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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Election Protests and Succession: Ensuring Electoral Integrity After a Candidate's Death
The Supreme Court rules that election protests survive a candidate's death, ensuring the people's true choice prevails.
Continuing Surety Agreements Can Validly Cover Future Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuing surety agreements validly secure future debts, even if no principal obligation exists at signing.
Reclusion Perpetua in Philippine Law: Why It Remains an Indivisible Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua remains an indivisible penalty despite RA 7659, explaining its true duration and application in drug cases.
Independent Counsel Safeguarding Rights In Philippine Custodial Investigations
The Supreme Court acquits two accused whose confessions were taken with the help of an NBI job applicant, not independent counsel.
When Are Insurance Claim Agents Liable for Foreign Principals' Debts in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local claim agents of foreign insurers can be held personally liable for policy obligations.
Retroactivity of Tax Rulings: When the BIR Cannot Apply a Revoked Ruling Against You
The Supreme Court explains when the BIR cannot retroactively apply a revoked tax ruling to assess deficiency taxes against a taxpayer.
Judicial Recusal: Understanding Bias and Impartiality in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must inhibit and why late motions to disqualify are frowned upon.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Can a Client Get a New Trial in the Philippines?
When a lawyer's repeated absences prevent a client from presenting defense evidence, the Supreme Court may order a new trial to protect due process.
Doing Business in the Philippines: When Selling to a Filipino Buyer Requires a License
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a foreign corporation's sales to a local buyer constitute
Good Faith in Redundancy Termination: When Hidden Motives Are Not Proven
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when redundancy dismissal is valid and good faith presumed, and when damages may be awarded.
Laches in Philippine Property Law: How Delaying Your Claim Can Cost You
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling shows how laches can bar a registered owner from recovering property after unreasonable delay. Learn the rules.
When Can an Employer Claim Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of confidence justifies dismissal and bars separation pay for trusted employees guilty of misconduct.
Rape Conviction: The Nuances of Penetration and Consent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration suffices for rape, and intimidation can substitute for physical resistance.
Certification Elections Ensuring Fair Representation IN THE Workplace
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a certification election despite employer non-cooperation, ensuring workers' choice of union prevails.
When a Memo for File Counts as Resignation: Philippine Labor Law Explained
The Supreme Court explains when a memo without the word The company board interpreted this as a resignation and accepted it. Alegre later claimed he never resigned and sued for illegal dismissal.
Untimely Appeal Understanding Finality of NLRC Decisions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed NLRC finality on retrenchment rulings and why untimely appeals fail in Philippine labor cases.
Unlicensed Firearm Possession and Homicide: Lessons from People v. Tobias
The Supreme Court explains when a firearm is considered unlicensed, and why a belatedly obtained license cannot cure illegal possession.
Self Defense Claims in Philippine Criminal Law: When Do They Hold Up
Philippine courts require unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation for self-defense. Learn from People v. Tobias.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Weight of Victim Testimony and the Defenses That Failed
In People v. Cabillan, the Supreme Court affirmed a stepfather's rape conviction, showing why a victim's testimony can outweigh common defenses.
Judicial Delay: A Judge's Duty to Decide Cases Promptly in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands judge for three-year delay in deciding a case, underscoring the 90-day rule and judicial accountability.
Arson Conviction: Intentional Burning of an Inhabited House Under PD 1613
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of arson under PD 1613 when an inhabited house is burned, and how alibi and witness credibility are weighed.
Passion Provocation and Criminal Liability: Understanding Homicide in the Philippines
When does anger mitigate a killing? The Supreme Court explains passion or obfuscation, treachery, and homicide in People v. Valles.
Conspiracy and Murder: Understanding Shared Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how dying declarations, eyewitness testimony, and treachery establish murder liability beyond reasonable doubt.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: When Do They Override General Rules?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual venue stipulations bind parties and when general venue rules prevail in extrajudicial foreclosures.