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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Robbery With Homicide and Conspiracy: What the Supreme Court Says
Explaining the special complex crime of robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and the rules on identification and confessions under Philippine law.
Attorney Withdrawal Upholding Client Rights AND Ethical Obligations IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer withdraw from a case in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on attorney withdrawal and client protection.
Graft and Corruption: Understanding Undue Injury Under Philippine Law
Explaining undue injury in Anti-Graft law through Amper v. Sandiganbayan, where a city engineer used a government backhoe for treasure hunting.
Mortgage Contracts and Future Advances: Understanding the Scope of Security in Philippine Law
When does a real estate mortgage cover future loans beyond the stated amount? The Supreme Court explains in Quintanilla v. RCBC.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Early in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard for execution pending appeal, using PBCom v. Court of Appeals.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Good Reasons Exist in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal is allowed, emphasizing that financial distress of a corporate party is not a "good reason."
Fabricated Serious Illegal Detention Case Shows Why Courts Demand Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When a land dispute turned into a criminal charge, the Supreme Court showed how weak evidence and altered complaints can destroy a serious illegal detention case.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Safeguards Justice Regardless of the Accused's Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that automatic review of death penalty cases ensures justice and due process, independent of the accused's conduct or character.
Falsification of Official Documents: Consequences for Public Servants in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts treat falsification of official documents, including notarized deeds, and the consequences for public servants and notaries.
When a Corporation Can Be Held Liable in Labor Disputes Even Without Being Impleaded
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporation may be held liable for labor claims even if only its trade name was impleaded.
Valid Reorganization vs Constructive Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Prerogatives
When a valid company reorganization abolishes a position and reassigns an employee without bad faith, no constructive dismissal arises.
Admissibility of Confessions: Protecting Your Rights During Custodial Investigation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a murder accused whose extrajudicial confession was taken without full Miranda rights, reaffirming constitutional safeguards.
Homicide vs Murder: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Understand the legal distinction between homicide and murder in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on treachery and evident premeditation.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment: Understanding Philippine Law and Your Rights
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish simple illegal recruitment from large-scale, and what evidence is required for conviction.
When a Teacher's Discretion Is Not Oppression: The Limits of Authority in Philippine Schools
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a teacher's reasonable enrollment requirement is not oppression, defining the limits of administrative liability.
Positive Identification Key to Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How eyewitness identification outweighs alibi in Philippine murder cases, explained through People v. Queliza (G.R. No. 124135).
Employee Negligence and Termination: When Is Dismissal Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence justifies dismissal and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Perfecting a Sale With an Assumed Mortgage: Key Considerations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale with assumption of mortgage is perfected, and the consequences of failing to comply with mortgagee conditions.
Unraveling Property Rights in Void Marriages: A Philippine Legal Guide
Understand how Philippine law treats property relations in void marriages, including rights of spouses and heirs, and practical implications.
Grave Oral Defamation When Does Filing A Complaint Stop The Clock
Learn when filing a complaint stops the prescriptive period for grave oral defamation under Philippine law.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using People v. Reboltiado to show how sudden, planned attacks qualify.
Challenging Comelec Orders: Abuse of Discretion and Preliminary Injunctions in Election Cases
When can Comelec issue a preliminary injunction against a winning candidate? This case explains the limits of judicial review.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Employers Need to Know in the Philippines
Learn the essentials of procedural and substantive due process in Philippine labor law, including key rules and practical compliance tips for employers.
Treachery and Qualifying Circumstances: Understanding Murder vs Homicide in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why treachery must be alleged in the information to convict for murder, not just homicide.