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.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Election Protests: When Can a Trial Court Still Act
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court may still order execution pending appeal in election protests, even after an opponent files a notice of appeal.
Robbery With Homicide Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Philippine LAW 2
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, explaining the elements of the crime and how the prosecution must establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Wage Order Exemptions: Why National Guidelines Trump Regional Board Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why regional wage board guidelines need national approval before granting exemptions.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Homicide vs. Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing becomes homicide, not murder, and why a weak self-defense claim can backfire.
Final Judgments ARE Final Understanding Immutability IN Philippine Administrative LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court in Caraan v. Court of Appeals clarified the preliminary nature of DAR determinations and the finality of judgments in agrarian disputes.
The Last Words Speak Volumes: Understanding Dying Declarations in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts treat dying declarations as evidence, explained through a 1998 Supreme Court murder ruling.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DAR's Role in Ejectment Cases Explained
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling in Caraan v. CA on the DAR's preliminary determination of tenancy and its effect on ejectment cases.
Tolerated Possession vs Ownership: Understanding Philippine Property Law and Land Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tolerated possession does not ripen into ownership, and when landowners can recover property.
Second Chances in Labor Disputes: Appealing NLRC Decisions Despite Deficient Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deficient appeal bond should not bar an employer's appeal from reaching the NLRC merits.
Are Commissions Part of Minimum Wage in the Philippines? Employee Compensation Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether sales commissions count toward minimum wage compliance under the Labor Code, and explains due process rules for dismissal.
Deadlines Matter: Why Philippine Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days
The Supreme Court reminds judges of the 90-day decision deadline, explaining why delays undermine justice and what happens when courts miss the mark.
Unreliable Affidavit? Why Courtroom Testimony Reigns Supreme in Philippine Criminal Cases
In People v. De Guzman, the Supreme Court ruled that courtroom testimony prevails over affidavits and police reports, explaining why.
NLRC Appeal Bonds and Property Protection: Lessons from Gensoli v. NLRC
When can a deficient appeal bond be excused? The Supreme Court explains liberal interpretation in labor appeals.
Credibility of Witness Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: A Supreme Court Analysis
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against alibi and denial in criminal cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
When Should a Judge Inhibit: Safeguarding Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges must voluntarily inhibit to protect judicial impartiality, explained in plain language.
Broadcasting Public Service: Understanding the Government's Right to Comelec Time
The Supreme Court upheld Section 92 of the Omnibus Election Code, requiring broadcast stations to give free air time to the COMELEC during elections.
Fair Trial or Biased Judge: When a Trial Judge's Questions Are Proper in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's clarificatory questions during trial are proper and do not prove judicial bias.
Protecting Loan Security: How Mortgagees Can Secure Insurance Claims in the Philippines
Learn how mortgagees can secure insurance proceeds under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. v. Goyu & Sons.
Due Process and Court Clerk Negligence: Why Notice of Orders Matters in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court holds court clerks liable for failing to notify a party of a dismissal order, underscoring due process in litigation.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Medical Report Not Essential When Victim's Testimony Is Clear
Explaining People v. Auxtero: why a rape conviction can stand without a medico-legal certificate and how courts weigh victim testimony.
Immediate Execution in Ejectment Cases: Why Delaying Tactics Won't Work
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces immediate execution in ejectment cases and why delaying tactics like motions for reconsideration won't stop a writ.
Management Prerogative vs. Unfair Labor Practice: Work Schedules and Paid Lunch Breaks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when changing work schedules and removing paid lunch breaks is valid management prerogative, not unfair labor practice.
When Dismissal Fails: The Burden of Proof in Drug-Related Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer's burden of proof in drug-related dismissals, requiring clear evidence, not speculation, for valid termination.
Credibility of Testimony in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. Auxtero
How Philippine courts assess victim credibility in rape cases, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Auxtero.