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.
Motion for Reconsideration: Why a Notice of Hearing Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
A motion for reconsideration without a notice of hearing is pro forma and will not stop the appeal period. Learn the rule and the De la Peña case.
Ejectment Case Immediate Execution and Tenant Rights in the Philippines
Learn how prescription and proper summons affect ejectment cases in the Philippines, and what tenants and owners should know.
Upholding Labor Rights Illegal Dismissal AND Unfair Labor Practices IN the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, unfair labor practice, and the limits of "loss of confidence" as a ground for termination.
Discharge of an Accomplice as a State Witness: Safeguarding Justice in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that trial courts' factual findings and witness credibility assessments are conclusive unless arbitrary, in a murder conviction.
SK Election Age Requirements: The Supreme Court Ruling Explained
Understand the age qualification rules for Sangguniang Kabataan elections and the key Supreme Court ruling that clarified them.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Parricide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in parricide cases, explained through People v. Lagao.
The Power of Circumstantial Evidence in Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When no eyewitness exists, circumstantial evidence can still convict. Learn the rules from People v. Salvame and how courts apply them.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
The Supreme Court explains the three elements of self-defense in the Philippines and why a Palawan man's claim failed in a murder conviction.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Ensuring Validity and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn the strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost land titles under R.A. 26 and why non-compliance voids the proceedings.
Combating Land Title Fraud: Reopening Decrees and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that reconstituted titles obtained through fraudulent or defective proceedings are void and cannot defeat actual possession.
Perfecting an Appeal: Navigating the Jurisdictional Requirements in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how jurisdictional requirements affect appeals in Philippine labor cases, with insights from recent Supreme Court rulings.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How Duplicate Cases Can Kill Your Labor Claim
Learn how filing duplicate labor cases amounts to forum shopping and leads to automatic dismissal under Philippine rules.
Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions: Safeguarding Rights in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the four requirements for admissible extrajudicial confessions and what makes counsel "competent and independent" in custodial investigations.
Who Can Represent a Municipality in Court: The Ramos Doctrine on Unauthorized Counsel
Philippine law limits who may represent a municipality in lawsuits. Learn the rules, exceptions, and effects of unauthorized private counsel appearances.
Who Can Represent a Philippine Municipality in Court: Legal Representation Rules
Explains who may legally represent a municipality in Philippine courts, the effect of unauthorized counsel, and when proceedings may be adopted.
Losing Control: Understanding Loss of Jurisdiction After Appeal in Philippine Courts
When a case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction. This administrative case explains the rule and its limits.
Retroactive Application of Penalties: When Can Criminal Sentences Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when reduced criminal penalties apply retroactively, using a drug case as an example.
Mixed Union Membership When Supervisors Cant Join Rank AND File Unions IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a union mixing rank-and-file and supervisory employees cannot file for certification election.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Philippine Courts Can Enforce Judgments Immediately
Philippine courts can order execution pending appeal only with good reasons stated in a special order. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court administrative case.
Psychological Incapacity as Ground for Marriage Annulment in the Philippines: Guidelines and Implications
The Supreme Court's Molina ruling sets strict guidelines for proving psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Self Defense Claims in Philippine Criminal Law: When Do They Hold Up
Philippine courts require unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation for self-defense. Learn from People v. Tobias.
When Is Dismissal Justified for Employee Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee misconduct: when dismissal is justified, what constitutes serious misconduct, and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure Venue: Why Judges Must Follow Act 3135, Not the Rules of Court
A judge's fine for gross ignorance of the law clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure venue follows Act 3135, not general venue rules.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: Preventing Multiple Lawsuits and Wasted Resources
Learn how lis pendens works in the Philippines to prevent multiple lawsuits, protect property rights, and avoid wasted judicial resources.