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.
Ballot Interpretation Upholding Voter Intent in Philippine Elections
How the Supreme Court applied the neighborhood, idem sonans, and intent rules to uphold voter intent in a barangay election protest.
When a Project Employee Becomes Regular: The Imbuido Ruling on Continuous Rehiring
The Supreme Court explains when repeated fixed-term contracts convert a project employee into a regular employee entitled to security of tenure.
Regular vs Project Employee: Continuous Rehiring and Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when project employees become regular employees through continuous rehiring, securing tenure under Article 280.
Drunkenness and Misconduct: Upholding Ethical Standards in Public Service
A sheriff's habitual drunkenness, AWOL, and illegal firearm possession led to dismissal, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Loan or Trust: Resolving Estafa Charges in Investment Disputes
When does a failed investment become estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between a simple loan and a criminal trust agreement.
VAT on Services: When "Trade or Business" Does Not Require Profit Motive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT applies to services rendered for a fee even without profit motive. Learn the rules.
Tax Exemption Boundaries: PAGCOR Privileges and the Perils of Misrepresentation
Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR's tax exemption on importations does not automatically extend to concessionaires, and warns against fraudulent claims.
Ombudsmans Discretion When Courts Defer to Anti-Graft Investigations
Philippine courts defer to Ombudsman findings in anti-graft cases absent grave abuse of discretion. Learn from Morong Water District.
Treachery and Criminal Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and intent to kill are proven in murder cases, using the conviction of Maximo Hernandez as an example.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Delay and Due Process in Anti-Graft Proceedings
Explaining the Castillo v. Sandiganbayan ruling on what counts as unreasonable delay in anti-graft cases and the right to speedy disposition.
When Defense Falters Distinguishing Homicide From Murder IN Philippine LAW
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how treachery elevates a killing to murder and why alibi fails without proof of physical impossibility.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Ambush Case: The Ditche Decision
In Ditche v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court affirmed that positive identification by credible eyewitnesses outweighs the weak defense of alibi.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony: The Requisite Standard for Conviction
In rape cases, the victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction. The Supreme Court explains the standard.
Defining Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets and PCGG Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies the Sandiganbayan’s exclusive jurisdiction over incidents related to sequestered assets, reinforcing PCGG’s authority to protect ill-gotten wealth.
Protecting Childhood: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction in Child Rape Case
The Supreme Court affirms a reclusion perpetua conviction for statutory rape of a nine-year-old, clarifying rules on victim credibility, alibi, and damages.
Election Law Violation: Transferring Employees Without Comelec Approval
Supreme Court clarifies that transferring or reassigning government employees during election period without COMELEC approval violates election law.
Notarial Duty and Due Diligence: Attorneys Cannot Notarize Documents They Sign for Others
A lawyer who signs a verification for clients and then notarizes it violates the Notarial Law. The Supreme Court explains the limits of a notary's duties.
Self Defense Claim Fails Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Murder Cases
Examining the Supreme Court's ruling on self-defense claims in murder cases, and the burden of proof required to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Power Rate Differentials: When Regulators May Favor Utilities Over Direct Consumers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ERB authority to set power rate differentials between utilities and direct industrial consumers.
Wage Order Obligations: Contractor and Principal Liability in Security Service Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security agencies can recover wage order increases from principals under solidary liability rules.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Law: The Ricafranca Case on Unlicensed Firearms
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery, conspiracy, and the effect of R.A. 8294 on murder committed with unlicensed firearms.
Official Duty vs Personal Liability: Defining Immunity in Defamation Cases
Can a diplomat or international organization worker claim immunity for defamation? The Supreme Court clarifies when official duty ends and personal liability begins.
When Family Ties Meet Election Law: Disqualification for Acts of Terrorism
A spouse can be disqualified from office for election terrorism committed by her husband when the acts enhance her candidacy.
Diplomatic Immunity vs Defamation: The Liang Case and Limits of Official Acts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ADB staff immunity, defamation, and why diplomatic immunity is not absolute for criminal acts.