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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Limits of NLRC Injunction Power in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Philippine Airlines v. NLRC
The Supreme Court clarifies that the NLRC cannot issue injunctions in illegal dismissal cases without a pending case before the labor arbiter.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Procedure Matters Even With Just Cause — Philippine Labor Law
Philippine labor law requires both substantive and procedural due process in dismissal. Even with just cause, failure to observe procedure can make termination illegal.
Unraveling Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: The Gungon Case and Its Implications
The Gungon case clarifies how Philippine courts prove conspiracy through circumstantial evidence and how complex crimes are penalized.
Fair Certification Elections Ensuring Workers Rights To Self Organization IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how tuition fee increases interact with wage orders and the 70% employee share under RA 6728.
Tuition Fee Hikes and Wage Increases: Employee Rights in Philippine Schools
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on how tuition fee increases relate to mandatory wage hikes for school employees under Philippine law.
Seafarer Transfers Understanding Crewmember Rights AND Employer Prerogatives IN Vessel Assignments
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced crewmember rights and employer prerogatives in vessel transfer assignments for Filipino seafarers.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Why Lawyers Face Suspension for Filing Multiple Cases
Learn how forum shopping in the Philippines can lead to lawyer suspension, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Benguet Electric Cooperative vs. Atty. Flores.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Justifying Circumstances and Alibi in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how Philippine courts test self-defense and alibi claims, and why both failed in this murder and frustrated homicide case.
When "Independent Contractor" Labels Fail: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine courts look beyond contract labels to determine employer-employee relationships. Learn the four-fold test from Insular Life v. NLRC.
Attorney Ethics: Navigating Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent conflicting interests, even in good faith. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its penalties.
Undue Injury in Philippine Anti-Graft Law: Why Actual Damage Is Crucial
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Llorente v. Sandiganbayan that in graft cases.
When Can the LRA Refuse to Issue a Decree of Registration? Mandamus Limits Explained
The Supreme Court explains when the Land Registration Authority may validly refuse to issue a decree of registration and why mandamus cannot compel it.
Navigating NLRC Appeals: Why Proof of Receipt and Timeliness Are Critical
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a labor appeal dismissed for being late, and why proving the exact date of receipt matters.
Dismissal by Sandiganbayan: Proper Legal Remedy and Mootness in Philippine Courts
Learn when a Sandiganbayan dismissal is appealable via Rule 45, not certiorari, and when cases become moot.
Delayed Cargo Claims and Prescription: When the One-Year COGSA Rule Does Not Apply
Explaining Mitsui O.S.K. Lines v. Court of Appeals: when delayed delivery claims are not "loss or damage" under COGSA's one-year prescriptive period.
Volunteer or Employee? The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how the control test determines employee status in the Philippines, using the landmark Filipinas Broadcasting v. NLRC case.
Shipping Delays: When the 1-Year COGSA Limit Does Not Apply in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes physical cargo damage from pure economic loss due to delay. Learn when the 10-year Civil Code prescriptive period applies instead of COGSA's 1-year rule.
When an Affidavit of Desistance Cannot Dismiss a Rape Case: Due Process Lessons
A rape conviction was voided for lack of due process; an affidavit of desistance filed after case institution does not warrant dismissal.
Unexpected Attack: Understanding Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
How a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies a killing as murder through treachery under Philippine law, explained through People v. Reyes.
The High Cost of Negligence: Why Banks Must Exercise Due Diligence in Mortgage Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on GSIS v. Salonga clarifies that banks and lending institutions cannot claim good faith by merely relying on titles.
Philippine Labor Law: Workplace Venue Not Always Mandatory for Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: NLRC venue rules are permissive, not mandatory. Worker convenience and substantial justice can override workplace location.
Fixed vs Percentage Docket Fees: Annulment of Real Estate Contracts Qualifies for Fixed Fees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when annulment of real estate contracts warrants fixed docket fees rather than percentage-based fees.
Unshaken Testimony: How Philippine Courts Determine Eyewitness Credibility in Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in criminal cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on murder.
Justice Delayed Rights Denied Understanding Judicial Delay AND Injunction Bonds IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue rules in labor cases, prioritizing worker convenience and substantial justice over technicalities.