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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Redundancy Programs and Fair Dismissals: Lessons from Capitol Wireless
The Supreme Court clarifies that redundancy dismissals require fair criteria and due process, not just a valid business reason.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When New Owners Inherit Labor Obligations
Learn when a successor company inherits a predecessor's labor obligations under Philippine law, based on the Caliguia ruling.
Mental Incapacity as a Ground for Dismissal: The Alagaban Case and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine law allows dismissal for mental incapacity, but only with strict due process. The Alagaban case shows how courts balance employee rights and workplace efficiency.
When Can Employee Absences Lead to Dismissal? A Guide for Employers and Employees
Explore when habitual absences justify dismissal under Philippine labor law, citing the Meralco v. NLRC case.
Publication Requirement: The Real Limit on Administrative Rule-Making Power
A Supreme Court ruling on PITC's trade regulations underscores the publication requirement for administrative issuances to be valid and effective.
Lease Renewal vs Extension Understanding Your Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between lease renewal and extension, and why verbal assurances of renewal may not hold up in court.
Seafarer's Rights: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, due process requirements, and evidentiary standards in maritime employment cases.
Can a Final Labor Judgment Be Offset by a Separate Debt? Jurisdiction and Due Process
A final labor arbiter award cannot be defeated by an employer's set-off claim for a separate debt, explains the Supreme Court in Pondoc v. NLRC.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Lessons on Credibility and Damages in Philippine Law
A father's rape conviction upheld; the Supreme Court clarifies credibility rules, alibi, and damages awards in incestuous rape cases.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Legal Consequences and Victim Rights
A father's repeated rape of his daughter yields three reclusion perpetua terms and P225,000 in damages, clarifying Philippine incest-rape law.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains when treachery qualifies a killing as murder, and why sudden attacks alone do not prove it.
Self-Defense and Defense of Relatives in Philippine Law: Limits and Lessons from People v. Babor
When does self-defense fail in the Philippines? People v. Babor clarifies the limits of justifying circumstances, unlawful aggression, and reasonable force.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, using People v. Villegas to illustrate sudden, unexpected attacks.
Final Judgments Bind Conjugal Property: Lessons from Johnson & Johnson v. Vinluan
A final judgment declaring a wife solely liable cannot later be enforced against conjugal property. Learn the due process and finality rules.
Consent and Rape: Understanding the Nuances of Sexual Assault in the Philippines
The Bawar case shows how Philippine courts weigh consent, credibility, and behavior in rape cases—crucial for understanding sexual assault law.
Consequences OF Negligence Dismissal FOR Judges Failing TO ACT ON Cases
When Is a Killing Considered Homicide: Intent and Circumstances Explained
Understand when a killing is homicide or murder under Philippine law, using the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Layaguin.
Navigating Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Due Process and Avoiding Wrongful Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts scrutinize buy-bust operations to protect the accused's rights and prevent wrongful convictions in drug cases.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies killing to murder, using a 1996 case as a clear example.
Treachery and Recidivism: How Aggravating Circumstances Shape Philippine Criminal Cases
A look at how treachery, recidivism, and habituality affect criminal liability, explained through a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Limits on Judicial Authority: When Can a Judge Issue a Warrant of Arrest?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause alone does not justify a warrant—judges must also find immediate custody necessary.
Homicide vs Murder: Intent and Aggravating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
Donation of Subdivision Open Spaces: Conditions, Revocation, and Public Use
The Supreme Court rules on conditions attached to donated subdivision open spaces, their non-buildable character, and limits on revocation.
Accountability in Public Service: The Consequences of Neglect of Duty
A court interpreter's 10-year failure to prepare minutes of hearings results in suspension, underscoring public accountability.