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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Failure of Election vs. Election Protest: Key Differences Explained
Learn the legal distinction between a failure of election and an election protest, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Borja vs. COMELEC.
Buy-Bust Operations: When Is a Warrantless Arrest Valid in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why buy-bust arrests are valid warrantless arrests in drug cases, and clarifies the rules on entrapment and searches.
Sheriffs’ Duty to Promptly Execute Writs and Consequences of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court holds deputy sheriff liable for delay in executing writs and filing returns, imposing two-month suspension.
Motion for Extension of Time: Navigating Appeals in Philippine Courts
Learn when Philippine courts allow extension motions for appeals, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Magsaysay Lines v. Court of Appeals.
Challenging Election Results: The PRE Proclamation Controversy and Venue Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on Comelec's power to change ballot revision venue in election protests, citing Cabagnot v. Comelec.
Fair Venue for Ballot Revision: Lessons from Cabagnot v. Comelec
The Supreme Court voided Comelec's order moving a ballot revision to Aklan, ruling that a body must follow its own rules and prior practice.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When One Company Can Be Liable for Another’s Debts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a company may be held liable for another's obligations, including labor-only contracting and solidary liability.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction over Quo Warranto: The PCGG Exception
When can the Sandiganbayan hear a quo warranto case? The Supreme Court explains the exception involving PCGG and sequestered assets.
The Weight of Witness Testimony: Understanding Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in murder cases, explained through the 1996 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Sotes.
Crafting Effective Legal Pleadings: The Bill of Particulars in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the bill of particulars under Philippine law, using the landmark PCGG v. Sandiganbayan case.
Addressing Judicial Delay: Penalties and Solutions for Efficient Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court imposes fines and directives to address judicial delay, emphasizing the 90-day decision rule and court efficiency.
Paid-Up Capital vs Authorized Capital Stock: Wage Order Exemption Rules in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that wage order exemptions use paid-up capital, not authorized capital stock, in Central Textile Mills v. NWPC.
Lost Documents in Court: Proving Your Case With Secondary Evidence in the Philippines
When the original document is lost, Philippine rules allow secondary evidence. Learn the requirements from a Supreme Court case.
Police Power vs Individual Rights: Regulating OFW Deployment
The Supreme Court upholds the Artist Record Book requirement for performing artists bound abroad as a valid exercise of police power.
Excessive Bail in the Philippines: Limits and Your Rights Under the Rules of Court
A Supreme Court ruling explains when bail becomes excessive and what judges must consider. Learn your rights.
Understanding Locus Standi When Can You Sue Over Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine courts allow taxpayer suits over public funds, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Anti-Graft League v. San Juan.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Perils of Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, alibi as weak defense, and treachery in murder cases.
Clerk of Court Negligence: Duty to Certify Court Documents Properly
A clerk of court's failure to certify copies of court documents is negligence. Learn the duties and consequences from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Litis Pendentia: Avoiding Duplicate Lawsuits in the Philippines
Learn how litis pendentia prevents duplicate lawsuits in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Cokaliong Shipping Lines v. Amin.
When Can Dishonesty Lead to Employee Termination? A Philippine Labor Law Perspective
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty justifies dismissal, distinguishing serious offenses from minor lapses in this labor law case analysis.
Executive Clemency and Pending Appeals: When Can a Pardon Be Granted?
Philippine Supreme Court rules pardons granted while an appeal is pending are void, explaining the constitutional limits on executive clemency.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Know Your Rights Against Illegal Police Tactics
The Supreme Court explains the crucial difference between entrapment and instigation, and why instigation can invalidate a case.
Thirteenth Month Pay vs Year-End Bonus: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a year-end bonus counts as 13th month pay and when employers must pay both.
Rape and Incest: Understanding Consent and Familial Abuse in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but acquits him of a second count where the victim could not identify her attacker.