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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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.
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.
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.
Serious Misconduct in the Workplace: Understanding Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains what constitutes serious misconduct and the due process requirements for valid employee dismissal in the Philippines.
When Can a Court Employee Be Dismissed for Immorality: The Badel Case
The Supreme Court explains when immorality warrants dismissal versus suspension for court employees, using the Badel case as a guide.
Timber License Agreements and Laches: Lessons from C & M Timber v. Alcala
The Supreme Court clarifies laches, policy shifts, and the revocable nature of timber licenses in C & M Timber v. Alcala.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law treats rape committed by a father against his daughter, including the role of moral ascendancy.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements and when force is justified. Learn from the Moreno case.
Seaworthiness and Insurance Subrogation in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipowner liability for unseaworthy vessels, insurer subrogation rights, and the limited liability rule.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: When SEC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Regular Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dispute between stockholders falls under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Real Property Tax Sales: Why Proper Notice and Jurisdiction Matter
The Supreme Court nullifies a tax delinquency sale for lack of notice to the owner and absence of local government jurisdiction.
Rape and Consent: How Philippine Law Treats Force, Intimidation, and a Victim's Testimony
In People v. Rabosa, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's rape conviction and explained why physical resistance, healed lacerations, and calm behavior do not defeat a victim's testimony.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Is Dismissal Justified?
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that loss of trust and confidence must rest on a clear, willful breach — not on an honest misunderstanding over allowances.
Perfecting Contracts Understanding Offer Acceptance AND Reconveyance IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what makes a binding contract, and why reconveyance is not a substitute for rescission.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish equitable mortgages from absolute sales to protect property owners from hidden credit arrangements.
Estate Tax Collection: BIR Authority vs. Probate Court Jurisdiction
Supreme Court ruling on whether the BIR can levy estate properties without probate court approval, and the finality of tax assessments.
Final Judgments Are Immutable: Goking v. Villaraza on Execution Limits
A final judgment cannot be altered through a motion for execution. Goking v. Villaraza explains the limits of post-judgment remedies.
Solidary Liability of Corporate Officers: When Are They Liable for Illegal Dismissal
Corporate officers can be held personally liable for illegal dismissal when they act in bad faith, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Establishing Paternity in the Philippines: Navigating Recognition and Support
Learn how Philippine courts establish paternity for illegitimate children and their right to support, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Family Disputes and Property Rights: Extrajudicial Settlements and Reconveyance
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when family members must attempt compromise before suing and how reconveyance works for wrongfully registered property.
Succession and Labor Claims: Can Employee Claims Survive the Death of an Employer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether employee money claims survive an employer's death and who bears liability.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of Persons Deprived of Reason in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that rape of a mentally incapacitated person can be proven through circumstantial evidence, securing justice for voiceless victims.
Lease Abandonment and Tenant Rights: The Paterno v. Court of Appeals Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Paterno v. Court of Appeals clarifies when a tenant's departure amounts to lease abandonment and what it means for landlords and occupants.