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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Independent Contractor vs Employee: Supreme Court Clarifies Labor Law Distinction
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a worker is an independent contractor's employee rather than the principal company's regular employee.
Proving Guilt Beyond Doubt: How Circumstantial Evidence Leads to Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how circumstantial evidence and credible witness testimony can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
Fighting Case Delays: Your Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects your constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, even against the Office of the Ombudsman.
Treachery in Murder: When a Swift Attack Qualifies as Murder in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, stealthy attack on an unsuspecting victim qualifies as treachery, elevating a killing to murder.
The Weight of Circumstantial Evidence and Dying Declarations in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on circumstantial evidence, dying declarations, and their weight in murder convictions.
Philippine Franchise Tax: Local Governments' Power to Tax and the Limits of "In Lieu of All Taxes" Exemptions
The Supreme Court rules on whether local governments can impose franchise taxes despite "in lieu of all taxes" exemptions under PD 551.
Navigating Liability in Ship Repair: Negligence and Limited Liability Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipyard negligence, res ipsa loquitur, and limits of contractual liability limitation clauses.
Void Contracts and Official Overreach: Due Process in Philippine Law
When can public officials take over a leased public market? The Supreme Court clarifies void contracts, due process, and criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Philippine Contract Law: When Written Agreements Prevail Over Verbal Claims
Explaining Gold Loop Properties v. PITC, where the Supreme Court upheld a written contract over claims of a different verbal agreement.
When Can Your Boss Transfer You? Understanding Lawful Orders and Insubordination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court explains when a transfer is a valid management prerogative and when refusing it becomes insubordination.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Credibility Is Key in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on credible eyewitness testimony, explaining how courts weigh witness credibility over alibi defenses.
Circumstantial Evidence and Homicide vs. Murder: Key Lessons from People v. Agsunod
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining abuse of superior strength and why alibi fails.
Voluntary Confessions and Custodial Rights: Lessons from People v. Bacor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an extrajudicial confession is admissible, the role of counsel, and what makes a valid waiver of rights.
Unwavering Testimony: Why Child Witness Credibility Is Key in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed a daughter's steadfast testimony against her father's denials in eight counts of incestuous rape.
Navigating Nepotism in the Philippine Civil Service: Indirect Influence and Landmark Rulings
The Supreme Court clarifies that nepotism in the civil service covers indirect influence, not just direct appointments, in CSC v. Dacoycoy.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Death Claims: Employer Must Prove Suicide to Avoid Liability
In Lapid v. NLRC, the Supreme Court ruled that employers must prove suicide to avoid death benefits under the POEA contract.
Robbery With Rape in the Philippines: Understanding the Complexities and Victims Rights
The Supreme Court explains when rape accompanies robbery as a single crime, and affirms victims' rights and evidentiary rules.
Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Supreme Court Rules on Delay and Record Management
The Supreme Court fined a judge for failing to decide cases within the constitutional 90-day period, emphasizing that missing transcripts and transfers are no excuse.
Demand Is Key: Understanding Rescission in Philippine Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer can still pay after missing a deadline in a property sale, and why demand for rescission matters.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Gross Misconduct in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross misconduct shows the high ethical standards required of the bench and the consequences of abuse.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Estafa in Philippine Investment Schemes
Learn how the Supreme Court treats investment scams involving bouncing checks, deceit, and estafa under Philippine law.
Right to Counsel in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Orders New Trial for Ineffective Defense
Supreme Court remands rape case for new trial after counsel de officio failed to provide effective legal representation to the accused.
Beyond Kicking: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man who kicked a murder victim, explaining when mere presence or minor acts do not prove conspiracy.
Presumption of Innocence in Philippine Drug Cases: The Lagmay Acquittal
How the Supreme Court applied the presumption of innocence to acquit a drug suspect when prosecution evidence fell short of proof beyond reasonable doubt.