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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When Can Dishonesty Lead to Employee Termination? A Philippine Labor Law Perspective
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty justifies dismissal, distinguishing serious offenses from minor lapses in this labor law case analysis.
Fencing in the Philippines: Knowledge and Presumptions Under the Anti-Fencing Law
Explaining the elements of fencing under P.D. 1612, the presumption of knowledge from possession, and how receipts can rebut it.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Employees: Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
A court stenographer was fined for processing land titles for litigants. Learn the ethical rules for court personnel.
Executive Clemency and Pending Appeals: When Can a Pardon Be Granted?
Philippine Supreme Court rules pardons granted while an appeal is pending are void, explaining the constitutional limits on executive clemency.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Know Your Rights Against Illegal Police Tactics
The Supreme Court explains the crucial difference between entrapment and instigation, and why instigation can invalidate a case.
Supervening Events: When Can a Final Judgment Be Set Aside in the Philippines
Philippine law on when a final and executory judgment may be set aside due to supervening events, explained through Flores v. Court of Appeals.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment Philippine LAW AND Protecting JOB Seekers
Thirteenth Month Pay vs Year-End Bonus: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a year-end bonus counts as 13th month pay and when employers must pay both.
Libel Damages and Filing Fees: What Philippine Criminal Cases Require
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing fees must be paid for damages claims in libel criminal cases, and why splitting appeals is prohibited.
Rape and Incest: Understanding Consent and Familial Abuse in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but acquits him of a second count where the victim could not identify her attacker.
When Circumstantial Evidence Suffices: Rape with Homicide and the Limits of Alibi
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence can convict, why alibi rarely works, and the difference between reclusion perpetua and life imprisonment.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Testimony and Delayed Reporting in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, witness credibility, and delayed reporting explained in plain language.
Religious Freedom vs Censorship: Balancing Rights in Philippine Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court ruled that the MTRCB may review religious TV programs but cannot ban them merely for criticizing other religions.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Court Enforce a Decision Immediately
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict rules for execution pending appeal, including notice, good reasons, and timing.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
Judicial Ethics and Workplace Harassment: When a Judge Preys on Court Staff
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross misconduct and immorality after he sexually harassed a court clerk, reaffirming that judges must embody integrity.
When Can an Employee Claim Retirement Benefits After Termination: Philippine Case Study
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee terminated for redundancy can still claim voluntary retirement benefits under a company program.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: Can You Be Tried Twice for the Same Crime?
Understand the double jeopardy rule in the Philippines, its constitutional basis, and how courts apply it to prevent repeated prosecution for the same offense.
When Can a Bank Seize Funds? Understanding Set-Off Rights in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine banks can legally seize deposits through set-off, and the limits on this right under Philippine law.
Labor Only Contracting in the Philippines: Protecting Workers' Rights
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes labor-only contracting from legitimate job contracting, and what protections workers have against illegal schemes.
Falsification and Anti-Graft Liability: Lessons from Molina v. People
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld convictions for estafa through falsification and graft, and why recanted testimony rarely saves a conviction.
Fugitive From Justice: Understanding Disqualification in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies what "fugitive from justice" means for election disqualification under the Local Government Code.
Navigating Retirement: Understanding Compulsory Retirement Clauses in the Philippines
Can a company retire an employee before age 60? The Supreme Court explains when compulsory retirement under a CBA is valid.
Judge's Authority in Marriage Solemnization: Jurisdiction and Validity Rules
Learn the jurisdictional limits of judges solemnizing marriages in the Philippines and the mandatory presumptive death proceeding under the Family Code.