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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Why Illegal Dismissal Cases Belong in Labor Courts: A Guide to Jurisdiction
Learn why illegal dismissal cases belong in labor courts and how the Supreme Court protects probationary employees' security of tenure.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Decide Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification versus alibi in murder cases, explaining why credible witnesses prevail over alibi defenses.
When a Bouncing Check Isn't Estafa: Checks as Loan Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when postdated checks given as loan security, not payment, cannot result in estafa conviction.
Probation Denied: Why Evading Civil Liability in the Philippines Can Cost You Your Freedom
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: evading civil liability after conviction can disqualify you from probation and lead to imprisonment.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Weigh Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi, and when treachery applies in criminal cases.
The Power of Witness Testimony: Examining Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court weighs eyewitness credibility against alibi defenses in Philippine criminal cases, and why positive identification prevails.
Privity of Contract in the Philippines: Why Third Parties Are Not Bound by Your Agreement
Learn how privity of contract protects banks and third parties from obligations they never agreed to, explained through the Villalon case.
Robbery with Homicide: Understanding Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, witness credibility, aggravating circumstances, and damages in People v. Paraiso.
When Fraud in Election Returns Does Not Justify a Declaration of Failed Election
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election fraud warrants a failure of election declaration versus an election protest.
Ejectment and Your Business: Understanding Privity to Avoid Surprises
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a business can be bound by an ejectment case even if not named as a party-defendant.
Due Process in Elections: When COMELEC Cannot Invalidate Votes
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's cancellation of a candidate's nickname votes for lack of notice and hearing, reaffirming due process in election cases.
Splitting Appeals: Why Concurrent Jurisdiction Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
A single decision cannot be split between two courts. Learn why the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over mixed-penalty appeals.
Homicide vs Murder in the Philippines: Intent, Treachery, and the Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why treachery and self-defense must be proven, not presumed.
Reconstitution of Burned Court Records: When Late Filing Is Not Fatal
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to file for reconstitution of burned court records within six months does not automatically bar the remedy.
Unwavering Witness How Eyewitness Testimony Secures Rape Conviction In Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on a single eyewitness's credible testimony, explaining why alibi fails and damages are awarded.
Victim Testimony as Sole Basis for Rape Conviction in the Philippines: People v. Capillo
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on a single eyewitness's credible testimony, explaining evidentiary rules for Philippine rape cases.
Suing the Right Entity: Why Naming the Correct Defendant Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains why suits must name the real party in interest, not its officers or agents.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Victim Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that medical reports are not required for rape convictions; credible victim testimony alone can suffice.
Unconscionable Quitclaims: When Employee Waivers Are Void in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when quitclaims and waivers signed by employees are unconscionable, void, and contrary to public policy.
Philippine Retirement Law: Understanding Discretionary Service Extensions for Government Employees
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies discretionary service extensions for government employees and the legal limits of such authority.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Valid Waivers in C & A Construction v. NLRC
Understand illegal dismissal in the Philippines through C & A Construction v. NLRC: due process requirements, valid quitclaims, and limits on damages.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Delayed Reporting Does Not Mean Fabrication
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a rape victim's delay in reporting, especially in incest cases, does not automatically mean the charge is fabricated.
Why Court Clerks Cannot Issue Release Orders: The Biag v. Gubatanga Case
A clerk of court released a criminal accused without a judge's signature. The Supreme Court ruled this was grave misconduct.
Unmasking Treachery: How Eyewitness Accounts Cement Murder Convictions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why positive eyewitness identification defeats alibi and proves treachery in murder cases.