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.
Independent Contractor or Employee? Control in Insurance Agency Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an insurance agent becomes an employee, applying the four-fold test and control standard.
Common Carrier Defined: Resort Ferry Service Under Passenger Safety Rules
Supreme Court ruling that resort ferry services are common carriers, bound by extraordinary diligence for passenger safety.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility Determining Guilt in Murder Cases
Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, alibi, conspiracy, and treachery in multiple murder convictions.
Fresh Period Rule in Administrative Cases: Panolino v. Tajala Explained
When does the Neypes fresh period rule apply? The Supreme Court clarifies it does not govern DENR administrative appeals.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Conspiracy, Victim Rights, and the High Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms a kidnap-for-ransom conviction, clarifies conspiracy liability, and adjusts damages awards for the victim.
Seafarers' Rights: Employer Liability for Illness Manifesting During Employment Despite Post-Contract Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits when illness manifests during employment but death occurs after contract term.
Insanity Plea in Parricide: Burden of Proof and the Limits of Jealous Rage
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability, and why jealous rage falls short.
Trust and Tax: Protecting Pension Funds Through Beneficial Ownership
How the Supreme Court protected a pension fund's tax-exempt income by recognizing beneficial ownership under Article 1452 of the Civil Code.
Accretion vs Public Domain: Private Land Rights Along Waterways in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accreted land along creeks belongs to private owners and when prescription applies.
Retirement Benefits: When Incentives During Corporate Reorganization Are Narrowly Interpreted
Supreme Court rules retirement gratuities under EO 756 were temporary reorganization incentives, not permanent benefits including allowances.
Constructive Dismissal: Balancing Management Prerogative and Employee Rights
Learn when a job transfer amounts to constructive dismissal under Philippine labor law and how courts balance employer prerogative with employee rights.
Eyewitness Identification Upholding Conviction Despite Informal Police Lineup in Kidnapping Case
Supreme Court affirms kidnapping conviction despite informal police lineup, ruling eyewitness identification was positive and independently reliable.
Island Provinces and the Constitution: The Dinagat Islands Creation Case
The Supreme Court struck down Republic Act No. 9355 creating Dinagat Islands province for failing population and land area requirements under the Local Government Code.
Coalition Registration Deadlines Are Mandatory in Philippine Election Law
Supreme Court rules COMELEC deadlines for coalition registration are mandatory, not merely directory, in Liberal Party v. COMELEC.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Rendering Decisions
A retired judge was fined P40,000 for failing to decide 139 cases within the mandatory 90-day period. This case explains the rules on judicial delay.
Constructive Possession When Holding Isnt Always Having IN Illegal Firearm Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains constructive possession in illegal firearm cases—what it means, how it is proven, and why custody by another person may still be possession.
Sheriffs' Duty of Diligence: Liability for Erroneous Demolition
When a sheriff demolishes the wrong property, the Court holds him administratively liable. Learn the duty of care required.
Trust Receipts vs Loan Agreements: When Misuse of Funds Is Not Estafa
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trust receipt arrangement is actually a simple loan, and why criminal liability for estafa does not follow.
Sale of Conjugal Property Without Spousal Consent: Void Contracts and Heirs' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void sales of conjugal property without spousal consent, heirs' rights, and prescription periods explained.
Midnight Appointments and the Judiciary: The De Castro Ruling on the Constitutional Ban
The Supreme Court explains why the ban on midnight appointments does not apply to judicial posts, including the Chief Justice.
Trademark Rights in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether trademark rights come from prior use or registration, and why distributors cannot own the marks they sell.
Agency and Authority: Why a Written Mandate Is Paramount in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Proximate Cause in Homicide: Liability for Unintended Fatal Consequences
A punch that led to a fatal fall still means homicide. The Supreme Court explains proximate cause and criminal liability under Article 4 of the RPC.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Probationary Employment: Protecting Teachers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term teaching contracts must yield to probationary employment rules under Philippine law.