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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Contracts Still Stand: Why Bounced Checks Don't Always Void a Pacto de Retro Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why dishonored checks don't invalidate a pacto de retro sale when consideration existed at execution.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Formal Hearings Are Mandatory for Elected Officials
The Supreme Court rules that administrative cases against elected officials require formal hearings, not just position papers, to satisfy due process.
Finality of Judgments: Why Ignoring Your Case Can Cost You Your Property in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failing to pursue a case can lead to losing property forever through finality and res judicata.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Employee Status in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between regular and project employees, and the legal tests that determine employee status.
Res Judicata in the Philippines: When a Prior Dismissal Does Not Bar a New Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a dismissal for failure to prosecute is not res judicata and does not bar a refiled case.
When A Back Attack Isnt Always Murder Examining Treachery IN Philippine Criminal LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies that a shot to the back does not automatically mean treachery, explaining when killing is homicide instead of murder.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be personally liable and the limits of SEC jurisdiction over suspension of payments.
Proving Fault in Philippine Car Accidents: Why Evidence and Witness Credibility Matter
Learn how Philippine courts decide car accident fault, why evidence and witness credibility matter, and key lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Lumber vs. Timber: What Illegal Logging Laws Mean for Your Business
The Supreme Court ruled that lumber is timber under Philippine forestry law. Know what documents you need to avoid illegal possession charges.
Limits on Contempt Power, Due Process, and Judicial Restraint in Impeachment Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies that "forthwith" in impeachment does not mean instant trial, affirming judicial restraint and the Senate's discretion.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Shared Intent in Illegal Recruitment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy works in large-scale illegal recruitment, holding co-conspirators liable even without receiving money.
Forced Retirement in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Policies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on forced retirement, optional retirement age, and illegal dismissal in labor cases.
Don't Get Trapped by Your Signature: How Estoppel Affects Home Construction Loans in the Philippines
A homeowner signed loan release documents, then tried to disown them. The Supreme Court applied estoppel—here's what that means for borrowers.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Supreme Court Case Analysis and Prevention Tips
Learn how the Supreme Court defines illegal recruitment in large scale, the penalties under the Labor Code, and practical tips to avoid recruitment scams.
When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short Understanding Reasonable Doubt IN Philippine Rape Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits two men convicted of rape-homicide, showing when circumstantial evidence fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Ethics in the Philippines: Impartiality, Evidence, and the Presumption of Innocence
A look at how the Supreme Court upholds judicial ethics by demanding impartiality and rigorous evidence review in criminal cases.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Credibility Is Key in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining how credibility, alibi, and evident premeditation are evaluated.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Victim Testimony Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a credible rape victim's testimony alone can convict, and why alibi and sweetheart defenses fail.
Withdrawal of an Administrative Complaint: Does It Auto-Dismiss Cases Against Court Personnel?
Withdrawing an administrative complaint against court personnel does not automatically end the case. The Supreme Court explains when dismissal is proper.
Failure to File Corporate By-Laws: Not Automatic Dissolution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that failing to file corporate by-laws on time does not automatically dissolve a corporation.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Election Protests: When Can a Trial Court Still Act
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court may still order execution pending appeal in election protests, even after an opponent files a notice of appeal.
Robbery With Homicide Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Philippine LAW 2
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, explaining the elements of the crime and how the prosecution must establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Philippine Election Law: Voter Intent Prevails Over Technical Ballot Defects
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that minor ballot irregularities, like missing BEI signatures, do not invalidate votes.
Wage Order Exemptions: Why National Guidelines Trump Regional Board Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why regional wage board guidelines need national approval before granting exemptions.