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.
Extortion Under the Color of Authority: Understanding Simple Robbery in the Philippines
When court employees demand money to perform official duties, they commit simple robbery. The Supreme Court explains why in Peralta v. People.
Proving Intimidation in Contracts: The Ortigas Land Dispute and the Burden of Proof
Philippine law presumes contracts valid. Learn how the Supreme Court requires clear evidence to prove intimidation or undue influence.
Illegal Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Proving Your Case in the Philippines
When is a resignation not voluntary? Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal dismissal from resignation and who bears the burden of proof.
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.
Distinguishing Robbery From Theft The Necessity of Violence or Intimidation in Taking Personal Property
The Supreme Court clarifies when a snatching is theft, not robbery, and what the prosecution must prove.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: What Philippine Law Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and not regular employees, and what this means for termination rights.
Surety’s Liability: The Extent and Limits Under Philippine Law
Understand the scope of a surety’s obligations in the Philippines, including liability limits, defenses, and key legal principles.
Defining Regular Employment Security Benefits FOR Seasonal Farm Workers IN THE Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal farm workers are regular employees entitled to SSS coverage and benefits under Philippine law.
Accountability in Conspiracy: Shared Criminal Intent Under Philippine Law
How Philippine courts infer conspiracy from concerted acts, making each participant equally liable for murder even without direct evidence of a prior agreement.
Challenging Election Results: Strict Rules for Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for pre-proclamation controversies in Philippine election law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Saño v. COMELEC.
Minor Defects in Election Returns Do Not Justify Exclusion from Canvass
The Supreme Court rules that minor defects in election returns are not grounds for exclusion in a pre-proclamation controversy.
Mootness in Election Contests: When Expiration of Term Ends the Legal Fight
Expiration of an elective office's term can render an election contest moot. Learn the rule from Baldo v. COMELEC.
Upholding Comelec Discretion in Pre-Proclamation Controversies
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec's broad discretion in dismissing pre-proclamation disputes, emphasizing limited scope of review and proper remedies.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale With Right to Repurchase: Price and Intent
When is a "sale with right to repurchase" really an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the role of price adequacy and intent.
Judicial Integrity: Misappropriation of Court Funds Leads to Dismissal and Restitution
Supreme Court dismisses two court clerks for misappropriating over P4 million in judiciary funds, ordering joint restitution and forfeiture of benefits.
Employee Dishonesty and Breach of Trust: When Is Dismissal Justified
Explore when Philippine courts uphold dismissal for employee dishonesty and breach of trust, and the due process requirements employers must satisfy.
Burden of Proof in Constructive Dismissal Cases Philippine Labor Law Explained
Understand the burden of proof in constructive dismissal cases under Philippine labor law, and how employees can establish illegal dismissal claims.
Fixed-Term Contracts in the Philippines: When Are They Valid? Caparoso v. Court of Appeals Explained
Understand when fixed-term employment contracts are valid in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Caparoso v. Court of Appeals.
Fraud Voids Donations: Protecting Consent in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how fraud and misrepresentation invalidate donations, protecting illiterate donors' consent in property transfers.
No-Spouse Policies in the Philippines: What the Star Paper Ruling Means
Philippine employers cannot enforce no-spouse rules without clear business necessity. The Star Paper ruling explains why.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title, emphasizing that strict evidentiary standards must yield to practical realities.
When Redundancy Becomes Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from Lopez Sugar Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a redundancy program is a valid management prerogative and when it becomes an illegal dismissal.
Pre-Trial Stipulations Enforceability and Binding Effect on Parties
How stipulations made during pre-trial bind parties and the court, with rules on enforceability under Philippine procedure.
Eyewitness Testimony, Confessions, and Conspiracy: Lessons from the Payumo Massacre Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in the Payumo Massacre case clarifies the rules on eyewitness credibility, inadmissible confessions, and conspiracy in Philippine criminal law.