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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Limits of DOLE Jurisdiction: When the Labor Secretary Can Intervene in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Labor Secretary may only assume jurisdiction over strikes in industries indispensable to national interest.
When Witnesses Can't See: Proving Robbery With Homicide Through Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence can prove robbery with homicide even without eyewitnesses to the killing.
Homicide vs Murder: Understanding the Nuances of Intent in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why qualifying circumstances must be proven beyond doubt.
When Accident Doesnt Excuse Murder Understanding Parricide AND Intent IN Philippine LAW
A police officer shoots his wife, claims accident, but the Supreme Court affirms parricide. Learn how intent and evidence work in Philippine criminal law.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Arbitration Finality and Limited Court Intervention
Explore how the Supreme Court affirmed arbitration finality under RA 876 while correcting interest rates and damages in National Steel Corp. v. E. Willkom Enterprises.
Due Process in Philippine Banking: Defending Against Monetary Board Sanctions
Learn how the Supreme Court defined due process rights for bank officers facing Monetary Board sanctions in Busuego v. Court of Appeals.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Supreme Court Upholds Protection for Filipino Workers
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of an unlicensed recruiter for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, protecting overseas Filipino workers from fraudulent schemes.
Philippine Estate Administration: When the Surviving Spouse Loses Preference as Administrator
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surviving spouse may lose the preferential right to administer a deceased partner's estate.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Why Timely Filing Is Non-Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an appeal for a late brief, underscoring that procedural deadlines bind both counsel and clients.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription and Laches in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches bar property claims filed decades after a sale with pacto de retro.
Complex Crime vs Separate Offenses: When Multiple Murders Are Not a Single Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when multiple killings form one complex crime or separate offenses, and the effect on penalties.
Certiorari vs Appeal: When Courts Can Review Dismissal Orders in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari, not appeal, is the proper remedy for challenging dismissal orders in administrative disputes.
Final Judgment IS Final: Navigating Lawyer Negligence and Execution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on final judgments, lawyer negligence, and execution of writs in Philippine courts—what litigants need to know.
Unlawful Arrest and Weak Evidence: How to Fight Illegal Firearm Charges in the Philippines
Learn how unlawful arrest and weak evidence can defeat illegal firearm charges, based on a Supreme Court acquittal.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Proving Your Case Even Without a Termination Letter
Illegal dismissal can be proven even without a termination letter. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Legal Remedy in Philippine Courts
Learn when to file certiorari versus appeal in Philippine courts, using a Supreme Court ruling on labor cases as a guide.
Land Ownership in the Philippines: Why Possession Isn't Always Nine Tenths of the Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when lengthy possession of public land cannot ripen into private ownership, and why free patents prevail.
Murder vs Homicide: Why Proving Intent Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is murder and when it is only homicide, and why the prosecution must prove intent.
When A Preliminary Injunction Goes Wrong Protecting Property Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court nullifies a preliminary injunction that transferred land possession without clear legal right, reaffirming the preservative nature of injunctive relief.
Legal Interest Rates in the Philippines: When Does 6% vs 12% Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 6% or 12% legal interest applies—loans and forbearance versus other obligations. Learn the rules.
Reopening a Criminal Case: When Courts Abuse Discretion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court nullified the Sandiganbayan's reopening of a criminal case against Miriam Defensor Santiago, ruling it was grave abuse of discretion.
Reopening a Criminal Case After Evidence Is Closed: The Santiago v. Sandiganbayan Guide
When can a court reopen a criminal case to hear more evidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits and the due process rights of the accused.
When Courts May Reopen a Criminal Case After Evidence Is Closed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a trial court may reopen a criminal case after the parties have rested, and the limits of that discretion.
When Philippine Courts Can Decide Ownership in Ejectment Cases
Learn when Philippine courts can decide ownership in ejectment cases, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Torres Vda. de Cruz v. Court of Appeals.