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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Supreme Court Dismisses Court Employee for Falsifying Judge's Signature
The Supreme Court dismisses a court interpreter for forging his judge's signature, underscoring that dishonesty has no place in the judiciary.
Floating Status or Illegal Dismissal: Security Guard Rights in the Philippines
When does a security guard's off-detail become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court explains the six-month floating status rule and employee rights.
Falsification of Public Documents: Upholding Integrity in Philippine Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's dismissal for forging a judge's signature, underscoring integrity in public service.
Self Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force
Philippine law allows force only against unlawful aggression. Learn the limits from the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Sabalones.
Lost Title Reconstitution: Court Jurisdiction and the Original Owner's Duplicate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts lack jurisdiction to issue new owner's duplicate titles when the original is not actually lost.
Employer Neutrality in Union Certification Elections and Employee Rights to Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer neutrality during certification elections, freedom period CBAs, and employee rights to choose their bargaining representative.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of Persons With Mental Disability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that rape of a mental retardate requires less force, and explains why conviction stands.
Intimidation in Rape Cases: How Philippine Courts Determine Consent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how force and intimidation are assessed in rape cases involving victims with mental disabilities.
Why Summary Petitions Fall Short in Land Ownership Battles: Quevada v. Glorioso
The Supreme Court explains why a summary petition for inscription cannot resolve genuine ownership disputes over registered land.
Habeas Corpus and Premature Release: Why Appeals Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why a convicted person cannot use habeas corpus to secure release while an appeal is still pending.
Labor-Only Contracting vs. Legitimate Job Contracting: Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains the difference between labor-only contracting and legitimate job contracting, and who bears liability for workers' claims.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Rape Cases: Key Jurisprudence Explained
The Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's positive identification prevails over an accused's alibi defense, and clarifies damages and support.
Seniority Matters: Why Fair Retrenchment in the Philippines Requires More Than Just Financial Losses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: financial losses alone don't justify layoffs—seniority must be considered in employee selection.
Premature Writ of Demolition: Due Process and the Sheriff's Duty in Philippine Execution
When can a sheriff implement a writ of demolition, and what happens when a motion for reconsideration is pending? The Supreme Court's ruling in A.M. No. P-98-1268 offers guidance.
Protecting Children: Understanding Statutory Rape Laws in the Philippines
A landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains statutory rape, victim testimony, and damages in child sexual abuse cases.
Electric Cooperative Membership and Director Eligibility: Key Rules from Espina v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on electric cooperative membership requirements and director eligibility under P.D. 269, explained in plain language.
Loss of Confidence and Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Law on Breach of Trust in Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of confidence justifies dismissal and when it does not, protecting employee tenure rights.
Regular Employment for Private School Teachers: Security of Tenure and Contract Renewal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on private school teachers' security of tenure, probationary periods, and illegal dismissal through non-renewal of contracts.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Gross Ignorance of Law and Impropriety in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross ignorance of law and impropriety, and what it means for judicial accountability in the Philippines.
Employee Status in Outsourcing: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court on Separation Pay
Learn when a resigning employee may claim separation pay under Philippine law, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling on company practice.
Robbery vs. Highway Robbery in the Philippines: Key Distinctions Explained
Philippine law distinguishes simple robbery from highway robbery under P.D. 532. Learn how the Supreme Court clarified this crucial difference.
Fixed-Term Contracts and Security of Tenure: What Romares v. NLRC Means for Employers and Workers
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they are a circumvention of the worker's security of tenure.
Regular Employment After One Year of Service Prevails Over Fixed-Term Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when repeated fixed-term contracts cannot defeat an employee's right to regular employment and security of tenure.
Credibility of Rape Victims in Philippine Courts: Why Delayed Reporting and Minor Inconsistencies Don't Always
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that delayed reporting and minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not automatically destroy credibility or warrant acquittal.