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.
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Abuse of Superior Strength as an Aggravating Circumstance in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how abuse of superior strength elevates homicide to murder under Philippine law, with key insights from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Circumstantial Evidence Speaks Volumes: Rape With Homicide Convictions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how circumstantial evidence can prove rape with homicide beyond reasonable doubt, with key takeaways.
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.
Floating Status and Constructive Dismissal: Security Guards' Rights in the Philippines
Security guards placed on floating status for over six months may claim constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
When Doubt Prevails: How Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Philippine Libel Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted Roque Vicario in a libel case, emphasizing the need for proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal prosecutions.
Think Before You Share: Understanding Republication Libel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sharing or republishing a news article becomes libel, and the crucial role of malice.
Abandonment vs. AWOL: When Unauthorized Absence Is Not Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when unauthorized absences amount to abandonment of work, and when they only merit suspension instead of dismissal.
Car Plans in the Philippines: Lease or Installment Sale? Key Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on car plans: when a "lease" is really an installment sale, and what it means for employers and employees.
AWOL vs Abandonment: When Reinstatement and Backwages Still Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between AWOL and abandonment of work, and when illegally dismissed employees get reinstatement with backwages.
When Silence Speaks Volumes Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court found conspiracy from concerted acts in a brutal killing, and why a 13-year-old co-accused was acquitted.
When Does a Judge's Private Act Warrant Discipline? The Calimag Case
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's private conduct becomes administratively actionable, distinguishing serious misconduct from mere private acts.
Redundancy vs Retrenchment: Understanding Employee Rights in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between redundancy and retrenchment, and what employers must prove to validly terminate employees for economic reasons.
Dual Citizenship and Election Eligibility in the Philippines: How Declaring Filipino Citizenship in Your Candi
The Supreme Court clarifies that dual citizens can run for local office by electing Philippine citizenship in their certificate of candidacy.
Habeas Corpus in the Philippines: Understanding Its Limits and Proper Use in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in criminal cases, using a 1999 death penalty ruling as guide.
The Power of Eyewitness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Decide Robbery Homicide Cases
Philippine courts rely heavily on eyewitness identification in robbery homicide cases. This article explains the legal standards and practical lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Child Witnesses in Philippine Statutory Rape: The Credibility Standard
In People v. Jose, the Supreme Court upheld a death conviction for statutory rape, ruling that a child victim's testimony deserves full weight and credence.
When Circumstantial Evidence Speaks Volumes: Understanding Homicide Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove homicide beyond reasonable doubt, and why dwelling aggravates the penalty.
Deficiency Tax Collection: When BIR Warrants Are Premature Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when BIR collection of deficiency taxes is premature, and why the OSG must represent the CIR.
Firearm License Validity for Foreign Nationals and Illegal Drug Possession in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on firearm licenses for foreign nationals and illegal possession of shabu under RA 6425.
Protecting Your Rights When Circumstantial Evidence AND Confessions Fall Short IN Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies how Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence, confessions, and victim testimony in criminal convictions.
Single Witness Testimony: How It Can Lead to a Murder Conviction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when the testimony of one eyewitness is enough to convict for murder, and how delay in reporting is excused.
Invalid Search Warrants in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights Against Unreasonable Searches
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Filipinos from unreasonable searches through the strict requirements for valid search warrants.
Legal Redemption Rights in the Philippines: Why Raising Issues Early in Court Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner legal redemption rights and the procedural rule against raising new issues on appeal.
Doubt in Rape Cases: Why Credible Testimony Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, stressing that a complainant's testimony must be credible, consistent, and in accord with human experience.