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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Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Overcoming Doubts and Alibis
How Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibis and dying declarations, explained through a landmark murder case.
Upholding Labor Rights Illegal Dismissal AND Unfair Labor Practices IN the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, unfair labor practice, and the limits of "loss of confidence" as a ground for termination.
When a Guilty Plea Does Not Admit Aggravating Circumstances: The Baldimo Case
A guilty plea in capital cases no longer admits aggravating circumstances; prosecution must prove them beyond reasonable doubt.
Dying Declarations and Res Gestae: When Can a Victim's Words Convict?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a dying victim's statement identifying an assailant is admissible as evidence, and how courts treat treachery.
Union Registration Fraud and Misrepresentation: Lessons from Pizza Hut Case
Philippine Supreme Court rules on fraud in union registration and certification election rights under the Labor Code.
Can an Accused File a Counterclaim in a Criminal Case? The Rule in Cabaero
Explains when accused may file counterclaims in criminal cases, citing Cabaero v. Cantos and the rule on implied civil actions.
Navigating Summons AND Defaults A Guide TO Corporate Director Liability IN THE Philippines
When Judges Err in Sentencing: Gross Ignorance of the Law Explained
Learn when a judge's sentencing error becomes gross ignorance of the law, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on indeterminate penalties.
Understanding Timeliness in Filing a Petition for Certiorari in the Philippines
Learn the reasonable period rule for filing certiorari petitions under Rule 65, as explained in Philgreen Trading v. Court of Appeals.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Lessons on Summary Dismissals from De Guzman v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court's ruling in De Guzman v. CA underscores that proper service of summons is essential to due process, even in summary proceedings.
When Is a Lawyer Liable for a Missed Appeal? Lessons from Sattar v. Lopez
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer may be disciplined for a missed appeal, and when the client's own neglect is to blame.
Forcible Entry and the One-Year Filing Rule in the Philippines Explained
Learn the one-year filing rule for forcible entry cases in the Philippines, key deadlines, and practical tips for property owners.
Misappropriation of Court Funds: Duties and Liabilities of Clerks of Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on misappropriation of Judiciary Development Fund collections and the liabilities of clerks of court for negligence.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies: When Can Election Returns Be Excluded?
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limited grounds for excluding election returns in pre-proclamation controversies and why fraud claims belong in election protests.
Counterclaims in Criminal Cases: When Can the Accused Seek Damages?
The Supreme Court in Cabaero v. Cantos clarifies when an accused may file a counterclaim for damages in a criminal case, and when a separate civil action is required.
SK Election Age Requirements: The Supreme Court Ruling Explained
Understand the age qualification rules for Sangguniang Kabataan elections and the key Supreme Court ruling that clarified them.
When Can You Be Fired for Absences? Understanding Abandonment in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law requires more than just absences to prove abandonment. Learn the two elements employers must show to validly dismiss.
Amending Pleadings When CAN YOU Change Your Legal Strategy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must consider late answers and jurisdictional challenges in summary procedure cases.
When Can an Employee Be Considered to Have Abandoned Their Job
Philippine Supreme Court explains the two elements of abandonment and why employers bear the burden of proving it.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Are Liable for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers can be held personally liable for unpaid wages, separation pay, and other labor standard benefits.
Restrictions on Property Development: Can Associations Revise Deed Restrictions?
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on whether a property owners' association can validly revise deed restrictions on development.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Abandonment, Illness, and Employer Obligations
When does absence become abandonment, and when can illness justify termination? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies employer duties.
Tenant OR Farm Laborer Understanding Security OF Tenure IN Philippine Agrarian LAW
Security of tenure under Philippine agrarian law protects farm tenants and laborers from illegal dispossession and dismissal, ensuring stability and fairness.
When Retirement Pay Applies: The Retroactive Effect of RA 7641 Explained
Learn when RA 7641 retirement pay applies retroactively. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Philippine Scout Veterans v. NLRC.