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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Homicide vs Murder: Intent and Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Navigating Layoffs Legally
Understand the legal requirements for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guerrero v. NLRC.
When Disputes Over TROs Are Judicial, Not Administrative: Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline against judges.
Copyright Infringement: Protecting IP Rights and the Prospectivity of New Rules
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on search warrants in copyright cases and why new judicial doctrines apply prospectively.
When Can Election Results Be Set Aside? Understanding Failure of Elections in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when election results may be set aside and what documents can prove the true will of the electorate.
Understanding Labor-Only Contracting: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains labor-only contracting, employer liability, and employee rights in PSBA v. NLRC.
Donation of Subdivision Open Spaces: Conditions, Revocation, and Public Use
The Supreme Court rules on conditions attached to donated subdivision open spaces, their non-buildable character, and limits on revocation.
Priority of Liens: Attachment vs Execution in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court resolved a dispute over which lien—attachment or execution—has priority over the same property.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on unlawful aggression and justifiable force.
Undue Delay in Dismissing Judges for Neglect of Duty: Court Interpreter Suspended
Supreme Court suspends court interpreter for 10 years of neglect in preparing minutes, stressing accountability in the judiciary.
Positive Identification in Kidnapping Cases: Why It Outweighs Alibi
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld kidnapping convictions based on the victim's positive identification, rejecting weak alibi defenses.
When Philippine Employers Can Deny Financial Assistance After Valid Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may deny financial assistance to employees validly dismissed for serious misconduct.
Implied Conspiracy When Collective Actions Lead to Criminal Liability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how implied conspiracy can hold multiple offenders liable for crimes committed during a collective action, using the Escalante massacre case.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How It Affects Search Warrants and Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forum shopping applies to search warrant applications, and seized property cannot be held indefinitely without criminal prosecution.
When Can a Foreign Corporation Sue in the Philippines? The ITEC Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when unlicensed foreign corporations may sue in local courts, with estoppel and doing business rules explained.
When Courts Can Intervene in Private Agreements: A Lesson from ITEC v. Communication Materials and Design
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may intervene in private agreements, foreign corporations, and the limits of contractual freedom.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Intent, Liability, and the Limits of Qualifying Circumstances
A Supreme Court ruling explains when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, and how conspiracy affects criminal liability in the Philippines.
When Does a Brawl Become Murder? Understanding Conspiracy and Homicide in the Philippines
Philippine law on conspiracy and homicide explained through a landmark Supreme Court case on robbery with homicide.
Navigating Appeals in Philippine Administrative Law: Jurisdiction and Exhaustion of Remedies
The Supreme Court clarifies appellate jurisdiction over PNP disciplinary cases, exhaustion of remedies, and administrative law principles in Cabada v. Alunan.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Requirements for Lawful Termination Due to Business Losses
The Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for valid retrenchment due to business losses and the penalties for failing to meet them.
Fencing Under P.D. 1612: Possession Alone Can Establish Guilt
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that mere possession of stolen goods creates a presumption of fencing under P.D. 1612, and how to rebut it.
Chattel Mortgage and Future Debts: What Philippine Law Allows
Can a chattel mortgage secure debts incurred after its execution? The Supreme Court explains the limits under the Chattel Mortgage Law.
Chattel Mortgage Coverage of Future Loans: The Acme Shoe Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a chattel mortgage can cover future loans and why full payment extinguishes the security.
Judicial Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Negligence in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's hasty dismissal of criminal cases shows how abuse of authority and negligence erode public trust in courts.