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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Entrapment VS Instigation HOW TO Avoid A Drug Charge IN THE Philippines
When Self-Defense Fails: Proving Treachery in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails, how treachery must be proven, and when nighttime aggravates a crime in People v. Cayabyab.
When Can a Motion for Extension Be Denied? A Philippine Law Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may deny motions for extension and the proper requirements for certifications against forum shopping.
Understanding Retirement Benefits in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
A look at Philippine retirement benefits law, covering employee rights, employer obligations, and key rules under the Labor Code.
Receivership in the Philippines: When Courts Appoint a Receiver Under Rule 59
Learn when Philippine courts may appoint a receiver under Rule 59, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Commodities Storage & Ice Plant Corp. v. CA.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Safeguarding the Accused in Custodial Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on inadmissible uncounselled confessions and the constitutional rights of persons under custodial investigation.
When a Wage Order Exemption Fails: The Distressed Establishment Rule
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on wage order exemptions for distressed establishments and the cut-off for measuring losses.
Ejectment Cases: When Does Destruction of Property Terminate Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment cases, lease termination, and jurisdiction when leased property is destroyed by fire.
When Does Alibi Fail: Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why alibi fails against positive identification, and when moral damages are not awarded in criminal cases.
Final and Executory Judgments: Why Appeals Matter and What Happens When You Miss the Deadline
A missed appeal deadline makes a labor judgment final and executory—even if it contains errors. Learn the rules and risks.
Wage Order Exemptions: Understanding Distressed Establishment Criteria in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how the interim period is computed for distressed establishment exemptions from wage orders in the Philippines.
Circumstantial Evidence and Witness Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A look at how positive identification by credible witnesses and circumstantial evidence can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt in Philippine criminal cases.
Freight Charges and Estoppel: Understanding Contractual Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies BOT turnover obligations, quantum meruit, and liability for irregular government disbursements in COA disallowance case.
Moral Turpitude and Philippine Law: When Personal Conduct Impacts Professional Standing
Philippine law holds court employees to high moral standards. This case shows how personal misconduct can lead to administrative penalties.
When Can a Court Employee Be Dismissed for Immorality: The Badel Case
The Supreme Court explains when immorality warrants dismissal versus suspension for court employees, using the Badel case as a guide.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law treats rape committed by a father against his daughter, including the role of moral ascendancy.
Serious Misconduct in the Workplace: Understanding Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains what constitutes serious misconduct and the due process requirements for valid employee dismissal in the Philippines.
Timber License Agreements and Laches: Lessons from C & M Timber v. Alcala
The Supreme Court clarifies laches, policy shifts, and the revocable nature of timber licenses in C & M Timber v. Alcala.
When One Witness Is Enough: Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
A single credible witness can sustain a conviction in the Philippines. This article explains the rules on positive identification and alibi.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Disclose Performance Standards
Employers must set and disclose reasonable performance standards at hiring; failure to do so makes a probationary dismissal illegal.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements and when force is justified. Learn from the Moreno case.
Seaworthiness and Insurance Subrogation in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipowner liability for unseaworthy vessels, insurer subrogation rights, and the limited liability rule.
Real Property Tax Sales: Why Proper Notice and Jurisdiction Matter
The Supreme Court nullifies a tax delinquency sale for lack of notice to the owner and absence of local government jurisdiction.
Conjugal Property vs Exclusive Property: What Philippine Law Says
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish conjugal property from exclusive property, and why inherited assets stay separate even during marriage.