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.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Homicide: Supreme Court Clarifies Penalty and Damages
Supreme Court modifies kidnapping conviction to special complex crime of kidnapping for ransom with homicide, affirming reclusion perpetua and awarding damages.
Service Charges and CBA Terms: When Negotiated Contracts Are Exempt in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service charges are due under a CBA, and how negotiated contracts and special rates are exempt.
Treachery and Self-Defense in Murder Conviction: People v. De Los Santos
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction where treachery attended killing and self-defense claim failed for lack of unlawful aggression.
Malversation Through Falsification: Upholding Accountability in Philippine Public Office
A BIR agent's conviction for malversation through falsification shows how Philippine courts penalize public fund misappropriation and enforce restitution.
Balancing Housing Rights and Public Interest in Philippine Eviction Law
Supreme Court clarifies when evictions without court orders are allowed under RA 7279, and why procedural rules matter in constitutional challenges.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employers Must Substantiate Claims of Payment
Employers who claim they paid workers' wages and benefits must prove it with payroll records. Learn the rule from a 2014 Supreme Court case.
Accidental Shooting Defense in Parricide: Proving Intent Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Explore how Philippine courts rejected an accidental shooting defense in parricide, analyzing circumstantial evidence and criminal intent.
Indirect Contempt and Due Process: Why Hearings Matter in Ejectment Cases
The Supreme Court explains when non-appearance at a preliminary conference justifies judgment without further hearing, and what this means for due process.
Amending Lease Contracts: Upholding Written Agreements and Preventing Unjust Enrichment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease amendments, judicial admissions, and why unjust enrichment claims fail when a lessee violates the contract.
Real Party in Interest: Who Can Sue in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies the real party in interest rule in G.R. No. 205179, explaining who may properly bring suit.
When Labor Officials Cannot Appeal: The Real Party-in-Interest Rule
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that quasi-judicial officers like the Labor Secretary cannot appeal adverse appellate decisions, reinforcing judicial detachment.
Vehicle Accidents and Utility Posts: Liability Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability when a vehicle damages utility infrastructure, including negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Forged Signatures and Void Sales: Protecting Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a sale based on forged signatures, protecting conjugal property and heirs' rights under Philippine law.
Reckless Imprudence Penalty Corrected in Road Accident Conviction
SC clarifies proper penalties for reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries, correcting CA's erroneous penalty imposition.
Partial Payment of Filing Fees in BP 22 Cases: The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Access to Justice
The Supreme Court allows complainants in multiple BP 22 cases to pay filing fees per case, ensuring access to justice.
Upholding Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Presumption of Regularity
Philippine Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, explaining chain of custody rules and presumption of regularity in police work under RA 9165.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: New Offenses and Due Process
Learn when Philippine courts can revoke probation for a new offense, and what due process requires in revocation proceedings.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Reversal of Rape Conviction Due to Insufficient Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome presumption of innocence, reaffirming proof beyond reasonable doubt standard.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Ensure Fair Hearing and the Scope of Nominal Damages
Supreme Court clarifies employers' duty to observe procedural due process in dismissals and the proper basis for awarding nominal damages.
Concubinage, Condonation, and the Ombudsman's Power: Key Lessons from Busuego v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court clarifies when a wife's knowledge of infidelity amounts to condonation of concubinage, and affirms the Ombudsman's broad investigative powers over public officers.
Default Judgments and Due Process: Proving Ownership Claims in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that default judgments still require proof of claims, and bare allegations cannot establish ownership of property.
Partition Rights CO Ownership VS Prior Judgment IN Philippine Property LAW
Supreme Court clarifies that a default judgment cannot substitute for proof of co-ownership, and a tax declaration alone does not establish title.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that police non-compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules can defeat drug prosecutions.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Child Witness Credibility and the Hymenal Laceration Myth
The Supreme Court affirms a grandfather's qualified rape conviction, holding that an intact hymen does not negate rape and that a child's credible testimony suffices.