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.
Permanent Total Disability in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Compensation
Understand permanent total disability under Philippine law, how it differs from partial disability, and what the GSIS vs. Bella ruling means for employees.
Red Flags and False Promises: How to Spot Illegal Recruiters in the Philippines
Learn how to spot illegal recruiters in the Philippines through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Hernandez, with practical red flags and legal remedies.
Limits of Judicial Power: When Courts Cannot Enjoin the Comelec
Philippine jurisprudence explains why lower courts cannot issue injunctions against the COMELEC, and the limits of judicial power over election matters.
Force and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Why Silence Is Not Consent (People v. Marabillas)
Explaining how Philippine courts define force and intimidation in rape, and why a victim's silence or lack of resistance does not mean consent.
Misappropriation vs Private Property: Understanding Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that malversation requires public property. A mayor's custody of a private gun is not malversation.
Filing Deadlines vs Public Interest: SC Ruling on Foreshore Land Reversion
Supreme Court ruling on whether the OSG's late appeal brief should be excused when foreshore land reversion involves public interest.
Consent Is Key: Why the Sweetheart Defense Fails in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a supposed love affair cannot justify rape, and why consent must be proven, not assumed.
Cashier Negligence and Liability: Safeguarding Public Funds in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cashier negligence and accountability for lost public funds, with rules on safekeeping and COA relief.
Civil Service Coverage in the Philippines: Clarifying Exemptions for Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that all government agencies, including intelligence bureaus, fall under civil service coverage despite statutory exemptions.
Defining Status Quo Ante in Philippine Injunctions: Verzosa v. Court of Appeals
Learn how the Supreme Court defines "status quo ante" in injunctions, and why amended complaints relate back to the original filing date.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Security of Tenure for Private School Teachers: The NAMAWU v. San Ildefonso College Ruling
When do private school teachers gain permanent status, and what does illegal dismissal mean? The Supreme Court's ruling in NAMAWU v. San Ildefonso College provides clear answers.
Separation of Powers: Why Courts Stay Out of Senate Leadership Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why it dismissed a quo warranto petition challenging the Senate minority leader's selection, citing separation of powers.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: When Officers Face Criminal Risk in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers are criminally liable for bouncing checks under BP 22, including defenses and penalties.
Grave Coercion vs. Illegal Detention: How Intent Shapes Philippine Criminal Liability
Philippine law distinguishes grave coercion from illegal detention by the accused's intent. Learn how the Supreme Court applies this test.
Judicial Impartiality When Prior Involvement In A Case Disqualifies A Judge
A judge who previously served as prosecutor must inhibit from the case. Rule 137, Section 1 explained.
Kidnapping for Ransom with Murder: The Special Complex Crime Explained
Philippine law treats kidnapping for ransom that ends in death as one special complex crime. Learn the rule from People v. Ramos.
Reinstatement or Separation Pay: Understanding Illegal Dismissal Remedies in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts decide between reinstatement and separation pay in illegal dismissal cases, using a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Delayed Reporting in Rape Cases: Why Fear and Trauma Don't Discredit a Victim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that delayed reporting of rape doesn't automatically discredit a victim's testimony.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What People v. Larin Teaches About Child Protection
Understand lascivious conduct under RA 7610 through People v. Larin, and how Philippine law protects children from sexual abuse.
Corporate Authority in Property Sales: Why Board Approval Matters in the Philippines
A corporate officer cannot sell company land without board approval. Learn the due diligence steps to protect your property transaction.
Bouncing Checks in Business Partnerships: Avoiding Criminal Liability Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a bouncing check in a partnership dissolution is not a crime under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Parental Consent in Philippine Adoption: Upholding Natural Parents' Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when a natural parent's consent is required for adoption and what abandonment truly means under Philippine law.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at People v. Ebrada, where the Supreme Court rejected self-defense and upheld treachery in a fatal stabbing.