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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Work-Related Stroke: Supreme Court Upholds Employees' Compensation Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a worker's stroke can be compensable under Philippine law, using substantial evidence and probability.
Intent to Kill: Distinguishing Frustrated Homicide From Physical Injuries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how intent to kill separates frustrated homicide from physical injuries, and why a gunshot wound proves it.
Proving Loss of Earning Capacity: Admissibility of Evidence in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts prove loss of earning capacity, and why unobjected documentary evidence can establish damages for a deceased's unrealized income.
When Police Slip-Ups Void Drug Convictions: The Chain of Custody Rule in Philippine Law
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, and what this means for police procedure.
Unilateral Lease Termination and Ejectment: Mutuality of Contracts in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor may unilaterally terminate a lease and file ejectment, and the limits of summary proceedings.
Trademark Disputes: Unfair Competition and Prejudicial Questions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when civil trademark cases can suspend criminal prosecutions and how courts review prosecutorial findings on probable cause.
Chain of Custody Imperative Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Acts of Lasciviousness, Consent, and Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits in Angeles v. People, clarifying consent, lewdness, and the equipoise rule in acts of lasciviousness cases.
Refusal to Bargain: Protecting Workers' Right to Collective Bargaining in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that an employer's refusal to bargain and waiver schemes constitute unfair labor practice under Philippine law.
Specific Performance vs Rescission: Contractual Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific performance or rescission applies in reciprocal obligations, using a Tagaytay property dispute as guide.
Good Faith in Construction: Builders' Rights and Landowners' Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when builders are in good faith and the rights of landowners over improvements built on their property.
Protecting Children: Defining Child Abuse and Criminal Intent Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a physical assault on a child is child abuse under R.A. 7610, and how criminal intent is established.
Substantiation of Tax Deductions: Proper Documentation Under Philippine Tax Law
Philippine law requires proper documentation for tax deductions, including PWD discounts. Learn the rules and substantiation requirements.
Ensuring Access: The Indispensable Right to a Legal Easement of Right of Way
When a property becomes landlocked through no fault of its owner, Philippine law grants a legal easement of right of way. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery and Witness Credibility in Murder Cases Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on treachery and credible eyewitness testimony, explaining key rules on witness credibility and damages.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attacks Qualify as Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance for murder, using a sudden shooting as a clear example of the rule.
Ensuring Chain of Custody: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts treat lapses in Section 21 drug evidence rules and why preserving the chain of custody remains decisive in drug cases.
Rape of an Intoxicated Victim: Consent and Consciousness Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court ruled that sex with a woman unconscious or deprived of reason from intoxication is rape, even without force.
Solidary Liability in Subdivision Sales: AFP Retirement System v. Sanvictores
Supreme Court holds co-sellers jointly liable under Contract to Sell, explaining solidary obligations and apparent authority under Philippine law.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Presumption of Incapacity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that carnal knowledge of a child under 12 is statutory rape, regardless of force or consent.
Treachery IN Murder HOW ITS Defined AND Proven Under Philippine LAW
Unconscionable Penalties: Reassessing Loan Obligations in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reduce penalty charges and attorney's fees in deficiency claims after foreclosure.
Breach of Trust as Ground for Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Law Requires
Learn when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Celiz v. Cord Chemicals.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death Before Final Judgment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when death extinguishes criminal and civil liability, applying Article 89 of the Revised Penal Code.