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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Stock Pledge in the Philippines: When Can a Pledgee Demand Ownership and Stock Transfer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a pledgee of shares can demand stock transfer and ownership rights under a contract of pledge.
When Words Fail and Knives Speak: Self-Defense and Homicide in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails, how accomplices differ from principals, and why a heated argument defeats treachery.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Key Differences and Employer Responsibilities in the Philipp
Learn the legal distinction between independent contractor and labor-only contracting, and the employer responsibilities that follow, based on a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Buyer’s Right to Specific Performance When a Seller Backs Out of a Contract to Sell
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sellers cannot unilaterally rescind a Contract to Sell, and buyers may sue for specific performance.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why accused persons claiming self-defense must prove it, and how courts assess such claims.
Valid Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust Justifies Termination of Managerial Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies valid dismissal of managerial employees under the Labor Code.
Rape Conviction and the Importance of Consent and Credible Testimony in Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how courts weigh witness credibility, inconsistencies, and corroboration in affirming a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Stock Dividends and Documentary Stamp Tax: Par Value vs Actual Value in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether documentary stamp tax on stock dividends is based on par value or book value.
Unlicensed Firearm in Philippine Murder Cases: Understanding Aggravating Circumstances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how unlicensed firearms affect murder charges, from separate offense to aggravating circumstance under RA 8294.
Judicial Accountability and Case Resolution: Ensuring Justice Beyond Retirement
Supreme Court ruling on sexual harassment by a judge shows judicial accountability extends beyond retirement and requires timely case resolution.
Ordinance vs Resolution: Why LGUs Need an Ordinance for Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: local governments cannot expropriate private property through a mere resolution—an ordinance is legally required under RA 7160.
Mortgage Preference vs Corporate Rehabilitation: Understanding Creditor Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on creditor rights, mortgage preference, and payment rules under the Civil Code explained in plain language.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Philippine Kidnapping Cases
How Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibi and denial in kidnapping for ransom cases, based on a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Due Process in Ejectment Cases: When Can a Landlord Enter Abandoned Premises?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on landlords entering abandoned leased premises in ejectment cases, and the limits of procedural due process.
Philippine Election Law: RTC Jurisdiction Over Election Offenses Despite Lower Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: Regional Trial Courts keep exclusive jurisdiction over election offenses even if penalties are six years or less.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases Within 90 Days
Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days and clerks' duty to transmit records promptly.
When Private Immorality Leads to Public Disbarment: Understanding Lawyer Ethics in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's private misconduct—abandoning his family—can lead to disbarment.
Protecting Your Right to Present Evidence: Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts protect the right to present evidence and ensure due process in criminal cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
How Philippine Courts Assess Witness Credibility and Nighttime Aggravation
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling explains how trial courts weigh witness credibility, self-defense claims, and when nighttime aggravates a crime.
Valid Dismissal for Insubordination: Employee Rights and Company Discipline in the Philippines
Understand when a strike is legal and dismissal valid under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on employee rights.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Encroachment and Builder in Bad Faith in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle property encroachment and the consequences of being a builder in bad faith, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Eviction and Tolerance: Understanding Tenant Rights Under Philippine Law
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that tolerated occupants are not tenants under PD 1517 and may be evicted on demand.
Final and Executory Judgments: When Can They Be Modified?
Explore the narrow exceptions to the finality of judgments in Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Regular Employee Status, Security of Tenure, and CBA Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when seasonal workers become regular employees entitled to CBA benefits and security of tenure.