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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Credibility of Child Witness Testimony in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. Ilao
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a child eyewitness's credible testimony, even when the victim herself could not testify coherently.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: Ponce v. NLRC Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, employer-employee relationships, and illegal dismissal in Ponce v. NLRC.
Precision in Prosecution: Why Properly Worded Charges Matter in Philippine Rape Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape highlights why precise language in criminal informations is crucial, especially when penalties differ by victim age.
Finality of Labor Arbiter Orders: When a Dismissal Order Becomes Unchangeable
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a Labor Arbiter's dismissal order becomes final and executory, and why it can no longer be amended.
When a Labor Arbiter's Order Becomes Final and Executory: Lessons from Schering Employees' Labor Union v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Labor Arbiter's dismissal order becomes final and executory, and why it cannot be amended after the appeal period lapses.
Parental Consent in Philippine Adoption: Upholding Natural Parents' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when a natural parent's consent is required for adoption and what abandonment truly means under Philippine law.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Consequences for Judges Delaying Case Resolutions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges and court personnel for delayed case resolutions and record mismanagement.
Positive Identification Overcomes Alibi in Murder Conviction of Prison Inmates
Supreme Court affirms murder convictions of four inmates, ruling positive identification prevails over denial and alibi in prison killing.
Credit Card Interest Rates and Escalation Clauses: What the Supreme Court Says
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card interest escalation clauses, mutuality of contracts, and validity of variable rates.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing a managerial employee, and what due process requires.
Credit Card Suspension in the Philippines: Cardholder Responsibilities and Bank Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on credit card suspension rights, cardholder obligations, and when damages may be claimed.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: Proving Business Losses and the Limits of Quitclaims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, what evidence employers must show, and when quitclaims do not bar illegal dismissal claims.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at People v. Ebrada, where the Supreme Court rejected self-defense and upheld treachery in a fatal stabbing.
Due Process and Rape Convictions: Why Precise Charge Wording Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, force and intimidation, sweetheart defense, and due process in criminal cases.
Ministerial Duty vs Discretion: When a Clerk of Court Must Act and the Consequences of Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sheriff's duty to execute a deed of sale is purely ministerial, and the penalties for refusal.
Who Bears the Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Disputes Over Unpaid Wages
A look at Ropali Trading v. NLRC, where the Supreme Court clarified who must prove payment of wages and commissions in labor cases.
Unlawful Detainer vs Rescission: How Philippine Courts Resolve Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lease violation becomes an ejectment case rather than a rescission action, and who keeps improvements.
Understanding Anti-Squatting Laws in the Philippines: Due Process and Constitutional Considerations
The Supreme Court explains how anti-squatting laws interact with constitutional due process and housing rights in the Philippines.
Why a Rape Survivor's Testimony Prevails in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's court testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies in her sworn statement, and the rules on qualifying circumstances.
Judicial Errors vs Misconduct: When to File an Administrative Case Against a Judge
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between a judge's mere error of judgment and administrative misconduct requiring bad faith.
Why Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why credible eyewitness identification outweighs denial and alibi in murder convictions.
Bouncing Checks in Business Partnerships: Avoiding Criminal Liability Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a bouncing check in a partnership dissolution is not a crime under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Positive Identification in Murder Cases: The Delmendo Ruling on Eyewitness Testimony
How the Supreme Court in People v. Delmendo weighed eyewitness testimony, positive identification, and treachery in affirming a murder conviction.
Refiling a Dismissed Case in the Philippines: When a Technical Dismissal Is Not Final
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a procedural dismissal is without prejudice, allowing a case to be refiled.