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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Conspiracy vs Individual Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: A Clear Distinction
The Supreme Court clarifies when separate attacks by co-accused do not amount to conspiracy, requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt for each element.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Penetration, and Damages Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what proves rape in the Philippines, when aggravating circumstances apply, and the proper awards for damages.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: When Procedural Lapses Don't Erase Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employee dismissal, due process requirements, and NLRC appellate review standards in labor disputes.
Confidential Employees and Security of Tenure: What PAGCOR v. Salas Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies that a position's actual functions, not its legal label, determine if an employee is truly confidential.
When Self-Defense Fails: Proving Treachery in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails, how treachery must be proven, and when nighttime aggravates a crime in People v. Cayabyab.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Protecting Yourself From Scams in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines illegal recruitment and large-scale schemes, and discover practical tips to avoid overseas employment scams.
Insurance Claims Understanding Time Limits AND ALL Risks Policies IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that all-risks insurance claims prescribe in 10 years, not the one-year COGSA limit for carriers.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What Philippine Law Says
Learn how Philippine courts define and penalize large-scale illegal recruitment, based on a 1997 Supreme Court ruling.
Ejectment Actions and Ownership Disputes: When Can You Evict a Tenant
The Supreme Court clarifies that ownership disputes do not stop ejectment cases. Learn the rules on unlawful detainer and possession.
When a Judge Reviews His Own Ruling: Due Process in Philippine Labor Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot review his own decision on appeal, and the due process rights of dismissed employees.
Retroactivity of Disqualification: When Prior Misconduct Bars Future Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether Section 40(b) of the Local Government Code applies retroactively to disqualify candidates removed from office before 1992.
Lease Extension: When Philippine Courts Can Extend Your Lease Term
Philippine courts can extend a lease even without a fixed term, but only under certain conditions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Election Protests: When Can a Winner Take Office Early
Learn when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal in election protests, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Lindo v. COMELEC.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Corporate Controversies: The Lozano v. De Los Santos Test
When does the SEC have jurisdiction over corporate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the two-element test in Lozano v. De Los Santos.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What the Supreme Court Looks At
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies what makes illegal recruitment "large scale" and why victim testimony alone can secure a conviction.
When Dismissal Is Too Harsh: Proportionality in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court rules that dismissal can be disproportionate to an employee's offense, awarding separation pay instead of reinstatement.
Inadmissible Confessions and Rape Convictions: Lessons from People v. Antipona
A father's rape conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, clarifying evidentiary rules and damages in incestuous rape cases.
Receivership in the Philippines: When Courts Appoint a Receiver Under Rule 59
Learn when Philippine courts may appoint a receiver under Rule 59, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Commodities Storage & Ice Plant Corp. v. CA.
When a Wage Order Exemption Fails: The Distressed Establishment Rule
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on wage order exemptions for distressed establishments and the cut-off for measuring losses.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Safeguarding the Accused in Custodial Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on inadmissible uncounselled confessions and the constitutional rights of persons under custodial investigation.
Wage Order Exemptions: Understanding Distressed Establishment Criteria in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how the interim period is computed for distressed establishment exemptions from wage orders in the Philippines.
When Does Alibi Fail: Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why alibi fails against positive identification, and when moral damages are not awarded in criminal cases.
Ejectment Cases: When Does Destruction of Property Terminate Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment cases, lease termination, and jurisdiction when leased property is destroyed by fire.
Freight Charges and Estoppel: Understanding Contractual Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies BOT turnover obligations, quantum meruit, and liability for irregular government disbursements in COA disallowance case.