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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Employers' Subsidiary Liability and Due Process in Criminal Proceedings
When can an employer be held subsidiarily liable for an employee's crime? The Supreme Court explains the due process requirements.
Illegal Lumber Possession: Why Correct Forest Product Documents Matter
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal lumber possession clarifies why Certificates of Lumber Origin, not Timber Origin, are required and the penalties involved.
Confessions and Conspiracy: Navigating Rights and Guilt in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when waivers of rights are invalid and how conspiracy is proven in murder cases.
CBA Extension Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contractual Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA extension beyond stipulated term and benefits for employees hired after expiration.
Bouncing Checks Law: Valid Defense When Developer Fails to Complete Project
Supreme Court rules buyer's suspension of payments under PD 957 is valid defense against B.P. 22 bouncing checks charges.
Election Contests: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Will of the Electorate
The Supreme Court rules that technical rules on forum shopping should not defeat the people's choice in election contests.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why Corporate Officers Must Sign
A corporation's certification against forum shopping must be signed by an officer, not counsel. The Supreme Court explains why in Digital Microwave Corp. v. Court of Appeals.
Due Process Denied: The Importance of Hearing Notices in Default Orders Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders without hearing notices, and the duty of clerks of court in safeguarding due process.
When Courts Overstep Authority in Preliminary Investigations: Domondon v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with the Ombudsman's prosecutory discretion, and when judicial overreach becomes grave abuse.
Union Dues and Attorney's Fees: Protecting Employee Rights in Collective Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees can be charged to union members and the strict rules on check-off deductions.
Limits on Ombudsman's Power: Court Upholds Anti-Graft Prosecution Discretion
Supreme Court clarifies courts cannot interfere with Ombudsman's prosecutorial discretion absent grave abuse, in anti-graft case.
Upholding Employers Right TO Dismiss FOR Fraud THE Philippine Airlines Case
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for fraud? The Supreme Court's ruling in Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the standard.
Treachery and Criminal Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and intent to kill are proven in murder cases, using the conviction of Maximo Hernandez as an example.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Insufficient Identification in Drug Sale Conviction
Supreme Court acquits drug sale convicts when police cannot identify who sold marijuana, applying reasonable doubt standard.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge Ignores the Supreme Court and the Law
A 2000 Supreme Court ruling shows that judges can be fined for failing to follow a mandatory reporting law and for remarks that undermine the Court's authority.
When Heirs Can Question a Void Marriage After Death: The Niñal Rule
Heirs may challenge a deceased person's void marriage for successional rights. The Supreme Court explains the limits and rules.
Clouded Titles: Protecting Land Ownership Rights Against Invalid Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court protects land ownership rights when fraudulent claims, invalid mortgages, and void free patents cloud title.
Duty and Diligence: Upholding Efficiency in Public Service
A Supreme Court administrative case reminds court employees that efficiency and diligence are non-negotiable duties in public service.
Oral Partition and Quitclaims Validating Heirs' Agreements Despite Formal Deficiencies
Philippine Supreme Court rules oral partition among heirs is valid, and notarized quitclaims confirming it are binding absent clear fraud.
Sequestration vs. Attachment: Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts Over Corporate Assets
When a sequestered company faces a collection suit, which court prevails? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries between PCGG sequestration and RTC attachment.
Abuse of Superior Strength and Treachery in Murder: Key Lessons from People v. Pirame
Explaining how the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from abuse of superior strength in a murder conviction, with practical lessons for criminal cases.
Treachery, Self-Defense, and Witness Credibility in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, clarifying treachery, abuse of superior strength, and the credibility of an eyewitness who is the victim's son.
Interlocking Confessions Establishing Guilt In Conspiracy Cases
Explains when extrajudicial confessions of co-accused can be used against another accused, citing the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Job.
When Defense Falters Distinguishing Homicide From Murder IN Philippine LAW
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how treachery elevates a killing to murder and why alibi fails without proof of physical impossibility.