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.
Due Process in Philippine Administrative Investigations: The Casuela Case and the Five-Day Bar Rule
The Supreme Court affirms that administrative investigations must respect the five-day bar rule before hearing, ensuring due process for respondents.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: When Consent and Penetration Are Not Required
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that in statutory rape, penetration need only be slight and the victim's consent is immaterial.
Attempted Murder vs Murder: Proving Intent and Causation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies how intent to kill and causation distinguish attempted murder from murder, with practical guidance.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint and solidary liability of recruitment agencies and foreign employers for overseas workers' claims.
Acquisitive Prescription: How Long Does It Take to Claim Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how long you must possess land to claim ownership through acquisitive prescription in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Lumber VS Timber Navigating Illegal Possession Charges IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal possession of lumber falls under Section 68 of PD 705, the Forestry Reform Code.
Compromise Agreements and Quitclaims: When Are They Valid in Philippine Labor Law?
The Supreme Court explains when compromise agreements and quitclaims bind workers—and when courts will set them aside as unconscionable.
Territorial Jurisdiction and Bouncing Checks Law: Where Can You Be Sued
The Supreme Court explains where a B.P. 22 bouncing checks case may be filed, based on territorial jurisdiction rules.
The Weight of Words: Child Witness Testimony in Philippine Parricide Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a parricide conviction based on an 8-year-old eyewitness's testimony, and what this means for child witnesses in Philippine courts.
Rape Conviction Credibility of Testimony and Minor Inconsistencies
Minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not destroy credibility. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Travero.
When Courts Lack Jurisdiction Over Bouncing Checks Cases: The Rosa Uy Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies territorial jurisdiction rules for B.P. 22 cases and when lack of jurisdiction can still be raised.
When Quitclaims Are Invalid: Labor Settlements and Dire Necessity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise agreements and quitclaims in labor cases are unconscionable and invalid.
Condominium Development Approvals, Titles, and Parking Rights Under PD 957
Philippine Supreme Court explains developer duties on plan changes, title delivery, and parking under PD 957.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Sudden Attack From Behind as Qualifying Circumstance
When does a sudden attack from behind constitute treachery? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Mesa.
Property Rights in Cohabitation: Ownership Rules for Unmarried Couples in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law divides property for unmarried couples, the limits on donations, and key lessons from the Agapay case.
Illegal Dismissal of OFWs: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when overseas Filipino workers are illegally dismissed and what employers must prove.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Elements and Implications
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery and why it qualifies murder, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Marollano.
Employee Transfers: Management Prerogative vs. Unfair Labor Practice in the Philippines
When can employers transfer workers without committing unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court explains the limits of management prerogative.
When Can a Judge Be Disqualified for Bias? Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judge's rulings amount to disqualifying bias, and why adverse decisions alone are not enough.
Compulsory Licensing of Patents: Balancing Innovation and Public Access in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on compulsory licensing of pharmaceutical patents, balancing patent rights with public health needs.
When Is Moonlighting Disloyalty? Understanding Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee dismissal explained through a Supreme Court case on overseas domestic helpers, just causes, and due process.
Void Sales and Repurchase Agreements: Property Rights in the Philippines
When a seller has no title, the sale is void—and so is any right to repurchase. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Unintended Consequences: Criminal Liability for Foreseeable Outcomes in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on criminal liability, dying declarations, and witness credibility in murder cases under Philippine law.
Employee Dismissal: Proving Just Cause and Observing Due Process in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee dismissal: employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and observe due process.