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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Rape Conviction on Circumstantial Evidence: Lessons from People v. Tabarangao
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for rape, and why alibi and denial often fail.
Strictly Observe Deadlines: Why Missing Appeal Periods Can Cost You Your Case in the Philippines
Learn how missing appeal deadlines or filing late comments can affect your case, and why courts may relax procedural rules only in exceptional circumstances.
Beyond Direct Testimony: How Philippine Courts Prove Rape With Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for rape, citing People v. Tabarangao.
Dying Declaration as Key Evidence: Understanding Homicide and Murder Convictions in the Philippines
How a dying declaration can convict, and why missing proof of treachery reduces murder to homicide in Philippine courts.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: When Can New Evidence Be Introduced on Appeal?
When can an employer introduce new evidence on appeal in a dismissal case? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process.
Validating Foreclosure Sales: Due Process and Property Rights in Philippine Law
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains when extrajudicial foreclosure sales are valid despite claims of defective notice, low price, or holiday sale.
Certiorari Not a Substitute for Appeal: Lessons from Asian Trading v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, and the limits of due process claims in demurrer cases.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Understanding Illegal Termination Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn the two-notice rule and just causes for valid dismissal in the Philippines from the Gothong Lines case on illegal termination.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: Why Ignoring Deadlines Can Cost Employers Dearly
A Supreme Court ruling shows why employers must respect due process and deadlines in labor cases, or face costly consequences.
Limits of Quo Warranto: Why Judgments Don't Automatically Bind Successors in Public Office
A quo warranto judgment binds only the parties. A successor who was not named cannot be ousted by execution, as Mendoza v. Allas shows.
Tax Refund Rates for Miners and Forest Concessionaires Under R.A. 1435
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 25% specific tax refund for miners and forest concessionaires is based on original R.A. 1435 rates, not later amendments.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
Learn how Philippine courts handle rape cases, the role of victim testimony, and the legal framework addressing sexual abuse.
Protecting Employee Rights Understanding Illegal Dismissal AND DUE Process IN THE Philippines
Security of Tenure Prevails: Understanding Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Explore the Salafranca case on illegal dismissal, security of tenure, and due process for regular employees in the Philippines.
Foreign Divorce and Inheritance Rights in the Philippines: Citizenship and Marital Validity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on foreign divorce, citizenship, and inheritance rights of a surviving spouse in intestate succession.
When a Foreign Divorce Affects Inheritance Rights in the Philippines
Explaining Quita v. Court of Appeals on foreign divorce, citizenship, and inheritance rights of a surviving spouse in Philippine succession cases.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: When Inaction Leads to Dismissal
A judge who ignores Supreme Court directives and fails to decide cases within 90 days faces dismissal. Learn from this administrative case.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in the Philippines: Strict Rules, Rare Exceptions
Philippine courts strictly enforce the 15-day appeal period. Missing it can end a case, with only truly exceptional circumstances excusing delay.
Why Supervisory and Rank-and-File Employees Cannot Join the Same Union in the Philippines
Philippine law bars mixed unions of supervisors and rank-and-file workers. The Dunlop Slazenger case explains the rule and its consequences.
Why Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Pleaded in Rape Cases: People v. Medina
The Supreme Court explains why qualifying circumstances like relationship must be alleged in the information, or the death penalty cannot be imposed.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: What Pepsi Cola v. NLRC Teaches About Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that due process in labor cases means notice and opportunity to be heard, not endless chances to submit pleadings.
Judicial Impartiality and Due Process in Philippine Land Reclamation Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies judicial impartiality, due process, and the proper interpretation of "foreshore lands" under RA 1899.
Incestuous Rape in the Philippines: Upholding Children's Rights and Condemning Moral Depravity
A father's conviction for raping his 14-year-old daughter affirms that incestuous rape is a monstrous crime deserving the death penalty.
Strict Compliance Is Key: Understanding Due Process in Philippine Naturalization Law
Philippine naturalization demands strict compliance with statutory requirements. Learn how courts apply due process in citizenship applications.