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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Good Faith in Redundancy Termination: When Hidden Motives Are Not Proven
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when redundancy dismissal is valid and good faith presumed, and when damages may be awarded.
Certification Elections Ensuring Fair Representation IN THE Workplace
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a certification election despite employer non-cooperation, ensuring workers' choice of union prevails.
When Is Dismissal Justified for Employee Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine law on employee misconduct: when dismissal is justified, what constitutes serious misconduct, and the due process requirements employers must follow.
When a Memo for File Counts as Resignation: Philippine Labor Law Explained
The Supreme Court explains when a memo without the word The company board interpreted this as a resignation and accepted it. Alegre later claimed he never resigned and sued for illegal dismissal.
Unlicensed Firearm Possession and Homicide: Lessons from People v. Tobias
The Supreme Court explains when a firearm is considered unlicensed, and why a belatedly obtained license cannot cure illegal possession.
Self Defense Claims in Philippine Criminal Law: When Do They Hold Up
Philippine courts require unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation for self-defense. Learn from People v. Tobias.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Weight of Victim Testimony and the Defenses That Failed
In People v. Cabillan, the Supreme Court affirmed a stepfather's rape conviction, showing why a victim's testimony can outweigh common defenses.
Untimely Appeal Understanding Finality of NLRC Decisions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed NLRC finality on retrenchment rulings and why untimely appeals fail in Philippine labor cases.
Judicial Delay: A Judge's Duty to Decide Cases Promptly in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands judge for three-year delay in deciding a case, underscoring the 90-day rule and judicial accountability.
Arson Conviction: Intentional Burning of an Inhabited House Under PD 1613
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of arson under PD 1613 when an inhabited house is burned, and how alibi and witness credibility are weighed.
Passion Provocation and Criminal Liability: Understanding Homicide in the Philippines
When does anger mitigate a killing? The Supreme Court explains passion or obfuscation, treachery, and homicide in People v. Valles.
Perfected Contract of Sale: Key Elements and Legal Implications in the Philippines
Learn the essential elements of a perfected contract of sale in the Philippines, including the requirement of a definite price, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Dying Declarations When Can A Victim's Last Words Convict
Explore the legal rules on dying declarations in Philippine evidence law and when a victim's last words may be admissible in court.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure Venue: Why Judges Must Follow Act 3135, Not the Rules of Court
A judge's fine for gross ignorance of the law clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure venue follows Act 3135, not general venue rules.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: When Do They Override General Rules?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when contractual venue stipulations bind parties and when general venue rules prevail in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in Philippine labor law, using an insurance agent case.
Conspiracy and Murder: Understanding Shared Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how dying declarations, eyewitness testimony, and treachery establish murder liability beyond reasonable doubt.
Conjugal Property vs Separate Property: Protecting Your Assets in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish conjugal from separate property, and why registration alone does not prove ownership during marriage.
Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Quantum Meruit and Retainer Agreements Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers recover fees by quantum meruit and how retainer agreements govern attorney's compensation.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
When is a deed of sale actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal presumption protecting property owners.
Parol Evidence and Oral Conditions in Deeds of Sale: Ortañez v. Court of Appeals
When a deed of sale is silent on conditions, parol evidence cannot add oral terms—learn from Ortañez v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 107372.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Shareholder Be Liable for Corporate Debt
Learn when Philippine courts hold shareholders personally liable for corporate debts and the legal grounds for piercing the corporate veil.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression and Justifiable Force
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense succeeds in Philippine criminal law—and why it failed in People v. Cahindo.