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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Navigating Employment Status: Contract of Service vs Regular Employment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in government-owned corporations are contract of service workers, not regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Protecting Children: Understanding Sexual Assault Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between rape by sexual assault and sexual assault under RA 7610, protecting child victims.
Guardianship in the Philippines: When the Proposed Guardian Lives Abroad
The Supreme Court clarifies that a guardian residing abroad can be appointed if the child's best interests and genuine commitment are shown.
Protecting Minors: Understanding Human Trafficking Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a life sentence for trafficking minors for forced labor, clarifying key rules under RA 9208.
Serious Misconduct and Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine law requires wrongful intent, not just a mistake, to dismiss an employee for serious misconduct. Learn what employers must prove.
Enforced Disappearance Safeguarding Rights Under THE Writ Of Amparo In The Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope and remedies under the writ of amparo, reinforcing protections against enforced disappearances.
Proving Filiation for Inheritance: Delayed Birth Registration in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how delayed birth registrations and other evidence establish filiation for inheritance claims in the Philippines.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delays Lead to Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases, and when unreasonable delays can lead to dismissal of criminal charges.
DOJ Authority Over Preliminary Investigations: What It Means for Criminal Procedure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court recognizes the DOJ's authority to issue its own rules on preliminary investigations and repeals inconsistent provisions of Rule 112.
Preliminary Injunction vs Full Trial: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that a preliminary injunction hearing is not a substitute for a full trial on the merits in property disputes.
Accident Insurance Claims in the Philippines: Proving Entitlement and Avoiding Denial
The Supreme Court clarifies how insured persons can prove accident insurance claims and when insurers face liability for wrongful denial.
Speedy Trial Rights When Prolonged Detention Justifies A Writ Of Habeas Corpus IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when prolonged detention violates speedy trial rights and justifies a writ of habeas corpus.
Forcible Entry and Prior Physical Possession: Protecting Occupants Against Owners
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Magsi v. Heirs of Lopez, Jr. on forcible entry, prior physical possession, and ejectment law in the Philippines.
Navigating GOCC Compensation: Board Authority and Disallowed Benefits in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on PNCC directors' gratuity benefits, GOCC status, and when disallowed compensation must be returned.
Proving Causation in Homicide Cases: The Role of Medical Evidence in the Philippines
Philippine homicide cases require proof beyond reasonable doubt that the accused's actions caused death. Learn how the Supreme Court treats medical evidence and pre-existing conditions.
Judges and Business Interests: Navigating Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's private business interest becomes an ethical violation, and what judges must do to stay compliant.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Navigating Imperfect Titles After R.A. 11573
The Supreme Court clarifies how R.A. 11573 eases proof requirements for land registration, remanding a Pasig City case for new evidence.
Estafa and Bouncing Checks: Understanding Penalties and Retroactivity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when RA 10951's reduced estafa penalties apply retroactively and why a trial court erred in releasing a convict.
Functional Immunity for International Organizations in the Philippines: The Westfall v. Locsin Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court's Westfall v. Locsin ruling defines functional immunity for international organization personnel in the Philippines.
Insanity Defense in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Criminal Liability
The insanity defense in Philippine criminal law requires clear proof of mental illness at the time of the crime. This case explains the rules.
Probationary Employment in the Philippines: Understanding Regularization Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees may be validly terminated for failing to meet regularization standards under Philippine law.
Child Trafficking and Sexual Abuse: Philippine Law and Victim Protection
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies qualified trafficking in persons and rape, and the strong legal protections for minor victims in the Philippines.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Economic Sabotage Explained
The Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for large scale illegal recruitment, an offense involving economic sabotage under Philippine law.
Presidential Power vs Individual Rights: Amnesty Revocation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on amnesty revocation, due process, and the limits of presidential power in the Trillanes cases.