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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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.
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.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Limits of Personal Liability for Corporate Acts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accountability Prevails Public Officials Liable FOR Malversation Despite Technicalities
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Upholding Workers Rights Resolving Labor Disputes Despite Prior Agreements
Supreme Court clarifies when unauthorized use of company property justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law.
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.
When Waivers Fail: Prescription and Due Process in Tax Assessments
A waiver of the tax prescription period must strictly follow BIR rules; defects void it and bar assessment.
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.
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.
When a Solemn Promise Isn't Proof: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process in Labor Cases
SC ruling explains why an employee's written promise to return money is not enough to justify dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
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.