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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Second Chances in Court: Understanding Appeals After Amended Judgments
When a trial court amends its decision after you've appealed, do you need to file another notice of appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Management Prerogative Is Not Harassment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's resignation is voluntary, and why management directives are not necessarily harassment.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: Enforcing Judgments Against Transferee Companies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforcing labor judgments against successor companies that assume liabilities of the original employer.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Why Fair Procedure Matters Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why employers must follow procedural due process in termination cases, not just have valid grounds.
Bribery in the Philippines: Understanding the Anti-Graft Law and Its Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's extortion explains Philippine bribery law, the Anti-Graft Law, and the penalties for public officers.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Consequences of Negligence and Delay in Case Resolution
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge suspended for one year and fined P50,000 for gross dereliction of duty and grave misconduct.
Premature Arraignment in Philippine Criminal Cases: Why Timing Matters in Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when arraignment may proceed and why premature arraignment violates due process in criminal proceedings.
Homicide vs Murder: Why Proving Qualifying Circumstances Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains why proving treachery and evident premeditation raises a killing from homicide to murder in Philippine law.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: How Due Process Protects Against Graft Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits Imelda Marcos in a graft case, reaffirming that proof beyond reasonable doubt and due process are essential in criminal convictions.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Parental Authority in Incestuous Rape Cases in the Philippines
How Philippine courts treat parental authority as a form of intimidation in incestuous rape, explained through People v. Bartolome.
Understanding Anti-Squatting Laws in the Philippines: Due Process and Constitutional Considerations
The Supreme Court explains how anti-squatting laws interact with constitutional due process and housing rights in the Philippines.
Due Process and Rape Convictions: Why Precise Charge Wording Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, force and intimidation, sweetheart defense, and due process in criminal cases.
Why a Rape Survivor's Testimony Prevails in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's court testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies in her sworn statement, and the rules on qualifying circumstances.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing a managerial employee, and what due process requires.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Consequences for Judges Delaying Case Resolutions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges and court personnel for delayed case resolutions and record mismanagement.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Due Process
A Hong Kong judgment against a Quezon City resident was unenforceable in the Philippines because the foreign court never acquired jurisdiction over him.
Ministerial Duty vs Discretion: When a Clerk of Court Must Act and the Consequences of Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sheriff's duty to execute a deed of sale is purely ministerial, and the penalties for refusal.
Due Process in Philippine Rape Cases: Why Improper Charges Can Reduce Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how defective criminal informations can reduce rape penalties from death to reclusion perpetua.
Jurisdictional Challenges in Philippine Courts: Why Timing and Precision Matter in Tax Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax refund computation under RA 1435, explaining why strict interpretation and timing determine success in tax claims.
When Shadows and Voices Convict: Understanding Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Kidnapping Cases
How Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibis in kidnapping and robbery cases, explained through a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Ethics and Due Process: The Rule on Service of Judgments by Registered Mail
A look at Santos v. Court of Appeals on the completeness of service by registered mail and the need for conclusive proof of notice.
Use It or Lose It: Understanding Abandonment of Mining Claims in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines abandonment of mining claims, including annual work obligations, tax payments, and the consequences of non-compliance.
Service by Registered Mail in the Philippines: When Deadlines Start Ticking
Understand when service by registered mail is complete in Philippine courts, and how insufficient postal certifications can protect your right to due process.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Employer's Burden of Proof and Due Process — The RDS Trucking Case
Learn from the RDS Trucking case how Philippine law protects employees from illegal dismissal and what employers must prove to justify termination.