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.
When Is Force and Intimidation Proven in Rape Cases? Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Standards
The Supreme Court explains how force and intimidation are proven in rape cases, and why the death penalty requires specific allegations in the information.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Justice Understanding Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NLRC rules: supplemental motions for reconsideration filed beyond 10 days are barred.
Collation in Philippine Inheritance Law: When Lifetime Transfers Are Included in Estate Division
Learn when lifetime transfers must be included in estate division under Philippine inheritance law, based on Supreme Court rulings on collation.
Retirement Benefits in the Philippines: Understanding Vested Rights and Employee Protections
Learn how Philippine law protects retirement benefits as vested rights, and what employees and employers must know about compliance.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Retroactive Registration: How Late Filings Can Validate Labor Union Petitions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late union registration can retroactively validate a certification election petition under labor law.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: What It Means for Speedy Justice in the Philippines
The 90-day rule requires Philippine judges to decide cases promptly. Learn how it works, what happens on delay, and the lessons from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Union Dues and Employee Rights: Ensuring Legal Check-Offs in the Philippines
Philippine law on union dues check-off explained: what employees must know about authorized deductions, consent, and their rights under labor rules.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: Why Non-Compliance with Court Orders Can Lead to Imprisonment
Probation is a privilege, not a right. Learn how ignoring court orders can lead to revocation and imprisonment in the Philippines.
Strictly Observe Deadlines: Why Missing Appeal Periods Can Cost You Your Case in the Philippines
Learn how missing appeal deadlines or filing late comments can affect your case, and why courts may relax procedural rules only in exceptional circumstances.
Cashier Negligence and Liability: Safeguarding Public Funds in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cashier negligence and accountability for lost public funds, with rules on safekeeping and COA relief.
Illegal Dismissal: Reinstatement Orders Are Self-Executory Even Pending Appeal
When a Labor Arbiter orders reinstatement, the employer must immediately comply—even if it appeals. This case explains the rule.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: What Pepsi Cola v. NLRC Teaches About Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that due process in labor cases means notice and opportunity to be heard, not endless chances to submit pleadings.
Fatal Flaws in Appeals: Why Strict Procedural Compliance Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Courts
A missed signature and an uncertified document cost these litigants their appeal. Learn the strict rules for Philippine appellate filings.
Civil Service Coverage in the Philippines: Clarifying Exemptions for Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that all government agencies, including intelligence bureaus, fall under civil service coverage despite statutory exemptions.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Understanding Your Right to Back Wages
The Supreme Court clarifies when private school teachers gain permanent status, what constitutes illegal dismissal, and how back wages are computed.
Client Liability Clarified: Solidary Responsibility for Agency Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client-employer is solidarily liable for agency workers' claims, distinguishing back wages from service incentive leave pay.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: Enforcing Judgments Against Transferee Companies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforcing labor judgments against successor companies that assume liabilities of the original employer.
Res Judicata in Philippine Courts: When a Prior Dismissal Bars a Refiled Case
Learn when a dismissed case bars refiling under res judicata in Philippine courts, and how dismissal without prejudice works under the Rules of Court.
Refiling a Dismissed Case in the Philippines: When a Technical Dismissal Is Not Final
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a procedural dismissal is without prejudice, allowing a case to be refiled.
When a Bookkeeper Counts as an Agent for Summons in Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service of summons on a bookkeeper is valid in labor cases, conferring jurisdiction on the Labor Arbiter.
Eviction Moratoriums and Tenant Rights in the Philippines: RA 7279 and Supervening Events
Learn how the Supreme Court applied RA 7279's eviction moratorium and the supervening events doctrine in unlawful detainer cases.
How Presidential Proclamations Affect Imperfect Land Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when presidential proclamations can defeat claims to public land by long-time occupants.
When Courts Review Mining Disputes: The Pearson Doctrine on Abandoned Claims
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Pearson on abandoned mining claims, administrative adjudication, and when courts may review interlocutory orders.