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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Perfecting Your Appeal: Service of Notice and Timelines in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how service of notice and appeal timelines work in Philippine labor cases, and why R.A. 7641's retroactive application has limits.
Retroactive Application of Retirement Laws: When R.A. 7641 Does Not Apply
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when R.A. 7641 retirement benefits apply retroactively and when they do not, explained in plain language.
Navigating Forum Shopping in the Philippines: A Guide to Avoiding Duplicate Lawsuits
Learn how Philippine courts define and penalize forum shopping, with practical tips to avoid filing duplicate cases.
Failing to Object to Evidence: Waiver Rules in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why silence on inadmissible evidence means waiver, and how death before final judgment extinguishes liability.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment: Civil Liability Extinguished Under Bayotas Doctrine
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that death of accused before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto, but separate civil action may survive.
When Death of the Accused Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability in Philippine Libel Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how an accused's death before final judgment affects criminal and civil liability in libel cases.
Civil Liability After Death of Accused: Quasi-Delicts in Philippine Law
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability ends. But civil liability may survive through quasi-delicts. Learn the rules.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment Protecting Yourself From Scams IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law punishes illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, with practical tips to avoid overseas job scams.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Employee Rights Under Conti v. NLRC
Conti v. NLRC explains the twin notice rule, security of tenure, and why a fixed-term contract cannot defeat regular employment status in the Philippines.
Attorney Negligence: When a Botched Case Makes a Lawyer Liable
When a lawyer's negligence costs a client their case, disciplinary action follows. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Rescission vs Ejectment: Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when ejectment is premature: a contract to sell must first be rescinded before filing for possession.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Parricide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in parricide cases, explained through People v. Lagao.
Prior Land Title Prevails: Property Rights and Good Faith in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment, lease obligations, and why historical landmark status does not override property rights.
Sheriffs Authority Avoiding Abuse IN Writ OF Execution Enforcement
Estafa and Breach of Trust: When Returning Property Through a Third Party Leads to Acquittal
Returning entrusted property through a third party can defeat estafa charges if it raises reasonable doubt on misappropriation. Learn from Rosa Lim's acquittal.
Corporate Liability vs Personal Guarantee: Surety Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a continuing surety agreement covers corporate debts and when it does not bind the surety.
When Silence Becomes Conspiracy: Understanding Criminal Liability in Estafa Cases
Explore when silence or inaction can be treated as conspiracy in estafa, using the landmark Rosa Lim case as a guide.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
The Supreme Court explains the three elements of self-defense in the Philippines and why a Palawan man's claim failed in a murder conviction.
Multiple Homicides vs Complex Crime: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Criminal Law
When a single shooting spree kills four and wounds two, is it one complex crime or several separate crimes? The Supreme Court explains the distinction.
The Power of Circumstantial Evidence in Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When no eyewitness exists, circumstantial evidence can still convict. Learn the rules from People v. Salvame and how courts apply them.
Preliminary Investigation Rules and Jurisdiction: Lessons from a Philippine Court Case
A Philippine judge's error on preliminary investigation jurisdiction offers practical lessons on criminal procedure and court authority.
Dying Declarations Admissibility and Impact on Criminal Cases in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts treat dying declarations in criminal cases, their admissibility requirements, and their impact on convictions.
Dynamite Fishing in the Philippines: Laws, Penalties, and the People vs. Vergara Case
Learn the Philippine law against dynamite fishing, penalties under P.D. 704, and key lessons from People vs. Vergara.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: When the SEC, Not NLRC, Has Jurisdiction Over an Officer's Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer's dismissal is an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not a labor case for the NLRC.