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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Strict Accountability for Court Funds: Consequences for Clerks of Court Mismanagement in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerk of court liability for mismanaged judiciary funds, emphasizing strict accountability and administrative consequences.
Shareholder Rights vs Corporate Discretion: Mandamus and Stock Transfer Recording
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporate secretary must record stock transfers, SEC jurisdiction, and shareholder rights.
Redemption by Heirs After Tax Sale: Tondo Foreshore Lot Case
When a co-owner repurchases property after a tax sale, the redemption may benefit all heirs. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Conspiracy in Estafa: How Mere Presence Can Lead to Fraud Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in estafa can be proven by acts showing unity of purpose, even without direct participation in every detail.
When Force Is Relative: Rape of a Mentally Disabled Victim in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how force and intimidation in rape are measured against a mentally disabled victim's condition.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction Projects
Learn when construction workers are project employees and their rights on termination before project completion, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Novation and Suretyship: Understanding Debt Substitution in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when debt substitution is novation versus suretyship, and why accommodation parties remain liable.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Can Void a Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyer negligence amounts to extrinsic fraud that can annul a judgment, and when it does not.
Invalid Promulgation of Judgment: When Philippine Courts Fail to Follow Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court explains what makes a valid promulgation in absentia and when the accused's right to appeal accrues.
When Eyewitness Testimony and Conspiracy Lead to Conviction: Murder Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on murder conviction based on eyewitness identification, conspiracy, and treachery, and why alibi fails.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: SSS Coverage for Farmworkers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a "pakyaw (piece-rate) basis considered an employee entitled to compulsory Social Security System (SSS) coverage? The ruling is a reminder that the label used b
Positive Identification in Robbery With Homicide: Why Eyewitness Testimony Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, credibility of relatives, and why alibi fails against positive identification.
Missed Deadlines Lost Inheritance Understanding Appeal Periods IN Philippine Estate Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how missed appeal deadlines in estate cases can cost heirs their inheritance rights.
Conspiracy and Homicide vs Murder: Understanding Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy, treachery, and qualifying circumstances in homicide versus murder convictions.
Attempted Robbery With Homicide: Key Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Understand the special complex crime of attempted robbery with homicide under Philippine law, using insights from People v. Macabales.
Reasonable Time for Searches: Balancing Rights and Law Enforcement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when nighttime searches are reasonable and how the witness-to-search rule works.
Prescription Periods in Graft Cases: The Discovery Rule for Ill-Gotten Wealth
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the prescription period for graft cases begins—from discovery, not commission, of the offense.
Security of Tenure for Philippine Career Executives: Rank vs. Position
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that career executive service officers hold security of tenure by rank, not by position, allowing reassignment without consent.
Landowner Consent Is Essential in Agricultural Leasehold Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a tenant cannot transfer leasehold rights without landowner consent, and the consequences of unauthorized assignment.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Responsibilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, employee abandonment, overtime pay, and employer duties in termination cases.
When Summary Proceedings Fail: Protecting Conjugal Property Rights During Spousal Incapacity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that guardianship, not summary proceedings, governs disposal of conjugal property when a spouse is incapacitated.
When Alibi Fails Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Kidnapping Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence is insufficient to convict in kidnapping-murder cases, acquitting two accused.
In Rape Cases, a Child's Testimony Can Be Enough: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A child's testimony alone can convict in rape cases. Learn key rules from People v. Segui on credibility, alibi, and damages.
Speedy Trial Rights in the Philippines: How Long Is Too Long for Case Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court explains when delay violates the right to speedy disposition of cases, using the Blanco v. Sandiganbayan ruling.