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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Diligent Search Required for Presumptive Death Declarations Under the Family Code
The Supreme Court clarifies the stringent "well-founded belief" standard for declaring a spouse presumptfully dead under Article 41 of the Family Code.
Rape Conviction: Proving Minority and Relationship for Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies that for qualified rape, the victim's minority and the offender's relationship must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Bail and Treachery: Reassessing Provisional Liberty in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when bail may be granted in murder cases and how treachery must be proven by strong evidence.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: When an Employer's "Graceful Exit" Offer Is Legal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employer's offer to resign instead of facing investigation is valid, not constructive dismissal.
Tax Assessment Waivers and the Statute of Limitations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when waivers of the tax assessment period are invalid, and why prescription still bars the BIR from collecting deficiency taxes.
Balancing Employee Rights and Workplace Rules When Can Misconduct Justify Dismissal
When does off-duty misconduct justify discipline? The Supreme Court explains the line between conduct unbecoming and conduct prejudicial to service.
When Doubts Linger: Examining Witness Identification and the Unfolding of Justice in Kidnapping Cases
The Supreme Court affirms kidnapping convictions, clarifying the defense of uncontrollable fear and the weight of positive witness identification.
Bail and the Burden of Proof: Examining Treachery in Murder Cases
When can an accused charged with murder still get bail? The Supreme Court explains the burden of proving treachery.
When a Quitclaim and Compromise Do Not Bar Later Labor Claims: Dela Rosa Liner
The Supreme Court clarifies when a compromise agreement and quitclaim do not bar a worker's later claims for unpaid wages and benefits.
Upholding Workers Rights Resolving Labor Disputes Despite Prior Agreements
Supreme Court clarifies when unauthorized use of company property justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Seafarers Disability: The 120/240-Day Rule for Permanent and Total Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule on seafarer disability claims and when a fit-to-work certification must be issued.
Witness Credibility and Treachery Affirming Murder Conviction Despite Eyewitness Limitations
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, ruling that a lone eyewitness's testimony, despite limitations, suffices to prove guilt and treachery.
Declaring a Spouse Presumptively Dead: The High Bar of a "Well-Founded Belief"
The Supreme Court clarifies the stringent standard for declaring a spouse presumptively dead under Article 41 of the Family Code.
Public Health Workers' Benefits: Balancing Magna Carta Rights and Budget Rules
Supreme Court rules on DBM-DOH and DBM-CSC circulars affecting hazard pay, subsistence allowance, and longevity pay for public health workers.
Grave Threats and Double Jeopardy: The Limits of Preliminary Investigations
A police officer convicted of grave threats argues double jeopardy after the Ombudsman dismissed his case. The Supreme Court explains why.
Loss of Trust and Due Process: Philippine Standards for Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the standards for loss of trust and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
Acquittal in Drug Cases: The High Cost of Broken Chain of Custody
Understand why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to prove the chain of custody of seized shabu.
Religious Freedom vs Legal Obligations: When Personal Beliefs Meet Professional Conduct
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers cannot use personal beliefs to evade professional duties and client obligations.
Perfected Contract of Sale When a Preliminary Agreement Becomes Binding
When does a preliminary agreement become a perfected contract of sale? The Supreme Court explains in this Philippine banking liquidation case.
Litis Pendentia: When Foreclosure Bars a Later Collection Suit
A mortgage creditor cannot file foreclosure and collection suits for the same debt. The Supreme Court explains litis pendentia and its limits.
Stringent Compliance is Key: Reconstitution of Torrens Title Requires Strict Adherence to Law
The Supreme Court reiterates that judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles demands strict compliance with RA 26, or the petition fails.
Perfecting Appeals and the Strict Rules on Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles
The Supreme Court reminds courts that petitions for judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles demand strict compliance with RA 26.
Double Jeopardy: The Perils of Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts
Filing multiple cases seeking the same relief in different courts is forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains the consequences in Villamor v. Manalastas.
Judicial Overreach: When Contempt Powers Become Grave Abuse of Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's contempt order crosses the line into grave abuse of authority, and the limits of judicial discretion.