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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Rape Conviction and Statutory Penalties: Examining the Limits of Capital Punishment in the Philippines
A rape conviction does not automatically mean the death penalty. Learn when Philippine law allows capital punishment and when it does not.
Church and State: The Limits of Religious Leaders' Political Endorsements in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when religious leaders may endorse candidates and the procedural rules for declaratory relief actions.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: When Job Loss Is Not Justified Under the Labor Code
EMCO Plywood v. Abelgas explains when retrenchment is valid, why quitclaims do not always bar claims, and how separation pay must be computed.
Party List Registration: What It Takes to Represent Marginalized Sectors
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for party-list registration and representation of marginalized sectors in the Philippines.
Flight From Justice: How Fugitive Status Can Bar Appeal Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a fugitive's escape from custody can lead to dismissal of their appeal and loss of legal remedies.
Preserving Client Confidences Understanding Attorney Client Privilege AND ITS Limits IN THE Philippines
When does the duty to keep client secrets begin and end? A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege.
The Two-Notice Rule: Safeguarding Employee Rights Against Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine law requires two written notices before dismissal. A 2004 Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to comply makes termination illegal.
Mortgage in Good Faith: How Banks Are Protected From Fraudulent Land Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how banks that accept mortgages in good faith are protected from forged or fraudulent land titles.
Piercing the Corporate Veil to Protect Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a corporation's separate personality may be set aside to reach property that really belongs to a married couple's conjugal estate.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Consent and Legal Standards in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sexual intercourse with a mentally retarded person is rape, as they cannot give legal consent.
The Insanity Defense: Establishing the Boundaries of Criminal Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense and treachery rules in a murder appeal, reducing conviction to homicide with precise legal standards.
LIS Pendens AND Good Faith Impact ON Land Title Transfers IN THE Philippines
Derivative Citizenship: How a Parent's Naturalization Can Grant Citizenship to Their Children
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a parent's naturalization confers derivative citizenship on minor children born in the Philippines.
Breach of Trust Accountability for Mismanaged Court Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for questioning Ombudsman dismissals in administrative and criminal complaints involving public funds.
Wage Distortion vs Management Prerogative: Salary Adjustments in the Philippines
When can employees claim wage distortion? The Supreme Court explains the limits of the Labor Code and management's right to set salaries.
When Rape Accusations Fail: The Presumption of Innocence in Philippine Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court acquittal shows how reasonable doubt, not the victim's word alone, decides rape cases in the Philippines.
Reasonable Doubt and the Right to Acquit: Safeguarding Justice in Criminal Cases
Explore how the presumption of innocence, proof beyond reasonable doubt, and the right to be informed of charges shape fair criminal trials in the Philippines.
How Long Can Someone Occupy Land Before It's Legally Theirs in the Philippines?
Philippine law has no "squatter's rights" that grant ownership by mere occupation. Learn the real rules on prescription and land ownership.
Negligence in Notarization Upholding the Integrity of Public Documents in the Philippines
A notary's failure to verify signatories' identity and presence leads to suspension, underscoring the sacred duty of notarization.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Negligence
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief led to suspension. Learn the ethical duties and consequences of legal negligence in the Philippines.
Business Closure and Employee Rights: Employer Obligations in Termination
Understand employer obligations when closing a business in the Philippines, including notice requirements, separation pay, and when dismissal is valid.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Affect Murder Convictions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sudden attack qualifies as treachery in murder cases, and when it does not.
Accidental Injury vs Intent: Reassessing Guilt in Assault Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when accidental injury in a struggle negates intent to kill, reducing criminal liability.
Self Defense Under Scrutiny: Proving Imminent Danger in Philippine Law
When can self-defense be successfully invoked in the Philippines? Learn the legal requirements and burden of proof from a Supreme Court ruling.