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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Statutory Rape in the Philippines: When Consent and Penetration Are Not Required
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that in statutory rape, penetration need only be slight and the victim's consent is immaterial.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Filipino Workers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint and solidary liability of recruitment agencies and foreign employers for overseas workers' claims.
Acquisitive Prescription: How Long Does It Take to Claim Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how long you must possess land to claim ownership through acquisitive prescription in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Lumber VS Timber Navigating Illegal Possession Charges IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal possession of lumber falls under Section 68 of PD 705, the Forestry Reform Code.
When Can an Employer Claim Loss of Trust as Grounds for Dismissal? A Philippine Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence is a valid ground for dismissing an employee, and when it is not.
Condominium Development Approvals, Titles, and Parking Rights Under PD 957
Philippine Supreme Court explains developer duties on plan changes, title delivery, and parking under PD 957.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Supreme Court Clarifies Liability
The Supreme Court explains when illegal recruitment becomes large scale and how conspiracy makes every participant liable for the crime.
The Weight of Words: Child Witness Testimony in Philippine Parricide Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a parricide conviction based on an 8-year-old eyewitness's testimony, and what this means for child witnesses in Philippine courts.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Sudden Attack From Behind as Qualifying Circumstance
When does a sudden attack from behind constitute treachery? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Mesa.
Compromise Agreements and Quitclaims: When Are They Valid in Philippine Labor Law?
The Supreme Court explains when compromise agreements and quitclaims bind workers—and when courts will set them aside as unconscionable.
Rape Conviction Credibility of Testimony and Minor Inconsistencies
Minor inconsistencies in a rape victim's testimony do not destroy credibility. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Travero.
Territorial Jurisdiction and Bouncing Checks Law: Where Can You Be Sued
The Supreme Court explains where a B.P. 22 bouncing checks case may be filed, based on territorial jurisdiction rules.
When Quitclaims Are Invalid: Labor Settlements and Dire Necessity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise agreements and quitclaims in labor cases are unconscionable and invalid.
When Courts Lack Jurisdiction Over Bouncing Checks Cases: The Rosa Uy Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies territorial jurisdiction rules for B.P. 22 cases and when lack of jurisdiction can still be raised.
Illegal Dismissal of OFWs: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when overseas Filipino workers are illegally dismissed and what employers must prove.
When Can a Judge Be Disqualified for Bias? Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judge's rulings amount to disqualifying bias, and why adverse decisions alone are not enough.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Elements and Implications
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery and why it qualifies murder, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Marollano.
Void Sales and Repurchase Agreements: Property Rights in the Philippines
When a seller has no title, the sale is void—and so is any right to repurchase. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Compulsory Licensing of Patents: Balancing Innovation and Public Access in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on compulsory licensing of pharmaceutical patents, balancing patent rights with public health needs.
When Is Moonlighting Disloyalty? Understanding Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee dismissal explained through a Supreme Court case on overseas domestic helpers, just causes, and due process.
Unintended Consequences: Criminal Liability for Foreseeable Outcomes in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on criminal liability, dying declarations, and witness credibility in murder cases under Philippine law.
Employee Transfers: Management Prerogative vs. Unfair Labor Practice in the Philippines
When can employers transfer workers without committing unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court explains the limits of management prerogative.
Employee Dismissal: Proving Just Cause and Observing Due Process in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee dismissal: employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and observe due process.
Criminal Conspiracy and Exempting Circumstances: Duress and Mental Capacity in Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court defined conspiracy, duress, and imbecility defenses in a kidnapping and homicide case.