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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When Is a Bail Hearing Required in the Philippines? Key Rules from a 1997 SC Ruling
Philippine courts must hold a bail hearing in capital offenses even if the prosecutor waives it. Learn the rules from Cortes v. Catral.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: What Philippine Law Requires of Employers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies illegal dismissal, retirement age, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in the Philippines.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment orders strictly, citing a lawyer in contempt for defying a restitution order.
Premature Objections When Third-Party Claims Challenge Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a spouse cannot file a third-party claim after a fraudulent conveyance is annulled.
Double Sale of Property in the Philippines: Protecting Your Rights
Learn how Philippine law resolves double sales of property, who gets ownership, and how to protect your rights as a buyer.
Can a New Union Register During an Existing CBA? The KAMADA Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a new labor union may register during a CBA's lifetime, and clarifies the freedom period rule.
Bouncing Checks and Ejectment: Civil Liability and Land Possession in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a bounced check creates civil liability despite acquittal, and when ejectment suits must be filed.
Medical Malpractice in the Philippines: Navigating Negligence Claims
Learn how Philippine courts handle medical malpractice and negligence claims, including key legal principles and practical guidance.
Patent Novelty, Prior Art, and the Presumption of Validity in Philippine Patent Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on patent novelty, prior art, and the heavy burden to overcome the presumption of patent validity.
Direct Contempt of Court: Limits on Punishment and Judicial Authority in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies direct contempt penalties, judicial authority limits, and accountability in Veluz v. Babaran.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Spouse's Property Be Seized for a Husband's Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a wife's property can be seized for her husband's debts, and the limits of third-party claims.
Dying Declarations and Abuse of Superior Strength: People v. Bautista
The Supreme Court explains when a dying declaration is admissible and how abuse of superior strength qualifies a killing as murder.
Libel and Free Speech: The Limits of Defamation in Workplace Communications
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on direct contempt clarifies the boundary between free speech and defamatory conduct in workplace settings.
Probate Court Jurisdiction vs Foreign Courts: The Marcos Estate Ruling
Philippine probate court jurisdiction does not bar foreign courts from acting on claims against an estate, as the Supreme Court explained in this 1997 ruling.
Defining Piracy Under Philippine Law: Protecting Vessels and Ensuring Maritime Security
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes piracy under PD 532, ruling that seizing a fishing boat by force is piracy, not mere grave coercion.
The Perils of Sin Perjuicio Judgments: Ensuring Timely and Complete Justice in the Philippines
Philippine courts must independently assess prosecutorial motions to withdraw information, balancing judicial discretion with the Secretary of Justice's review powers.
Overseas Recruitment Agencies: When Can Licenses Be Suspended or Cancelled
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Secretary of Labor and the POEA can suspend or cancel an overseas recruitment agency's license.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law requires both just cause and due process for valid dismissal. Learn the rules from Aquinas School v. Magnaye.
Dying Declarations When Can a Victim's Last Words Convict
Philippine Supreme Court explains when dying declarations are admissible evidence and how they can convict an accused.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Construction
When do construction workers become regular employees? The Supreme Court explains repeated rehiring and security of tenure in Lao Construction v. NLRC.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: Legal Obligations of Philippine Schools
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how tuition fee increases must be allocated for employee salaries and benefits, with prescription rules explained.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Assessment of Justice Secretary's Resolutions in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trial courts' duty to independently assess Justice Secretary's resolutions in withdrawal of criminal informations.
Revival of Judgment: How Long Can You Wait to Enforce a Court Order in the Philippines
Learn the rules on reviving a dormant judgment in the Philippines, including prescriptive periods and key Supreme Court rulings.
Balancing Rights When A Consented Search Leads To Drug Possession Conviction
A consented search can validate a warrantless seizure, but "giving away" drugs requires more than handing a bag. Learn the rules.