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.
Understanding Kidnapping for Ransom: Legal Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the elements of kidnapping for ransom under Philippine law and why alibis rarely prevail against positive identification.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: Insights from Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between voluntary resignation and constructive dismissal in Pascual v. Sitel Philippines Corporation.
Understanding Probable Cause in Public Procurement: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in public procurement cases, emphasizing that mere signature on documents does not prove bad faith.
Understanding Incestuous Rape Standards and Victim Credibility in Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies legal standards for incestuous rape and how courts assess victim credibility in such cases.
Understanding Demurrers to Evidence: When Can You Challenge the Prosecution's Case
A demurrer to evidence lets an accused challenge the prosecution's case. But denial cannot be attacked via certiorari, as Espinosa v. Sandiganbayan shows.
Substantial Evidence in Labor Dismissals: When the Supreme Court Steps In
Explore when the Supreme Court reviews factual findings in labor cases, and how substantial evidence supports valid employee dismissal.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody—what Section 21 requires and why witness presence matters.
Brokers Entitlement Establishing Procuring Cause IN Real Estate Joint Ventures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission in a joint venture deal, explained in plain language.
Substantial Compliance in Verification: When Procedural Lapses Still Cost the Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with verification rules cannot excuse a belatedly filed motion for reconsideration in civil cases.
Understanding the Principle of Totality of Infractions in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the totality of infractions principle works in Philippine labor law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on employee dismissal.
Presence During Hazing as Prima Facie Evidence: The Supreme Court's Ruling on the Anti-Hazing Law
The Supreme Court upheld the Anti-Hazing Law's presumption that presence during hazing is prima facie evidence of participation as a principal.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Sets Social Media Evidence Rules
The Supreme Court affirms that Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, setting guidelines on proving social media authorship and raising penalties for ICT use.
Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms that public Facebook posts causing mental anguish constitute psychological violence under RA 9262, with higher penalties for ICT use.
Disbarment for Disrespect: Upholding Judicial Authority and Ethical Conduct in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for repeated abuse of court processes, dilatory tactics, and disrespect toward a Court of Appeals justice.
Falsifying MCLE Compliance Numbers: A Supreme Court Lesson in Professional Integrity
Learn how a lawyer's use of a fictitious MCLE number led to disbarment, and what it means for every Philippine practitioner.
Reasonable Doubt in Administrative Cases: Daquioag v. Ombudsman
In Daquioag v. Ombudsman, the Supreme Court reversed a grave misconduct finding, underscoring that substantial evidence—not mere suspicion—is required in administrative cases.
When a Motorcycle Ride Makes a Killing Murder: People v. Padal Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows how using a motorcycle to chase a victim can elevate a killing from homicide to murder under Philippine law.
Protecting Minors: Lascivious Conduct and the Scope of R.A. 7610 in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when acts of lasciviousness against minors fall under R.A. 7610, and the proper penalties.
Due Process in Termination: Ensuring Fair Dismissal Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn the rules for valid dismissal in the Philippines—substantive and procedural due process, and what happens when employers fail to comply.
Due Process and Employee Dismissal: Balancing Rights and Employer Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin-notice rule in dismissals and when a flawed procedure still yields a valid termination.
Due Process and Employee Dismissal: Balancing Just Cause With Procedural Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal without just cause is illegal even if procedural notice was given, entitling the employee to backwages and separation pay.
Illegal Dismissal: Probable Cause Alone Does Not Justify Termination
Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause for qualified theft does not automatically justify an employee's dismissal; substantial evidence is required.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Testimony and Physical Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts weigh testimony and medical findings in rape cases, acquitting on two counts for insufficient evidence.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Consequences for Disregarding Court Directives
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on the unconstitutionality of the overseas partisan political activity ban and its implications for free speech.