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.
Habeas Corpus in the Philippines: Understanding Its Limits and Proper Use in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is proper in criminal cases, using a 1999 death penalty ruling as guide.
Ejectment Suits Staying Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle stays of execution in ejectment cases pending appeal, including the rules on posting supersedeas bonds and the limits of appellate relief.
Single Witness Testimony: How It Can Lead to a Murder Conviction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when the testimony of one eyewitness is enough to convict for murder, and how delay in reporting is excused.
Reasonable Attorneys Fees in the Philippines: Understanding Quantum Meruit
Learn how Philippine courts determine reasonable attorney's fees under quantum meruit, with key rules from Pimentel v. Court of Appeals.
Confessions to Media in Philippine Law: The Domantay Case on Custodial Investigation
When are confessions to media admissible in Philippine courts? The Domantay case explains the limits of custodial investigation rights.
Philippine Contract Law: When Written Agreements Prevail Over Verbal Claims
Explaining Gold Loop Properties v. PITC, where the Supreme Court upheld a written contract over claims of a different verbal agreement.
Voluntary Confessions and Custodial Rights: Lessons from People v. Bacor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an extrajudicial confession is admissible, the role of counsel, and what makes a valid waiver of rights.
Valid Confession in Philippine Law: When Your Words Can Be Used Against You
Learn when a confession is valid and admissible in Philippine courts, and how constitutional rights during custodial investigation protect accused persons.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Novation Is Not a Get-Out-of-Jail Free Card: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when novation can extinguish criminal liability in estafa cases, and when it cannot.
Safeguarding Suffrage When CAN Philippine Elections GO Manual
When can Philippine elections shift from automated to manual counting? The Supreme Court explains in Loong v. COMELEC.
Business Records as Evidence: Proving Contractual Debt in Philippine Courts
Learn when business records like computer printouts are admissible evidence in Philippine courts, and why authentication matters in proving contractual debts.
Dying Declarations in Philippine Law: How Victim Testimony Secures Justice
Philippine courts rely on victim testimony, even without physical evidence, to convict in rape cases. Learn the rules.
Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Victim-Centric Approach
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a child's credible testimony, clarifying that an intact hymen does not negate rape.
Retrenchment and Redundancy in the Philippines: Employer Rights and Employee Protections
Philippine law allows retrenchment and redundancy as valid grounds for dismissal. This article explains the rules employers must follow and the protections workers retain.
Sheriffs Duty to Enforce Court Decisions Without Unnecessary Delay
A sheriff's ministerial duty to execute final judgments is explained through an administrative case on dereliction of duty.
Force and Intimidation in Philippine Rape Cases: Lessons from People vs. Alquizalas
How Philippine courts define force and intimidation in rape cases, and why victim resistance is not required to prove the crime.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: What It Means for Speedy Justice in the Philippines
The 90-day rule requires Philippine judges to decide cases promptly. Learn how it works, what happens on delay, and the lessons from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Union Dues and Employee Rights: Ensuring Legal Check-Offs in the Philippines
Philippine law on union dues check-off explained: what employees must know about authorized deductions, consent, and their rights under labor rules.
Lost Your Appeal Understanding Certiorari AND Final Judgments IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts treat petitions for review on certiorari, final judgments, and due process in administrative proceedings.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Proving Your Case Even Without a Termination Letter
Illegal dismissal can be proven even without a termination letter. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Unfounded Misconduct Claims: Protecting Public Servants From False Accusations
Learn how Philippine jurisprudence protects employees from baseless misconduct allegations and requires employers to prove just cause for dismissal.
Legal Interest Rates in the Philippines: When Does 6% vs 12% Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 6% or 12% legal interest applies—loans and forbearance versus other obligations. Learn the rules.
Sheriffs' Breach of Trust, Integrity, and Accountability in Philippine Public Service
A deputy sheriff who failed to remit collected judgment funds was dismissed for grave dishonesty and serious misconduct, affirming strict standards for court personnel.