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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Project Employee Rights Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN Philippine Labor LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court protects project employees from illegal dismissal under Philippine labor law, including rules on termination and remedies.
Unlicensed Firearm in Homicide: How Philippine Law Treats Illegal Gun Use in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how R.A. 8294 changed the treatment of unlicensed firearms used in murder cases.
Certiorari vs Appeal: The Proper Way to Challenge NLRC Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the correct remedy for questioning NLRC decisions—certiorari under Rule 65, filed with the Court of Appeals, not a direct appeal.
Supreme Court Limits Its Own Power: NLRC Cases Now Start at the Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court ruled that petitions challenging NLRC decisions must first be filed with the Court of Appeals, respecting the hierarchy of courts.
Summons on Foreign Corporations: What Philippine Courts Require Before Service on an Agent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when summons may be served on a foreign corporation's alleged agent, and why mere allegations in a complaint may not be enough.
Breach of Trust When Lawyers Misappropriate Client Funds: Docena v. Limon
When a lawyer takes client money meant for court deposit but keeps it, the Supreme Court may impose the ultimate penalty: disbarment.
How Presidential Proclamations Affect Imperfect Land Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when presidential proclamations can defeat claims to public land by long-time occupants.
Lost Property Claims: Why Delay Can Cost You Everything in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how delay, laches, and prescription can bar property recovery claims. Learn the legal lessons.
When Shadows and Voices Convict: Understanding Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Kidnapping Cases
How Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibis in kidnapping and robbery cases, explained through a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Alibis Often Fail
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows why positive identification trumps weak defenses like alibi and denial in Philippine criminal cases.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Ferrer
Philippine courts rely heavily on victim credibility in rape cases. People v. Ferrer shows why trial court findings on witness demeanor are rarely overturned.
Supreme Court Dismisses Court Employee for Falsifying Judge's Signature
The Supreme Court dismisses a court interpreter for forging his judge's signature, underscoring that dishonesty has no place in the judiciary.
When Courts Review Mining Disputes: The Pearson Doctrine on Abandoned Claims
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Pearson on abandoned mining claims, administrative adjudication, and when courts may review interlocutory orders.
Use It or Lose It: Understanding Abandonment of Mining Claims in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines abandonment of mining claims, including annual work obligations, tax payments, and the consequences of non-compliance.
When Is Self-Defense Justified in the Philippines? Limits of Self-Defense and Defense of Strangers
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and defense of strangers apply in the Philippines, and when they fail.
Floating Status or Illegal Dismissal: Security Guard Rights in the Philippines
When does a security guard's off-detail become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court explains the six-month floating status rule and employee rights.
Falsification of Public Documents: Upholding Integrity in Philippine Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's dismissal for forging a judge's signature, underscoring integrity in public service.
Self Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force
Philippine law allows force only against unlawful aggression. Learn the limits from the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Sabalones.
Lost Title Reconstitution: Court Jurisdiction and the Original Owner's Duplicate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts lack jurisdiction to issue new owner's duplicate titles when the original is not actually lost.
Intimidation in Rape Cases: How Philippine Courts Determine Consent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how force and intimidation are assessed in rape cases involving victims with mental disabilities.
Employer Neutrality in Union Certification Elections and Employee Rights to Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer neutrality during certification elections, freedom period CBAs, and employee rights to choose their bargaining representative.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of Persons With Mental Disability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that rape of a mental retardate requires less force, and explains why conviction stands.
Habeas Corpus and Premature Release: Why Appeals Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why a convicted person cannot use habeas corpus to secure release while an appeal is still pending.
Why Summary Petitions Fall Short in Land Ownership Battles: Quevada v. Glorioso
The Supreme Court explains why a summary petition for inscription cannot resolve genuine ownership disputes over registered land.