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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When Accident Doesnt Excuse Murder Understanding Parricide AND Intent IN Philippine LAW
A police officer shoots his wife, claims accident, but the Supreme Court affirms parricide. Learn how intent and evidence work in Philippine criminal law.
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.
Murder vs Homicide: Why Proving Intent Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is murder and when it is only homicide, and why the prosecution must prove intent.
Permanent Total Disability in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Compensation
Understand permanent total disability under Philippine law, how it differs from partial disability, and what the GSIS vs. Bella ruling means for employees.
When Is a Sheriff Liable for Wrongful Execution? The De Guzman Rule
Philippine law shields sheriffs who execute judgments in good faith and with an indemnity bond. Learn the rules on wrongful execution and third-party claims.
Full Backwages for Illegally Dismissed Employees: Understanding Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law awards full backwages to illegally dismissed employees without deducting earnings from other jobs. Learn the rule from Times Transit case.
Validating Foreclosure Sales: Due Process and Property Rights in Philippine Law
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains when extrajudicial foreclosure sales are valid despite claims of defective notice, low price, or holiday sale.
Misappropriation vs Private Property: Understanding Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that malversation requires public property. A mayor's custody of a private gun is not malversation.
When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Law
Understand when self-defense and defense of relative fail under Philippine law, and why unlawful aggression is the key element.
Verbal Promises to Forgive Debt: Why Philippine Law Demands Written Agreements
Philippine law requires written agreements for debt forgiveness. Learn from PLDT v. NLRC why verbal promises are risky and how to protect your rights.
Self-Defense and Treachery: When Killing Becomes Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack from behind qualifies as treachery, elevating homicide to murder, and why self-defense claims fail.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and the Right of Legal Redemption in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects heirs from fraudulent property dispositions and when actions for reconveyance may still be filed.
Surname of Illegitimate Children: Mothers Right Prevails Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules illegitimate children must use their mother's surname, even when the father admits paternity.
The Client Is Bound by Counsel's Negligence: Vicarious Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a client is bound by counsel's actions, including negligent mistakes, and the limits of that rule.
Partition Without Prior Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' right to demand partition of inherited co-owned property without prior estate settlement proceedings.
Civil vs Criminal Liability: Independent Actions in Philippine Law
Explaining how civil and criminal liability operate independently in Philippine law, using a disbarment case as an example.
Why Supervisory and Rank-and-File Employees Cannot Join the Same Union in the Philippines
Philippine law bars mixed unions of supervisors and rank-and-file workers. The Dunlop Slazenger case explains the rule and its consequences.
Date Discrepancies in Rape Cases: When an Information Remains Valid in Philippine Law
Philippine courts allow minor date discrepancies in rape informations if the accused is not prejudiced. Learn the rule from People v. Bugayong.
Employee vs. Independent Contractor: The Four-Fold Test Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts use the four-fold test to distinguish employees from independent contractors. Control is the key factor.
Earnest Money Matters Understanding Refundability in Philippine Real Estate Deals
When can a seller keep earnest money in a failed property deal? The Supreme Court explains the rules on refunds under Philippine law.
Finality of Administrative Decisions: Why Timeliness Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why final and executory administrative decisions cannot be reopened, and the importance of reglementary periods.
Unlicensed Firearm Use in Homicide: Navigating Philippine Law After RA 8294
The Supreme Court clarifies that under RA 8294, using an unlicensed firearm in a killing is an aggravating circumstance, not a separate crime.
Accidental Shooting or Intentional Killing: Parricide and the Defense of Accident in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when the defense of accident fails in parricide cases, explaining intent, negligence, and unlawful acts.
Grave Coercion vs. Illegal Detention: How Intent Shapes Philippine Criminal Liability
Philippine law distinguishes grave coercion from illegal detention by the accused's intent. Learn how the Supreme Court applies this test.