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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Navigating Telecommunications Franchises: Competition vs. Public Interest
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling on government telephone operations clarifies that franchises are not exclusive and competition serves the public interest.
Malversation in the Philippines: When Can a Public Official Be Held Liable
Explaining when public officials face malversation charges under Article 217, and why COA audit clearance does not automatically end criminal liability.
Eminent Domain in the Philippines: Just Compensation and Due Process
Learn how Philippine law protects property owners in eminent domain cases, focusing on just compensation and due process requirements.
Attorney Discipline When Misconduct As A Government Official Leads To Disbarment IN THE Philippines
When can a lawyer be disciplined for misconduct committed as a government official? The Supreme Court explains in Dinsay v. Cioco.
Eyewitness Testimony in the Philippines: When Is It Enough to Convict?
The Supreme Court explains when eyewitness testimony is enough to convict—and when it isn't—in People v. Abellanosa.
Qualified Trafficking in Persons: When Recruitment Alone Suffices for Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified trafficking conviction, ruling that recruitment for sexual exploitation is enough even if the victim initially declined.
Land Title Reversion HOW Fraudulent Land Acquisition CAN Lead TO Title Cancellation
Conspiracy and Credibility: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how trial court credibility findings and circumstantial evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Right of First Refusal and Ownership Proof in Philippine Real Estate Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts resolve property ownership disputes and partition actions, emphasizing evidence rules and prescription periods.
Partitioning Property Proving Ownership AND Avoiding Legal Pitfalls IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle partition actions, ownership disputes, and prescription from the Catapusan case.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility, Delay in Reporting, and Minor Inconsistencies
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite minor testimony inconsistencies and delayed reporting; explains credibility rules for victims.
Quieting Title vs Boundary Disputes: What Property Owners Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quieting of title applies and why boundary disputes need different legal remedies.
Alibi vs Eyewitness Testimony: How Philippine Courts Decide Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when alibi fails against positive eyewitness identification, and how minority affects sentencing in murder cases.
Employer Beware Understanding Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa IN THE Philippines
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts weigh circumstantial evidence and witness credibility in criminal cases, explained through a landmark rape conviction.
Juvenile Justice Understanding Mitigation AND Criminal Liability IN THE Philippines
How Philippine courts treat juvenile offenders, minority as mitigating circumstance, and criminal liability under the law.
Motion to Dismiss Denials: Interlocutory Orders and Certiorari in Philippine Courts
Learn when a denied motion to dismiss can be challenged by certiorari, and why timing and interlocutory rules matter in Philippine civil procedure.
Security Guard Accountability: The Importance of Evidence in Termination Cases
When can a security agency dismiss a guard for a lost firearm? The Supreme Court clarifies the substantial evidence rule in illegal dismissal cases.
Robbery With Homicide: How Intent to Gain and Taking Are Established
Philippine Supreme Court explains how intent to gain and the element of taking are proven in robbery with homicide cases.
Overseas Employment Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of a seafarer, covering due process, overtime pay, and overseas employment contract rights.
When Courts Allow Amendments: Correcting Errors in Legal Documents
Philippine courts permit amendments to correct errors in legal documents, but only under specific conditions. Learn the rules.
Affidavits of Desistance and Witness Recantations: Their Limited Impact on Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine courts view affidavits of desistance and witness recantations with disfavor. Learn why from People v. Ballabare.
Understanding Seafarer Dismissal Rights and Employer Duties in the Philippines
Learn the rules on seafarer dismissal in the Philippines from a Supreme Court case on illegal termination, due process, and overtime pay.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Key Elements and Practical Implications
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of self-defense and treachery in People v. Isleta, offering practical guidance for criminal cases.