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.
Proving Employer-Employee Relationship: Key Factors and Evidence in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine employer-employee relationships and what evidence matters, based on a Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death claims.
Employer Liability for Seafarers' Death: Navigating Repatriation Risks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability when a seafarer dies during repatriation, clarifying the standard of care and compensation obligations.
Taxing Government Entities: Local Government Power and Exemptions Under the LGC
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may tax government-owned corporations, balancing local autonomy with national exemptions.
The Importance of Positive Identification in Kidnapping Cases Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on positive identification in kidnapping cases, explaining why eyewitness testimony prevails over alibi.
When Judges Overstep: The Fine Line Between Debt Collection and Criminal Estafa
A Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability shows why simple non-payment of debt can never be treated as criminal estafa.
Mining Rights vs Land Ownership: What the Supreme Court Decided
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mining claims under the Philippine Bill of 1902 grant possessory rights, not absolute ownership over land.
The Credibility of Child Witnesses: Upholding Justice Beyond Tender Years
How the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction based on the positive identification of a ten-year-old eyewitness, and the rules on child testimony, treachery, and alibi.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Termination Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between project and regular employees, and the rules on termination rights under the Labor Code.
Project vs. Regular Employees: Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers are project or regular employees and who bears the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Annulment of Judgment: Jurisdiction and Timeliness in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment requires extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction, and certiorari must be filed within three months.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies killing to murder, using a 1996 case as a clear example.
Safeguarding Election Integrity: Proper Handling of Ballots and Court Records
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when court personnel may allow photocopying of election ballots and the duties of clerks of court.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable for Misconduct? Lessons from Benjamin v. Alaba
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge crosses the line from error to administrative liability, and why even well-meaning actions can breach judicial ethics.
Treachery in Philippine Law: How a Deceptive Attack Elevates Homicide to Murder
Learn how treachery turns homicide into murder under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Fabrigas.
Diplomatic Immunity in the Philippines: Scope and Limitations Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains diplomatic immunity scope for UN specialized agencies, its limits, and employee rights in Ebro v. NLRC.
Execution of Judgments: Timelines, Third-Party Claims, and Property Rights in the Philippines
Understand the five-year rule for executing judgments, third-party claims, and why a buyer's title can be upheld despite procedural delays.
How Philippine Courts Weigh Identification and Alibi in Robbery with Rape Cases
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when victim identification prevails over alibi and how courts distinguish robbery from robbery with rape.
Treachery and Recidivism: How Aggravating Circumstances Shape Philippine Criminal Cases
A look at how treachery, recidivism, and habituality affect criminal liability, explained through a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Limits on Judicial Authority: When Can a Judge Issue a Warrant of Arrest?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause alone does not justify a warrant—judges must also find immediate custody necessary.
Jurisdiction Over Maritime Crimes: Where Can You Be Tried?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on venue for crimes committed on board vessels in transit, explained in plain language.
Homicide vs Murder: Intent and Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
Relief From Judgment: When Can You Reopen a Closed Case in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a final judgment may be reopened through relief from judgment under Rule 38, and when it cannot.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Navigating Layoffs Legally
Understand the legal requirements for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guerrero v. NLRC.
When Disputes Over TROs Are Judicial, Not Administrative: Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline against judges.