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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Establishing Employer-Employee Relationship Is Key to Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why proving employer-employee relationship is essential before an illegal dismissal case can prosper.
When Is a Police Officer Considered On-Duty? Compensation Under Philippine Law
Philippine law treats police officers as on duty 24 hours a day for compensation purposes. Learn how this affects claims under the Employees' Compensation Program.
Solidary Liability in Promissory Notes: Inciong v. Philippine Bank of Communications
A co-maker who signs a promissory note cannot escape solidary liability by claiming fraud without clear evidence, as explained in this Philippine case.
Understanding Solidary Liability in Philippine Promissory Notes: Inciong Jr. v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling explains what signing a promissory note "jointly and severally" means, and why co-makers cannot escape liability.
Rape and Statutory Rape: Understanding the Nuances of Consent and Age in Philippine Law
A 1996 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the key difference between statutory rape and rape by force, and why proving the victim's age matters.
Confessions and Conspiracy: Understanding Robbery with Homicide in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine courts treat extrajudicial confessions, conspiracy, and robbery with homicide, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Accretion vs Reclamation: Understanding Land Ownership Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes accretion from reclamation for land ownership. Learn the rules, burdens, and practical implications.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Credibility of Child Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's testimony is credible and how statutory rape is proven.
Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Learn the rules on illegal dismissal in the Philippines: when termination is valid, the need for due process, and the employee's right to reinstatement and backwages.
When Is a Shipping Company Responsible for Cargo Damage? Key Lessons from Philippine Home Assurance v. Eastern
A ship fire, salvage charges, and extra freight—who pays? The Supreme Court clarifies carrier liability and negligence in cargo shipping.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: A Supreme Court Analysis
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing to murder in People v. Vallador.
How Philippine Courts Interpret Lease Agreements and Advance Deposits
Clear lease terms and receipts control contract interpretation. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on advance deposits and rescission.
When Can a Municipal Trial Court Hear Your Case: Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction Limits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to serve demand to vacate deprives MTCC of jurisdiction over unlawful detainer cases.
Compulsory Counterclaims When A Court Loses Jurisdiction Over Related Claims
When a court dismisses the main action for lack of jurisdiction, the compulsory counterclaim falls with it. Learn the rule.
Understanding Illegal Logging and Timber Possession Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that possessing lumber without legal documents is a crime under the Revised Forestry Code, explaining key rules on seizure and confiscation.
Alibi Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Requirements and Limitations
Understand when alibi works as a defense in Philippine criminal cases, its legal requirements, and why courts view it with suspicion.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Key Differences and Liabilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between independent contractors and employees, and the liabilities that follow.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
Learn why paying appellate docket fees on time is mandatory and jurisdictional in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Pedrosa v. Hill.
Bail Hearings Protecting Due Process in Philippine Criminal Law
A judge was dismissed for granting bail without hearing and acquitting before defense rested. Learn the due process rules.
Loss of Confidence and Illegal Dismissal: The Burden of Proof in Labor Cases
A look at when employers can claim loss of confidence and how the burden of proof works in illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.
Clerks of Court Responsibilities Liabilities and Breaches of Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on the dismissal of a clerk of court who failed to remit Judiciary Development Fund collections, and the duties of court cash custodians.
When Witness Testimony Determines Guilt: Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess eyewitness credibility in murder cases, from the 1996 People v. Pano ruling on positive identification versus alibi.
Tax Evasion vs Deficiency: When Can the Government Prosecute?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the government can file tax evasion charges and when a final tax assessment must come first.
Understanding Representative Suits: Protecting Employee Rights Through Union Action
Learn how Philippine labor unions can file representative suits for members, and what the Supreme Court said in Liana's Supermarket v. NLRC.