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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When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.
Rape and Statutory Rape: Understanding the Nuances of Consent and Age in Philippine Law
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the key difference between statutory rape and rape by force, and why proving the victim's age matters.
Accretion vs Reclamation: Understanding Land Ownership Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes accretion from reclamation for land ownership. Learn the rules, burdens, and practical implications.
Loss of Confidence and Illegal Dismissal: The Burden of Proof in Labor Cases
A look at when employers can claim loss of confidence and how the burden of proof works in illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
The Best Evidence Rule: Proving Payment and Authority in Philippine Law
Philippine National Bank v. Court of Appeals clarifies when the best evidence rule requires producing an original document to prove payment and agency authority.
When Can an Employer Assign Tasks Outside Your Job Description? Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law limits management prerogative. Learn when an employer can assign tasks outside your job description and your rights.
Speedy Trial Rights, Dismissals, and Double Jeopardy in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for failure to prosecute violates due process and when double jeopardy protects the accused.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims against treachery in murder cases, using the Lapura ruling.
State Witness vs Prosecution Witness: Key Differences in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between a state witness and a prosecution witness in criminal cases.
Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Testimony: Understanding Credibility in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape conviction can rest solely on the victim's credible testimony, and why force or intimidation is judged from the victim's perspective.
Carnapping With Homicide: Liability and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court upheld a carnapping-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining liability rules under RA 6539.
When Does Robbery Become Highway Robbery Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a street robbery becomes highway robbery under PD 532, and explains attempted robbery with homicide.
Understanding Complex Crime When ONE ACT Leads TO Multiple Felonies IN The Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats a single act causing multiple felonies, using the robbery-with-homicide ruling in People v. Silan.
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.
Rape Conviction Despite Intact Hymen: The Legal Definition of Rape in the Philippines
Philippine law does not require a broken hymen to prove rape. Entry into the labia is enough. Learn the legal definition.
Builder in Good Faith in the Philippines: Rights Under Property Law
When can a mistaken builder claim good faith under Philippine law? The Supreme Court's ruling in Pleasantville clarifies the rights of builders and landowners.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Witnesses and the Weakness of Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why witness credibility prevails over alibi and how trivial inconsistencies do not destroy a complainant's testimony.
Simulated Contracts and Deeds of Sale: What Philippine Law Requires for Valid Transfer of Title
Philippine law on deeds of sale explained: why registration matters, what makes a sale valid, and the risks of simulated contracts.
Conspiracy and Drug Transportation: What Philippine Law Requires
How the Supreme Court upheld a drug conspiracy conviction based on circumstantial evidence and the act of transporting heroin.