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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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.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases: When Is It Enough to Convict?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict, and when it fails the test of moral certainty.
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.
Conspiracy and Criminal Liability: Understanding Intent and Participation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence proves conspiracy and guilt beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
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.
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.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Court Authority: Navigating Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the balance between prosecutorial discretion and judicial authority in dismissing criminal cases after information is filed.
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.
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.
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.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Consent and Legal Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that carnal knowledge of a mentally retarded woman whose mental age is below twelve constitutes rape.
Rape Conviction: Credible Testimony and Victims' Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how courts weigh victim testimony, the sweetheart defense, and damages awards.
Judicial Misconduct and Unauthorized Travel: When a Judge Abandons the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses a judge for repeated unauthorized travel abroad, abandoning court duties and litigants.
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.
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.
Granting Bail Without a Hearing: A Judge's Error and Its Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on a judge fined for granting bail in rape cases without a hearing, a grave error.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Loss of Trust and Confidence: A Philippine Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the high standard for dismissing employees on grounds of loss of trust and confidence.
Rape Conviction Based on Sole Testimony: Understanding Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a rape conviction can rest on the complainant's sole testimony, and why alibi and denial fail against positive identification.
The Right to Preliminary Investigation: A Shield for Liberty in Philippine Criminal Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a regular preliminary investigation is a substantive right, not a mere technicality, protecting the accused from arbitrary detention.
Homicide vs Robbery With Homicide: Key Distinctions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a killing is simple homicide, not robbery with homicide, and why robbery must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Malicious Prosecution: Probable Cause and Legal Malice in Unfair Competition Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing unfair competition charges constitutes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of absent probable cause and legal malice.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements: A Philippine Law Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of first refusal in a lease binds the lessor, and why sublessees generally cannot enforce it.