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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Litis Pendentia and Res Judicata: Preventing Redundant Lawsuits in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts apply litis pendentia and res judicata to stop redundant lawsuits, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
In-Court Identification in Rape Cases: People v. Pacistol (G.R. 119074-75)
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a victim's credible in-court identification can secure a rape conviction despite flawed police line-up procedures.
Airline Liability for Lost Baggage: Understanding the Limits and Exceptions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability limits for lost baggage under the Warsaw Convention, and when willful misconduct removes those caps.
Eyewitness Testimony Overcoming Delay AND Establishing Credibility IN Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how delayed eyewitness testimony can still be credible and how damages are computed in murder cases.
Rape by a Parent: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Violence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter substitutes for force in rape, affirming death penalty.
Employee Dismissal: Proving Misconduct Requires Solid Evidence in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Buhisan v. NLRC: dismissal for misconduct needs substantial evidence, not mere suspicion or affidavits.
When Can a Judge Recall a Warrant of Arrest: Understanding Abuse of Discretion
A Supreme Court ruling explains the three-day notice rule for motions and when a judge commits abuse of discretion in recalling warrants.
Ballot Authentication: How Missing BEI Signatures Affect Election Validity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unsigned ballots are spurious, and how voter intent prevails over technical omissions.
Tax Sale Notice: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Tax Delinquency Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sale notice requirements, protecting registered owners' property rights in delinquent real property auctions.
Breach of Trust and Due Process in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling on willful breach of trust as just cause for dismissal, and the price of skipping procedural due process.
Election Protests Ensuring Fair Canvassing AND Valid Proclamations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election protests, canvassing irregularities, and the validity of proclamations in electoral disputes.
Eyewitness Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence in drug cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Election Protests Understanding Demurrer to Evidence and Waiver of Rights in Philippine Law
Learn how filing a demurrer to evidence waives the right to present defense evidence, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Why Drug Cases Stay in Regional Trial Courts Even for Small Amounts
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling explains why RTCs keep jurisdiction over drug offenses regardless of the quantity involved or penalty.
Breach of Contract: Financial Obligations and Due Diligence in Land Development Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on accounting obligations, due diligence, and the consequences of failing to produce financial records in land development disputes.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that errors in a judge's judicial function are not administrative misconduct absent bad faith or malice.
Employee Theft and Due Process: Navigating Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee theft, just cause, and the two-notice rule in termination cases.
Notarial Duty: Ensuring Authenticity and Preventing Misrepresentation in Legal Documents
A notary's certification is not a routinary act. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer suspended for notarizing a deed with deceased vendors.
Right to Counsel in Philippine Administrative Investigations: What You Need to Know
Learn when the right to counsel applies in Philippine administrative investigations, based on Supreme Court rulings and practical guidance.
The Limits of Mission Orders: When Can Civilians Carry Firearms Legally in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mission orders, civilian firearm possession, and the limits of authority to issue gun permits.
Accountability in Judiciary Funds: A Practical Guide for Court Personnel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on JDF and Fiduciary Fund mishandling clarifies deposit rules, interest accounting, and court personnel liability.
Rape and Robbery: How Philippine Courts Handle Complex Criminal Cases
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how forcible abduction with rape and robbery charges are treated when multiple crimes arise from one criminal episode.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: When a Defendant Can Protect Property Rights
Learn when a defendant can register a notice of lis pendens in the Philippines, even without a registered title, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Employer Duties and Employee Rights
Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, employer responsibilities, and employee rights based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.