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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Red Flags and False Promises: How to Spot Illegal Recruiters in the Philippines
Learn how to spot illegal recruiters in the Philippines through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Hernandez, with practical red flags and legal remedies.
Lost Your Election Protest? Understanding Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when election protests must be filed, and why pre-proclamation cases end after proclamation.
When Alibi Fails: The Weakness of Alibi in Philippine Criminal Defense
Learn why alibi is the weakest defense in Philippine criminal cases, and what the Supreme Court requires for it to prosper.
Upholding Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Neglect of Duty in the Philippines
A court stenographer's gross neglect of duty leads to forfeiture of benefits and a lifetime ban from government service.
Philippine Labor Unions Safeguarding Registration From Fraudulent Cancellation Attempts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a union's registration may be cancelled for fraud, and the limits of certiorari review in labor cases.
Heirship First, Claim Later: Proving You're an Heir Before Filing Property Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why heirs must first be declared in special proceedings before filing property reconveyance cases.
Grievance Before Strike: SC Upholds CBA Machinery in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules unions must exhaust CBA grievance and arbitration procedures before declaring a strike, citing San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC.
Redefining Guardian in Philippine Rape Law: Supreme Court Clarifies Scope and Penalty
The Supreme Court narrows the definition of in RA 7659 should be given a restrictive interpretation, referring to a legal or judicial guardian. While Congress did not explicitly qualify the term, the
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: The Supreme Court's Stance on Court Working Hours and Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies that answering nature's call is not abandonment of work, and dismissal for such trivial infraction is illegal.
Beyond Direct Testimony: How Philippine Courts Prove Rape With Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for rape, citing People v. Tabarangao.
Rape Conviction on Circumstantial Evidence: Lessons from People v. Tabarangao
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for rape, and why alibi and denial often fail.
Docket Fees Matter: Ensuring Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Civil Cases
Learn how timely filing and docket fees affect court jurisdiction in Philippine civil cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Demata v. Court of Appeals.
When Nature Calls: Can Your Employer Fire You for Using the Restroom?
Supreme Court rules answering the call of nature is not a just cause for dismissal—know your rights under Philippine labor law.
AGE Matters Most Understanding Statutory Rape Convictions IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape: victim's age under 12 is the sole element, making force or consent irrelevant.
Unmasking Equitable Mortgages in the Philippines: When a Deed of Sale Isn’t Really a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from unfair land deals.
Tax Assessment Waivers: Why the BIR Commissioner's Signature Is Crucial
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why waivers of the tax prescription period require the BIR Commissioner's signature to be valid.
Demolition Orders in the Philippines: Enforcing Tenant Eviction Judgments
Learn how Philippine courts enforce eviction judgments through demolition orders, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Buñag v. Court of Appeals.
Does Your Case Die With Your Client? Survival of Actions and Attorney's Fees in the Philippines
When a client dies before judgment, does a lawyer's claim for fees survive? The Supreme Court explains the rule on survival of actions.
The Unwavering Credibility of Child Testimony in Statutory Rape Cases: A Philippine Jurisprudence Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on statutory rape: a child victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction, even without force or intimidation.
Tax Assessment Deadlines: How the Supreme Court Protects Taxpayers From Belated BIR Claims
The Supreme Court ruled the BIR cannot issue deficiency assessments beyond the five-year prescriptive period, protecting taxpayers from belated claims.
Maximize Tax Credits: Sales Tax on Packaging Materials vs. Miller's Tax in the Philippines
Learn when sales tax on packaging materials can be credited against miller's tax, based on a key Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for Social Media Harassment
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and why using social media raises the penalty.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title, emphasizing practical evidence standards under Republic Act No. 26.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: When Can New Evidence Be Introduced on Appeal?
When can an employer introduce new evidence on appeal in a dismissal case? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process.