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.
Mandamus vs. Quo Warranto: Choosing the Right Remedy for Public Office Disputes
Learn when to file mandamus or quo warranto in Philippine law, and how the Supreme Court's ruling in Garces v. CA guides the choice.
Attempted Rape in the Philippines: Elements, Intent, and Legal Consequences
Learn the legal distinction between consummated and attempted rape in the Philippines, including the elements of intent, overt acts, and interruption.
PCGG Sequestration Orders: Due Process and Valid Authority Requirements
The Supreme Court rules that PCGG sequestration orders require at least two Commissioners and a prima facie showing, protecting due process rights.
Overseas Workers Compensation Who Pays When Injury Strikes Abroad
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that overseas employers may not be liable for medical benefits when the host country's social insurance law places that burden on a state fund.
Forged Deeds and Property Rights: Understanding Acquisitive Prescription in the Philippines
Can a forged deed ripen into ownership through prescription? The Supreme Court explains why bad faith blocks acquisitive prescription on titled land.
Moral Turpitude and Fencing: Understanding Disqualification in Philippine Elections
Learn how a fencing conviction disqualifies candidates from local office under Philippine election law, explained in plain language.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed: The Rule on Immediate Reinstatement Pending Appeal
Learn the rule on immediate reinstatement pending appeal in illegal dismissal cases, explained through the Philippine Airlines v. NLRC ruling.
Illegal Dismissal: When Can an Employer Terminate an Employee in the Philippines
Philippine law requires just cause and due process for valid termination. This case explains serious misconduct and loss of confidence rules.
Establishing Employer-Employee Relationship Is Key to Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why proving employer-employee relationship is essential before an illegal dismissal case can prosper.
Citizenship and Election Law: Reclaiming Governance Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled on citizenship, repatriation, and election law in Frivaldo v. COMELEC, affirming that a repatriated Filipino can hold public office.
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.
How Philippine Courts Interpret Lease Agreements and Advance Deposits
Clear lease terms and receipts control contract interpretation. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on advance deposits and rescission.
Alibi Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Requirements and Limitations
Understand when alibi works as a defense in Philippine criminal cases, its legal requirements, and why courts view it with suspicion.
Condonation Doctrine: Can Re-Elected Officials Be Disciplined for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether re-election condones prior administrative misconduct of local elective officials.
Employee Misconduct and Valid Dismissal: Lessons from Flores v. NLRC
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for misconduct? The Supreme Court's ruling in Flores v. NLRC provides clear guidance.
Workplace Violence and Employee Misconduct: When Can You Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fighting in the workplace and a history of misconduct justify dismissal of an employee.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
Perfecting Appeals: The Importance of Surety Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn why posting a surety bond on time is mandatory and jurisdictional in appeals from POEA decisions to the NLRC.
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.
Injunctions and Property Rights: When Courts Will Intervene
A clear property right is essential for an injunction. The Supreme Court explains the rules in Far East Bank v. Court of Appeals.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Application and Implications
How Philippine courts apply treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explained through the 1996 Supreme Court ruling in People v. Caritativo.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws: When Does a Lighter Sentence Apply
Explaining when Philippine courts apply a new, lighter penal law retroactively, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Magtibay.
Estafa vs Breach of Contract: When a Civil Wrong Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to return leased property crosses from civil breach to criminal estafa, requiring criminal intent.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: When Does It Warrant Dismissal in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee dishonesty justifies dismissal versus when a lesser penalty like separation pay is proper.