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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Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Explore how the Supreme Court applied of the Revised Penal Code in People v. Toukyo, clarifying that death abates criminal liability and related civil claims.
Filing Disability Claims Early: Why Timing and the Company Doctor's Assessment Matter
A seafarer's premature disability claim fails when the company-designated physician issues a Grade 10 rating within 240 days. Learn the rules.
Constructive Dismissal: When Work Conditions Become Unbearable Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal standards and service incentive leave pay prescription in Rodriguez v. Park N Ride.
Timely Disability Claims: Seafarers' Rights and Employer Obligations Under POEA-SEC
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarers' disability claims, the 120/240-day rule, and why timely filing matters under POEA-SEC.
Acknowledgment of Debt and the Best Evidence Rule: BPI v. Mendoza
The Supreme Court clarifies when a photocopy of a document may be admitted as evidence, and how a debtor's own acts can prove an obligation.
Union Registration Misrepresentation Claims and the Limits of Cancellation Under the Labor Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that only grounds listed in Article 247 of the Labor Code justify cancellation of union registration, not lack of mutuality of interests.
Annulment of Judgment in Land Title Cases: The Jurisdictional Limit on Lost Title Proceedings
A landowner's title was cancelled without her knowledge. The Supreme Court clarifies when courts lack jurisdiction over lost title cases.
Filing Fees in Intra-Corporate Disputes: When the Subject Matter Cannot Be Valued in Money
The Supreme Court clarifies when intra-corporate disputes require filing fees based on pecuniary value, correcting a prior misreading of Lu v. Lu Ym, Sr.
Convicting a Rapist on the Victim's Sole Testimony and Medical Evidence
In People v. Gabriel, the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based on the victim's lone testimony, corroborated by medico-legal findings of fresh hymenal lacerations.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Proving Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what it takes to prove self-defense and defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
Right of Way in the Philippines: Balancing Property Rights and Legal Easements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner can demand a legal easement of right of way and how courts balance property rights.
Corporate Rehabilitation: Why Unappealed Court Orders Bind Parties in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why failing to appeal a rehabilitation order within 15 days bars a party from later challenging it.
When Absence Doesnt Mean Abandonment Protecting Employee Rights Against Unsubstantiated Dismissals
The Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment requires clear intent, not mere absence, and employers must prove both elements.
Government Contracts Enforceability AND THE Necessity OF Legal Requirements
A look at when government contracts are binding and why strict legal requirements matter for enforceability in the Philippines.
Torrens Title vs Prior Possession: Resolving Ejectment Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title holder can eject occupants who claim prior possession and ownership.
Unlawful Detainer: Registered Title Prevails Over Prior Possession in Ejectment Cases
In ejectment cases, a Torrens title holder need not prove prior physical possession. Learn the ruling in Spouses Gaela v. Spouses Tan.
When BIR Assessments Become Final: Why Taxpayers Must Act on Unchallenged Notices
Understand why unchallenged BIR assessments become final and executory, and what taxpayers must do to protect their rights.
Upholding Judicial Integrity Disbarment FOR Gross Misconduct AND Insubordination
Disability Retirement Benefits Protecting Judges Incapacitated During Service
The Supreme Court clarifies disability retirement rules for judges, granting full benefits to an incapacitated Sandiganbayan Justice.
Duress in Elections: Balancing Electoral Duties and Personal Safety Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when duress excuses election officers from administrative liability—and when it does not.
Upholding Legal Ethics Attorneys Cannot USE Force TO Claim Disputed Property Rights
Diminished Conviction When Group Attacks Dont Automatically Mean Abuse OF Superior Strength
Conspiracy and Qualified Rape: Revisiting Liability in Group Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy upgrades rape to qualified rape and why an appellate court over-counted convictions.
Why Police Must Follow Section 21 of RA 9165 in Drug Cases
Learn why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to conduct inventory and photograph seized items under Section 21 of RA 9165.