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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Philippine Oil Deregulation Upheld: Supreme Court Defers to Market Freedom and Congress
The Supreme Court upheld oil deregulation under RA 8479, ruling that price controls are policy choices for Congress, not constitutional requirements.
Invalid Government Appointments: How Unpublished Decrees Affect Public Servants' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on how unpublished presidential decrees create no valid offices, and why automatic absorption of employees is unconstitutional.
Judicial Impartiality in Philippine Courts: Upholding Fairness in Case Assignments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial impartiality and fair case assignments, protecting due process and public trust in courts.
Procedural Due Process in Rape Cases: Why Proper Charges Matter
How a flawed criminal complaint led the Supreme Court to reduce death sentences to reclusion perpetua in a stepfather rape case.
Lawyer Ethics Matter: Why Misconduct Investigations Proceed Despite Complainant Withdrawal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer disciplinary cases continue despite complainant withdrawal, and silence is not admission of guilt.
Reformation of Contracts in the Philippines: Navigating Unforeseen Events and Economic Shifts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract reformation, fortuitous events, and extraordinary inflation in lease agreements. Learn key legal principles.
Proving Actual Damages in Philippine Courts: Why Evidence Matters
A look at how Philippine courts decide damages claims, using a Supreme Court case to show why solid evidence beats mere assertions.
What Constitutes Inducement to Commit a Crime: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains when words or orders amount to "inducement" making one a principal by induction, using a kidnapping case.
When BIR Regional Directors Can File Tax Collection Cases: The Hizon Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies BIR regional directors' authority to file tax collection suits and the prescription rules under the NIRC.
Victim Testimony Alone CAN Convict In Rape Cases: People v. Flores
Philippine Supreme Court ruling in People v. Flores confirms a rape victim's credible testimony alone is sufficient for conviction.
When Arbitration Clauses Do Not Bind Third-Party Buyers in Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses in contracts bind only parties, not third-party land buyers.
When Judges Misapply Summary Procedure: Radomes v. Jakosalem and Judicial Accountability
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's error in applying summary procedure to grave coercion, and the duty of judges to know the law.
Evidentiary Burden in Robbery and Homicide Cases: Supreme Court Clarifies Proof Requirements
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves robbery, rape, and aggravating circumstances in this 1999 ruling.
Why Initial COMELEC Election Cases Must Be Decided by a Division, Not En Banc
Learn why the Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc ruling in an SK election protest, citing the constitutional rule on divisions.
Credible Witness Testimony IN Rape Cases Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Unseen Crimes, Unshakable Justice: How Circumstantial Evidence Convicts in Rape-Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in rape-homicide cases, as shown in People v. Dizon.
Missed the Deadline, Missed Justice: Why Timely Tax Ordinance Appeals Matter
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows why taxpayers must appeal local tax ordinances within 30 days or lose their chance to challenge them.
Age of Consent in the Philippines: Why the Sweetheart Defense Fails in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape cases involving victims under 12, and why the sweetheart defense cannot defeat a prosecution.
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.
Judicial Rank vs Salary Grade: Understanding Position Classification in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court explains why equal salary grades do not mean equal judicial rank, clarifying position classification in the Court of Appeals.
Appealing a Criminal Case in the Philippines: Understanding the Risk of Increased Penalties
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how appealing a criminal conviction can lead to increased penalties, not just a chance at acquittal.
Constructive Dismissal vs Abandonment: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between constructive dismissal and abandonment of work, and what employees must prove.
Lost Cargo Claims in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule for Arrastre Operators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day claim period for lost cargo against arrastre operators and the shipper's load and count rule.
Proving Psychological Incapacity for Marriage Annulment in the Philippines: The Hernandez Case
Learn how the Supreme Court in Hernandez v. Hernandez clarified what evidence is needed to prove psychological incapacity for marriage annulment.