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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Dividing Assets in Void Marriages: Co-Ownership vs. Conjugal Partnership
The Supreme Court clarifies that property acquired during a void marriage is divided under co-ownership rules, not conjugal partnership.
Forged Deeds and Ejectment: Protecting Co-Ownership Rights in Family Property Disputes
When a forged deed transfers family property, can the fraudulent titleholder evict co-owner heirs? The Supreme Court says no.
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.
Decoding Labor-Only Contracting: Adidas Employee Rights and Responsibilities
The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules in Cusap v. Adidas Philippines, explaining employee rights, employer liability, and regularization.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Citizenship by Naturalization: Balancing National Sovereignty and Refugee Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on naturalization of a refugee, clarifying the "lucrative income" requirement and reciprocity under the Naturalization Law.
Upholding Workers Rights Resolving Labor Disputes Despite Prior Agreements
Supreme Court clarifies when unauthorized use of company property justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.