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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Foreign Currency Deposits: Balancing Secrecy and Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that foreign currency deposit secrecy cannot shield a transient alien's funds from satisfying a judgment for heinous crimes against a Filipino minor.
Clerks of Court Responsibilities and Liabilities for Lost Court Exhibits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerk of court liability for lost firearms exhibits and the duty to turnover evidence after cases end.
Officer Compensation vs Director Compensation: A Philippine Corporate Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between officer and director compensation under the Corporation Code.
Right to Backwages When an Illegally Dismissed Employee Is Entitled
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegally dismissed government employee is entitled to backwages and other benefits.
Judicial Misconduct When Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse
Supreme Court fines judge and clerk for issuing subpoena to a life-term prisoner without authority, ruling ignorance of circulars is no excuse.
The Clerk’s Duty: Accurate Case Reporting and the Efficient Administration of Justice in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk fined for issuing a subpoena to a life-term prisoner without authority, underscoring diligence in court duties.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery, evident premeditation, and conspiracy in a brutal multiple murder case from Negros Oriental.
Docket Fees and Venue: When Payment Must Be Made Anew on Refiling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that refiling a case in the proper venue requires new docket fees; prior payments do not transfer.
Credibility of Eyewitnesses in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Palomar
How the Supreme Court weighed eyewitness credibility, minor inconsistencies, and alibi in a brutal multiple murder case.
Liability for Dishonored Checks: When Civil Damages Can Be Recovered
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a party can recover civil damages from a check issuer even if criminal liability under B.P. 22 is not established.
Incestuous Rape: Why a Victim's Testimony Prevails Over Familial Betrayal
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction based on the credible testimony of his minor daughter, clarifying key rules on penetration and witness credibility.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction: Re-Filing a Case After Dismissal for Improper Venue
When a case is dismissed for improper venue, must new docket fees be paid upon re-filing? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
When a Drinking Session Turns Into Murder: Conspiracy and Treachery Under Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery to convict five men for clubbing a drinking companion to death.
Illegal Dismissal Jurisdiction: Government Corporations Without Original Charters
Supreme Court clarifies which government-owned corporations fall under Labor Code jurisdiction versus Civil Service rules in illegal dismissal cases.
Default Judgments Understanding Due Process and Timely Responses in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat default judgments and why timely responses matter, based on a Supreme Court ruling on judicial delay.
Illegal Dismissal of Ship Captain: When Refusing an Unsafe Order Is Not Incompetence
The Supreme Court ruled that a ship captain's refusal to tow a barge with worn-out ropes was not incompetence but sound professional judgment, making his dismissal illegal.
Retroactive Application of Retirement Laws: Employee Rights Under RA 7641
When do retirement laws apply retroactively? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of RA 7641's retroactive application in Cabcaban v. NLRC.
Seafarers' Rights: Protecting Overseas Workers From Illegal Dismissal
Supreme Court ruling protects Filipino seafarers from illegal dismissal when they seek ITF or CSR help for labor grievances.
Wrongful Termination: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the two requirements for valid dismissal: just cause and due process. Learn the rules.
Insurable Interest: Can a Landlord Claim Insurance on a Tenant's Property?
Philippine Supreme Court rules a landlord cannot claim fire insurance proceeds on a tenant's merchandise without insurable interest. Learn the key principles.
Land Ownership Disputes: How Procedural Errors Can Cost the Government a Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows how the government's failure to formally present evidence in land disputes can lead to adverse rulings and costly remands.
Consent and Rape: When Mental Retardation Negates Valid Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape of a mental retardate and why apparent consent does not negate criminal liability.
Conspiracy and the Boundaries of Robbery: When Kidnapping Becomes a Separate Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when kidnapping during a robbery is a separate crime, not absorbed by the robbery.
Limits of Judicial Review: When Courts Can Question Tax Laws
Explore the limits of judicial review in tax cases through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules and evidence.