecting Your Right to Present Evidence: Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts protect the right to present evidence and ensure due process in criminal cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Valid Dismissal for Insubordination: Employee Rights and Company Discipline in the Philippines
Understand when a strike is legal and dismissal valid under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on employee rights.