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.
Assigning Lease Rights When IS Consent Required IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee can assign lease rights, including a right of first option, without the lessor's consent.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies regular employment, constructive dismissal, and retirement rights in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Incestuous Rape: Why a Victim's Testimony Prevails Over Familial Betrayal
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction based on the credible testimony of his minor daughter, clarifying key rules on penetration and witness credibility.
Officer Compensation vs Director Compensation: A Philippine Corporate Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between officer and director compensation under the Corporation Code.
Judicial Misconduct When Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse
Supreme Court fines judge and clerk for issuing subpoena to a life-term prisoner without authority, ruling ignorance of circulars is no excuse.
The Clerk’s Duty: Accurate Case Reporting and the Efficient Administration of Justice in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk fined for issuing a subpoena to a life-term prisoner without authority, underscoring diligence in court duties.
Right to Backwages When an Illegally Dismissed Employee Is Entitled
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegally dismissed government employee is entitled to backwages and other benefits.
Liability for Dishonored Checks: When Civil Damages Can Be Recovered
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a party can recover civil damages from a check issuer even if criminal liability under B.P. 22 is not established.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery, evident premeditation, and conspiracy in a brutal multiple murder case from Negros Oriental.
Credibility of Eyewitnesses in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Palomar
How the Supreme Court weighed eyewitness credibility, minor inconsistencies, and alibi in a brutal multiple murder case.
Foreign Currency Deposits: Balancing Secrecy and Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that foreign currency deposit secrecy cannot shield a transient alien's funds from satisfying a judgment for heinous crimes against a Filipino minor.
Docket Fees and Venue: When Payment Must Be Made Anew on Refiling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that refiling a case in the proper venue requires new docket fees; prior payments do not transfer.
Clerks of Court Responsibilities and Liabilities for Lost Court Exhibits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerk of court liability for lost firearms exhibits and the duty to turnover evidence after cases end.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: Re-Filing a Case After Dismissal for Improper Venue
When a case is dismissed for improper venue, must new docket fees be paid upon re-filing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
When a Drinking Session Turns Into Murder: Conspiracy and Treachery Under Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery to convict five men for clubbing a drinking companion to death.
Seafarers' Rights: Protecting Overseas Workers From Illegal Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling protects Filipino seafarers from illegal dismissal when they seek ITF or CSR help for labor grievances.
Consent and Rape: When Mental Retardation Negates Valid Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape of a mental retardate and why apparent consent does not negate criminal liability.
Illegal Dismissal of Ship Captain: When Refusing an Unsafe Order Is Not Incompetence
The Supreme Court ruled that a ship captain's refusal to tow a barge with worn-out ropes was not incompetence but sound professional judgment, making his dismissal illegal.
Default Judgments Understanding Due Process and Timely Responses in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat default judgments and why timely responses matter, based on a Supreme Court ruling on judicial delay.
Conspiracy and the Boundaries of Robbery: When Kidnapping Becomes a Separate Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when kidnapping during a robbery is a separate crime, not absorbed by the robbery.
Limits of Judicial Review: When Courts Can Question Tax Laws
Explore the limits of judicial review in tax cases through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules and evidence.
Illegal Possession of Firearms in the Philippines: Penalties and Retroactive Laws
Learn how the Supreme Court applied a new, lighter penalty for illegal firearm possession retroactively, and what this means for criminal cases in the Philippines.
Insurable Interest: Can a Landlord Claim Insurance on a Tenant's Property?
Philippine Supreme Court rules a landlord cannot claim fire insurance proceeds on a tenant's merchandise without insurable interest. Learn the key principles.
Illegal Dismissal Jurisdiction: Government Corporations Without Original Charters
Supreme Court clarifies which government-owned corporations fall under Labor Code jurisdiction versus Civil Service rules in illegal dismissal cases.