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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Good Faith in Government Procurement: Protecting Public Officials From Personal Liability
Learn when good faith shields public officials from refunding disallowed benefits, and when it does not, under Philippine law.
Breach of Trust Defining Just Cause for Termination in Philippine Employment Law
Philippine law requires breach of trust to be work-related, serious, and proven by substantial evidence before employers may validly terminate employees.
Chain OF Custody Imperative Safeguarding Drug Evidence IN Philippine LAW 4
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Consent, Delay in Reporting, and Alibi in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying that delay in reporting and a weak alibi do not defeat a credible victim's testimony.
Bidding Rights No Cause of Action for Disappointed Bidders Under Philippine Law
A contractor overpaid by the government must refund the excess, even if the contract was void for lack of appropriation.
Safeguarding Constitutional Rights: The High Cost of Defective Search Warrants in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullifies search warrants issued without a searching examination, reaffirming that evidence seized under void warrants is inadmissible.
Treachery's Shadow: Redefining Murder and Homicide in Philippine Law
When does a killing become murder instead of homicide? The Supreme Court clarifies the role of treachery in bail hearings and criminal liability.
Treachery and Intent: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery requires deliberate method, not mere suddenness, distinguishing homicide from murder for bail purposes.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with RA 9165 evidence rules.
Exceeding Authority: Usurpation of Official Functions and Anti-Graft Violations in Public Office
A Supreme Court ruling on when a public officer's unauthorized acts constitute usurpation of official functions and graft under Philippine law.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Attempted Murder From Slight Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a harmful act is attempted murder or only slight physical injuries, focusing on intent to kill.
Ponzi Schemes and Syndicated Estafa: Protecting the Public From Investment Fraud
The Supreme Court explains how Ponzi schemes constitute syndicated estafa under Philippine law, and what this means for investors.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: Distinguishing Homicide from Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and what a defendant must prove to claim self-defense.
Diminished Treachery: When Sudden Attacks Do Not Qualify as Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden attack lacks treachery, reducing murder to homicide, and explains self-defense standards.
When Investment Turns Criminal: Reassessing Estafa in Corporate Transactions
Supreme Court clarifies that failed investments and unmet expectations do not automatically constitute estafa under Philippine law.
Chain OF Custody Imperative Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity IN Philippine LAW 3
Rape Penetration Without Hymenal Rupture: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration and hymenal rupture are not required for rape conviction under Philippine law.
VAT Refund Claims Navigating THE Timelines FOR Zero Rated Sales Under Philippine LAW
Fixed Term vs Project Employment: Protecting Workers' Security of Tenure
Philippine law on fixed-term and project employment, and how the Supreme Court protects workers' security of tenure against circumvention.
Moral Ascendancy and the Shadow of Doubt: Familial Rape in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court weighed circumstantial evidence, moral ascendancy, and delayed reporting in a father's qualified rape conviction.
Breach of Trust: How Philippine Law Punishes Theft by Domestic Servants
The Supreme Court explains qualified theft by domestic servants, intent to gain, and penalties under RA 10951.
AWOL and Dropping from the Rolls: Employee Rights Under Philippine Law
Learn the rules on AWOL in the Philippine civil service, including the 30-day rule, non-disciplinary separation, and employee rights.
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity IN Philippine LAW 21
Binding Counsel When Attorney Negligence Impacts Client Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client is bound by counsel's negligence and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.