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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Judicial Delay Consequences: Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days
The Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for failing to decide cases within the 90-day constitutional period, as shown in Lopez v. Alon.
Understanding Arbitration Clauses in Philippine Construction Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies that broad arbitration clauses in construction contracts cover all disputes arising from the contract, including claims for fees on work subcontracted by the owner.
Highway Robbery vs Robbery with Homicide: Key Distinctions Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a hold-up on a Philippine highway is highway robbery under P.D. 532 or robbery with homicide under the Revised Penal Code.
Rape Conviction and Credibility: How Intimidation and Witness Testimony Shape Philippine Rape Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and intimidation in rape cases, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Perfecting Appeals Understanding Timelines AND Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Courts
Learn why filing a motion for reconsideration with the NLRC is mandatory before seeking certiorari from the Supreme Court.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
The Supreme Court explains the three requisites of self-defense under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code and when using force is justified.
Treachery in Philippine Law: When Does an Attack Qualify as Murder
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is treachery-qualified murder and when it remains only homicide, with practical guidance.
Rape Conviction and Identification: Understanding the Burden of Proof in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies proof beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases, distinguishing positive identification from mere speculation.
Rape Conviction: Penetration and Credibility of Child Witnesses in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that slight penetration suffices for rape and that young victims' testimonies deserve full credence.
Illegal Dismissal: Understanding Backwages and Separation Pay in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law computes backwages and separation pay for illegally dismissed employees, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Treachery in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Ocsimar
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery must be proven as clearly as the crime itself, and a stab from behind does not automatically qualify as murder.
Back Wages vs. Separation Pay: Employee Rights When a Business Closes in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine employees get separation pay but not back wages after business closure, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Bail in the Philippines: When Is a Hearing Required in Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that bail in capital offenses requires a hearing, even if the prosecution recommends bail.
When Running for Senator Moots a Presidential Election Protest
The Supreme Court explains when a candidate's election to another office abandons and moots a pending presidential election protest.
Termination of School Administrators: Qualification Standards and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when schools may terminate administrators for lacking qualifications, and the due process required.
Employers Burden of Proof in Justifying Loss of Trust and Confidence in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers must prove just cause for dismissal based on loss of trust and confidence, not merely allege it.
Public Bidding in Government Contracts: The NFA Security Services Case
The Supreme Court nullified NFA's negotiated security contracts, reaffirming that public bidding is the rule in government procurement, not the exception.
When Can the BOI Amend a Company's Registration? A Look at First Lepanto Ceramics
The Supreme Court clarifies the BOI's discretion to amend a registered enterprise's product line, even amid pending violation cases.
When Can a Mortgage on Public Land Be Void: DBP v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mortgaging land under a free patent application is void and what makes a mortgage valid.
Understanding Substituted Service and Extrinsic Fraud in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Learn how Philippine courts treat substituted service of summons and extrinsic fraud in ejectment cases, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Incestuous Rape: Fear Explains Delay in Reporting Sexual Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how fear and terror in incestuous rape justify a victim's delay in reporting sexual abuse to authorities.
When Lack of Resistance Negates a Rape Charge: Understanding Consent in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a complainant's failure to resist can cast reasonable doubt on a rape charge, and what this means for proving force and intimidation.
Handling Court Funds: Duties and Liabilities of Court Personnel in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's liability for mishandling consignation deposits, fiduciary funds, and JDF collections.
Rape Conviction and the Weight of Credible Testimony: Protecting Victims' Rights in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, underscoring the power of a credible victim's testimony and the limits of the alibi defense.