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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When Witness Inconsistency Undermines a Murder Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when minor witness inconsistencies do not destroy a rape conviction and how credibility is assessed.
Retroactivity of Tax Rulings: When the BIR Cannot Apply a Revoked Ruling Against You
The Supreme Court explains when the BIR cannot retroactively apply a revoked tax ruling to assess deficiency taxes against a taxpayer.
Venue in Personal Actions: Why Actual Residence Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts determine proper venue for personal actions and why actual residence—not domicile—controls the choice of forum.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in Philippine labor law, using an insurance agent case.
Marijuana Possession and the Retroactive Application of Favorable Criminal Laws in the Philippines
Explaining when procedural laws apply retroactively, using the Subido v. Sandiganbayan ruling on jurisdiction and vested rights.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish independent contractors from employees using the control test, based on the Encyclopaedia Britannica case.
Retroactive Application of Reduced Penalties: A Guide to R.A. 7659
When can a final sentence be reduced by a new law? The Supreme Court explains the retroactive effect of R.A. 7659 on drug penalties.
When Silence Speaks Volumes: Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on a lone eyewitness's testimony, explaining why silence during a crime does not destroy credibility.
When Disputes Over TROs Are Judicial, Not Administrative: Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline against judges.
Challenging Election Results: The PRE Proclamation Controversy and Venue Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on Comelec's power to change ballot revision venue in election protests, citing Cabagnot v. Comelec.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Gabris
How Philippine courts assess a child rape victim's testimony, and why minor inconsistencies do not destroy credibility.
How Philippine Courts Interpret Lease Agreements and Advance Deposits
Clear lease terms and receipts control contract interpretation. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on advance deposits and rescission.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws: When Does a Lighter Sentence Apply
Explaining when Philippine courts apply a new, lighter penal law retroactively, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Magtibay.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Attack
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery, why it qualifies killing as murder, and what Patrolla v. People teaches about intent and attack.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Right of Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Understand the right of control test that distinguishes an independent contractor from an employee under Philippine labor law, as explained in Sandigan Savings v. NLRC.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credibility of Witnesses and the Weakness of Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining why witness credibility prevails over alibi and how trivial inconsistencies do not destroy a complainant's testimony.
Ejectment and Rent Control: When a Month-to-Month Lease Expires in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when landlords can eject tenants under month-to-month leases covered by rent control laws.
Retroactive Application of Subdivision Laws Protecting Home Buyers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why P.D. 957 protects home buyers even for contracts signed before 1976.
Retroactivity of Subdivision Buyer Protection Laws: PNB v. Office of the President
When do protective laws apply to old contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies P.D. 957's retroactive application to protect lot buyers from developer defaults.