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.
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Failure of Election Under Philippine Law: Grounds and Remedies Explained
Learn the limited grounds for declaring a failed election under Philippine law and the proper remedies available to candidates and voters.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Consent and Legal Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that carnal knowledge of a mentally retarded woman whose mental age is below twelve constitutes rape.
When Can You Dismiss an Employee for Misconduct: Loss of Trust and Confidence Explained
Learn when Philippine employers can validly dismiss employees for loss of trust and confidence, and why criminal acquittal doesn't bar termination.
Judicial Misconduct and Unauthorized Travel: When a Judge Abandons the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses a judge for repeated unauthorized travel abroad, abandoning court duties and litigants.
Rape Conviction: Credible Testimony and Victims' Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how courts weigh victim testimony, the sweetheart defense, and damages awards.
Certiorari vs Petition for Review: Choosing the Right Appeal Route in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when to use certiorari versus a petition for review, and why choosing the wrong mode of appeal can be fatal to a case.
Fair Competition in the Oil Industry: The Unconstitutionality of R.A. 8180's Anti-Competitive Provisions
The Supreme Court struck down R.A. 8180 for creating barriers to entry and entrenching an oil oligopoly, reaffirming the constitutional mandate for fair competition.
Sequestration and Due Process: Protecting Stockholder Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how discovery rules and due process protect parties in ill-gotten wealth cases, and when cases become moot.
Due Process for Teachers: Ensuring Fair Administrative Hearings in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that public school teachers facing administrative charges are entitled to a properly constituted investigating committee under RA 4670.
Notarial Duty: Ensuring Authenticity and Preventing Misrepresentation in Legal Documents
A notary's certification is not a routinary act. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer suspended for notarizing a deed with deceased vendors.
Employee Theft and Due Process: Navigating Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee theft, just cause, and the two-notice rule in termination cases.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: A Guide for Job Seekers
Learn how Philippine courts handle illegal recruitment and estafa, and what job seekers should watch for before paying placement fees.
When Court Personnel Extort Litigants: Administrative Liability Explained
A court interpreter extorted a litigant for a document's release. The Supreme Court explains administrative liability, penalties, and why resignation or transfer does not end a case.
Ejectment Cases When CAN Courts Extend A Lease AND What Happens TO Improvements
Robbery With Homicide: When a Conspirator Is Liable for the Acts of Cohorts
The Supreme Court explains conspiracy in robbery with homicide, holding a lookout liable for the killing committed by a co-conspirator.
Warrantless Arrests When IS IT Legal IN THE Philippines Understanding Your Rights
Learn when warrantless arrests are legal in the Philippines, the two conditions under Rule 113, and how courts treat illegal arrests.
Accountability in Judiciary Funds: A Practical Guide for Court Personnel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on JDF and Fiduciary Fund mishandling clarifies deposit rules, interest accounting, and court personnel liability.
Right to Counsel in Philippine Administrative Investigations: What You Need to Know
Learn when the right to counsel applies in Philippine administrative investigations, based on Supreme Court rulings and practical guidance.
Pre-Proclamation Disputes: When Election Cases End at the Start of Term
Learn how Philippine law terminates pre-proclamation cases at the start of term, and when the remedy shifts to an election protest.
The Limits of Mission Orders: When Can Civilians Carry Firearms Legally in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mission orders, civilian firearm possession, and the limits of authority to issue gun permits.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Key Lessons From Philippine Jurisprudence
Learn how the Supreme Court defines illegal recruitment in large scale, its elements, penalties, and evidence rules from a landmark 1997 case.
Election Protests: The Strict Timeline for Filing Counterprotests in the Philippines
Understand the strict 5-day deadline for filing counterprotests in Philippine election cases, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Lim v. COMELEC.
Proving Self-Defense and Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from People v. Carpio
A look at how the Supreme Court evaluates self-defense claims and treachery in murder, using the 1997 Carpio decision.
Child Custody Rights in the Philippines: When Can a Parent Reclaim Their Child
Understand Philippine child custody rights and when a parent can reclaim custody, including legal grounds, court considerations, and practical guidance.