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.
Securing Shareholder Rights: Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Corporate Disputes
Understand when Philippine courts grant preliminary injunctions in corporate disputes, using the Ortañez-Enderes case as a guide to shareholder rights.
Deadline Missed: Understanding Election Protest Filing Periods in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-day period to file an election protest is suspended, and when it is not.
Invalid Government Appointments: How Unpublished Decrees Affect Public Servants' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on how unpublished presidential decrees create no valid offices, and why automatic absorption of employees is unconstitutional.
Lawyer Ethics Matter: Why Misconduct Investigations Proceed Despite Complainant Withdrawal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer disciplinary cases continue despite complainant withdrawal, and silence is not admission of guilt.
What Constitutes Inducement to Commit a Crime: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains when words or orders amount to "inducement" making one a principal by induction, using a kidnapping case.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Government-Owned Corporations: The PNCC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies SEC jurisdiction over GOCCs organized under the Corporation Code, using the PNCC dispute as a landmark example.
When Fraud in Election Returns Does Not Justify a Declaration of Failed Election
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election fraud warrants a failure of election declaration versus an election protest.
Due Process in Elections: When COMELEC Cannot Invalidate Votes
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's cancellation of a candidate's nickname votes for lack of notice and hearing, reaffirming due process in election cases.
Filing Fees in Philippine Election Protests: Jurisdictional Rules and Timelines
Philippine election protest filing fees are jurisdictional. Late payment does not cure defects. Learn the rules and deadlines.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Good Faith Fails as a Defense
Good faith may defend falsification charges, but it must be proven. Resoso v. Sandiganbayan shows why authorization and documentation matter.
NLRC Appeal Bond Rules: Why Missing the Deadline Kills Your Labor Appeal
Learn why failing to post the NLRC appeal bond on time can dismiss your labor appeal, and how the DORELCO case shapes the rules.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Notice and Hearing Requirements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on due process in employee dismissal, appeal bonds, and finality of labor arbiter decisions.
Decoding Redemption Periods in Philippine Property Law: The 12-Month Rule
Understand the 12-month redemption period under Philippine law, how it is computed, and why timing matters in property auctions.
Credibility of Rape Victim Testimony: Why Delay in Reporting Does Not Undermine Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape victim credibility, delayed reporting, and why a paraplegic victim's testimony prevailed.
Philippine Election Districting: Ensuring Fair Representation in Local Governance
How the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to divide provinces into Sangguniang Panlalawigan districts, and what "equitable apportionment" really means.
Palpable Mistakes in Stipulations: Correcting Factual Errors in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts may correct factual errors in stipulations when made through palpable mistake, as shown in Atlas Consolidated Mining v. CIR.
When Absence Is Not Abandonment: Understanding Illegal Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's absences do not amount to abandonment, protecting workers from illegal dismissal.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: When Presence Means Guilt
Under Philippine law, conspiracy makes every participant equally liable for a crime, even without inflicting the fatal blow. People v. Gallo explains how.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability in the Philippines: Accomplice vs Principal Liability
Understanding Philippine criminal liability through People v. Sarabia, explaining self-defense, treachery, and the distinction between accomplice and principal liability.
NLRC Remand Orders and Due Process in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NLRC may remand labor cases for further proceedings without violating due process rights.
Treachery and Passion: Understanding Murder and Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when sudden attacks qualify as treachery and why passion and obfuscation may reduce criminal liability.
When Does Withholding Tax Obligation Arise? Filipinas Synthetic Fiber Corp. v. CA
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the duty to withhold tax on payments to foreign corporations arises—at accrual or payment.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law: When Is It Enough for Conviction
When can Philippine courts convict based on circumstantial evidence? Learn the rules and limits from People v. Apelado.