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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Sequestration Orders in the Philippines: Validity Rules and Timely Legal Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when sequestration orders are valid, how PCGG rules apply, and the constitutional deadline for judicial action.
Selling Inherited Property During Probate: What Heirs Should Know
Can an heir sell inherited property while probate is pending? The Supreme Court explains when court approval is needed and when it is not.
Missed Pre-Trial and Default Orders: What Victory Liner v. Viron Means for Businesses
Philippine Supreme Court explains when missing a pre-trial can lead to default orders and why businesses must ensure proper representation.
Victim Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction Despite Assailant's Flight
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction and death penalty even after accused flees trial, citing credible victim testimony and flight as evidence of guilt.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Key Differences and Employer Responsibilities in the Philipp
Learn the legal distinction between independent contractor and labor-only contracting, and the employer responsibilities that follow, based on a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Final Judgment Is Final: Understanding Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
When can a final criminal judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of annulment of judgment and due process.
Buyer’s Right to Specific Performance When a Seller Backs Out of a Contract to Sell
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sellers cannot unilaterally rescind a Contract to Sell, and buyers may sue for specific performance.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why accused persons claiming self-defense must prove it, and how courts assess such claims.
Rape Conviction and the Importance of Consent and Credible Testimony in Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how courts weigh witness credibility, inconsistencies, and corroboration in affirming a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Valid Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust Justifies Termination of Managerial Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies valid dismissal of managerial employees under the Labor Code.
When Does a New Agreement Override an Old One? Philippine Contract Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a later agreement novates an earlier contract, and when both documents must be read together.
Stock Dividends and Documentary Stamp Tax: Par Value vs Actual Value in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether documentary stamp tax on stock dividends is based on par value or book value.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Uphold Witness Credibility Despite Minor Inconsistencies
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility over minor inconsistencies. Learn how the Supreme Court ruled in People v. Crisostomo.
Executive Overreach vs Privacy Rights: The Landmark Ople v. Torres National ID Case
The Supreme Court struck down Executive Order on National ID System for violating privacy and usurping legislative power.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Arbitration Clauses and Due Process
When can a foreign judgment be enforced in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains arbitration clauses, due process, and presumptive validity of foreign rulings.
Forced Resignation vs Voluntary Retirement: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retirement is forced and illegal, protecting employee tenure and rights.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Key Lessons from Santos v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts determine employee vs independent contractor status, using the four-fold test in Santos v. NLRC.
Unlicensed Firearm in Philippine Murder Cases: Understanding Aggravating Circumstances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how unlicensed firearms affect murder charges, from separate offense to aggravating circumstance under RA 8294.
Judicial Accountability and Case Resolution: Ensuring Justice Beyond Retirement
Supreme Court ruling on sexual harassment by a judge shows judicial accountability extends beyond retirement and requires timely case resolution.
Judicial Ethics and Sexual Harassment: Dismissal of Judge de Asa
The Supreme Court dismissed Judge de Asa for sexual harassment, affirming that judges must uphold the highest standards of integrity and morality.
Philippine Naturalization: Why Minor Application Errors Won't Always Sink Your Citizenship Bid
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor omissions in naturalization petitions may be cured, easing the path to Filipino citizenship.
Navigating Litis Pendentia and Forum Shopping: When Multiple Lawsuits Can Proceed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two cases involving the same parties can proceed without violating litis pendentia or forum shopping rules.
Ordinance vs Resolution: Why LGUs Need an Ordinance for Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: local governments cannot expropriate private property through a mere resolution—an ordinance is legally required under RA 7160.
Mandatory Bail Hearings in Capital Offenses: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules bail in capital offenses requires mandatory hearing; judges fined for granting bail without due process.