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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Alibi vs Eyewitness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Decide Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when alibi fails against positive eyewitness identification, and how minority affects sentencing in murder cases.
Quieting Title vs Boundary Disputes: What Property Owners Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quieting of title applies and why boundary disputes need different legal remedies.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility, Delay in Reporting, and Minor Inconsistencies
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite minor testimony inconsistencies and delayed reporting; explains credibility rules for victims.
Conspiracy and Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how trial court credibility findings and circumstantial evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Right of First Refusal and Ownership Proof in Philippine Real Estate Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts resolve property ownership disputes and partition actions, emphasizing evidence rules and prescription periods.
Security Guard Accountability: The Importance of Evidence in Termination Cases
When can a security agency dismiss a guard for a lost firearm? The Supreme Court clarifies the substantial evidence rule in illegal dismissal cases.
Robbery With Homicide: How Intent to Gain and Taking Are Established
Philippine Supreme Court explains how intent to gain and the element of taking are proven in robbery with homicide cases.
Overseas Employment Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of a seafarer, covering due process, overtime pay, and overseas employment contract rights.
Understanding Seafarer Dismissal Rights and Employer Duties in the Philippines
Learn the rules on seafarer dismissal in the Philippines from a Supreme Court case on illegal termination, due process, and overtime pay.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Key Elements and Practical Implications
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of self-defense and treachery in People v. Isleta, offering practical guidance for criminal cases.
TAX Exemption FOR Government Corporations Understanding Restoration AND Real Property TAX
The Supreme Court rules on the validity of restored tax exemptions for government corporations and real property tax liability.
When a Labor Arbiter's Decision Becomes Final: The Strict Rules on NLRC Appeals
Learn the mandatory requirements for perfecting an NLRC appeal and why a mere letter of protest cannot stop a final labor decision.
When Layoffs Become Illegal: Labor Disputes and Management Prerogatives
Learn when layoffs cross the line into illegal dismissal, and why strict appeal rules in labor cases matter for employers and employees.
Circumstantial Evidence and the Right Against Self-Incrimination in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction and why the right against self-incrimination does not cover physical evidence.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Legally Defend Yourself?
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, including unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation.
Overcoming the Onus of Proving Increased Risk for Compensation Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving increased risk of non-occupational diseases for employees' compensation claims under PD 626.
Annulment of Contracts: Fraud and Consent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when fraud vitiates consent in contracts, using a land sale case as example.
Redundancy Programs and Fair Dismissals: Lessons from Capitol Wireless
The Supreme Court clarifies that redundancy dismissals require fair criteria and due process, not just a valid business reason.
Can a CBA Override Minimum Wage Laws? Lessons from Manila Fashions v. NLRC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a CBA can condone or waive mandatory wage order increases, and why minimum wage laws prevail.
Robbery With Homicide: Conspiracy and Constitutional Rights in Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court case explains conspiracy in robbery with homicide and the exclusionary rule for evidence from illegal arrests.
Navigating Retirement Benefits When Financial Assistance Becomes an Illegal Pension Plan
The Supreme Court ruled that SSS Resolution No. 56 was an illegal supplementary retirement plan under RA 4968, voiding financial assistance claims.
Understanding Recall Elections Limitations AND Implications IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the one-year ban on recall elections and what "regular local election" means under the Local Government Code.
Understanding Evident Premeditation and Self-Dense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts prove evident premeditation and evaluate self-defense claims, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Parricide in the Philippines: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can prove parricide beyond reasonable doubt in People v. De Vera.