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.
VAT Zero-Rating for Hotel Services to International Airlines: The Manila Peninsula Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when hotel accommodations for international flight crews qualify for VAT zero-rating under the NIRC.
Insanity Defense in Philippine Law: When Mental Illness Excuses Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability under Article 12 of the Revised Penal Code.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases: Proving Guilt Without Eyewitnesses
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in murder and arson cases, explained through the Camarse ruling.
Money Laundering Prosecution Can Proceed Independently of Unlawful Activity Requires Proof Beyond Reasonable D
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that money laundering cases may proceed independently of predicate crimes, but the unlawful activity's elements must still be proven.
Philippine Airlines v. Yañez: When Workplace Conduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may discipline employees for creating a hostile work environment, even absent explicit sexual demands.
Proving Cargo Damage Claims: Evidence Rules and Res Ipsa Loquitur
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to prove cargo damage claims and when res ipsa loquitur applies.
Understanding the Limits of Private Complainants in Challenging Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat private complainants' appeals in criminal case dismissals, including standing and procedural rules.
SALN Dishonesty and Concealed Assets: De Castro v. Field Investigation Office
Supreme Court ruling on SALN dishonesty, concealed assets in children's names, and why omission amounts to grave administrative offense.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Homicide Cases: What the Supreme Court Requires
Understand when self-defense fails in Philippine criminal law and how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, based on a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Qualified Theft and Circumstantial Evidence: When Conviction Stands Without Direct Proof
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for qualified theft, and how courts fix the value of stolen goods.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: Lessons from Centennial Guarantee v. Universal Motors
Explaining when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal and how a surety's liability on an injunction bond is limited.
Airport Frisking and Drug Transportation: Upholding Convictions on Reasonable Searches and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court affirms a drug transport conviction, ruling airport frisking is a valid search and the chain of custody of seized shabu was unbroken.
Airline Breach of Contract of Carriage: Nominal Damages for Flight Disruptions
When do flight disruptions give rise to nominal damages? The Supreme Court clarifies airline and travel agent liability for breach of contract of carriage.
Self-Defense Claim Fails Without Unlawful Aggression in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, holding that self-defense requires proof of unlawful aggression, which was absent when the victim was unarmed and attacked suddenly.
Warsaw Convention Limits Philippine Courts' Jurisdiction Over International Air Travel Claims
Philippine courts lack jurisdiction over claims arising from international flights under the Warsaw Convention, as shown in Lhuillier v. British Airways.
Gender Equality in Retirement: Challenging Discriminatory Collective Bargaining Agreements
When can a flight attendant challenge a discriminatory retirement age in court? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction over CBA provisions.
The Perils of Oversight: Delineating Negligence and Liability in Medical Practice
A missed surgery due to a time-zone error tests the line between ordinary and gross negligence in medical practice, shaping damage awards.
Can Public Officials Evade Administrative Charges by Resigning? SC Says No
The Supreme Court rules that resignation or separation from service does not shield public officials from administrative liability for acts committed while in office.
Jumping Bail in the Philippines: Why Absconding Can Cost You Your Appeal — Lessons from Alva v. Court of Appea
Can fleeing while on bail kill your appeal? The Supreme Court says yes. Learn the rules from Alva v. Court of Appeals.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Case of Conrado Casitas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill is shown by the number and location of wounds inflicted.
Circumstantial Evidence and Murder Convictions: The People vs. Diaz Case
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence in People vs. Diaz, and what this means for Philippine criminal law.
Flight as Evidence of Guilt in Philippine Criminal Cases: People v. Lobrigas
When does running away or escaping detention prove guilt? The Supreme Court explains the legal weight of flight in criminal cases.
Supreme Court Upholds Murder Conviction Despite Fugitive Status
The High Court affirms a murder conviction even as the accused remains at large, ruling on treachery, alibi, and the retroactive application of procedural rules.
When Do Labor Tribunals Have Jurisdiction Over Employer Claims? Esico v. Alphaland
The Supreme Court clarifies when labor tribunals, not regular courts, hear employer claims for damages arising from an employee's resignation.