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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Annulment of Judgment: Jurisdiction and Timeliness in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment requires extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction, and certiorari must be filed within three months.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies killing to murder, using a 1996 case as a clear example.
Safeguarding Election Integrity: Proper Handling of Ballots and Court Records
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when court personnel may allow photocopying of election ballots and the duties of clerks of court.
Treachery in Philippine Law: How a Deceptive Attack Elevates Homicide to Murder
Learn how treachery turns homicide into murder under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Fabrigas.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable for Misconduct? Lessons from Benjamin v. Alaba
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge crosses the line from error to administrative liability, and why even well-meaning actions can breach judicial ethics.
How Philippine Courts Weigh Identification and Alibi in Robbery with Rape Cases
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when victim identification prevails over alibi and how courts distinguish robbery from robbery with rape.
Execution of Judgments: Timelines, Third-Party Claims, and Property Rights in the Philippines
Understand the five-year rule for executing judgments, third-party claims, and why a buyer's title can be upheld despite procedural delays.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Loss of Trust and Confidence: A Philippine Guide
Philippine Savings Bank v. NLRC explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and when it does not.
Court Employees and Conflicts of Interest: The Bagolbagol Case on Selling to Litigants
Court employees must avoid business dealings with litigants. The Bagolbagol ruling explains why, even when the employee claims the litigant initiated the arrangement.
Diplomatic Immunity in the Philippines: Scope and Limitations Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains diplomatic immunity scope for UN specialized agencies, its limits, and employee rights in Ebro v. NLRC.
Substituted Service of Summons: When Filing a Motion Waives Improper Service
Learn when defective substituted service of summons is waived by filing a motion, and the rules on default in Philippine courts.
Treachery and Recidivism: How Aggravating Circumstances Shape Philippine Criminal Cases
A look at how treachery, recidivism, and habituality affect criminal liability, explained through a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Limits on Judicial Authority: When Can a Judge Issue a Warrant of Arrest?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause alone does not justify a warrant—judges must also find immediate custody necessary.
Homicide vs Murder: Intent and Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
Jurisdiction Over Maritime Crimes: Where Can You Be Tried?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on venue for crimes committed on board vessels in transit, explained in plain language.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Navigating Layoffs Legally
Understand the legal requirements for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guerrero v. NLRC.
Relief From Judgment: When Can You Reopen a Closed Case in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a final judgment may be reopened through relief from judgment under Rule 38, and when it cannot.
Custodial Rights and the Crime of Kidnapping: The Delia Reyes Case
A former housemaid's conviction for kidnapping a child entrusted to her care, explained in plain language.
When Disputes Over TROs Are Judicial, Not Administrative: Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline against judges.
Donation of Subdivision Open Spaces: Conditions, Revocation, and Public Use
The Supreme Court rules on conditions attached to donated subdivision open spaces, their non-buildable character, and limits on revocation.
Understanding Labor-Only Contracting: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains labor-only contracting, employer liability, and employee rights in PSBA v. NLRC.
Priority of Liens: Attachment vs Execution in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court resolved a dispute over which lien—attachment or execution—has priority over the same property.
Copyright Infringement: Protecting IP Rights and the Prospectivity of New Rules
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on search warrants in copyright cases and why new judicial doctrines apply prospectively.
When Can Election Results Be Set Aside? Understanding Failure of Elections in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when election results may be set aside and what documents can prove the true will of the electorate.