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 Can You Sue the Philippine Government? The ATO Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains when government agencies can be sued, distinguishing sovereign from proprietary functions in the Air Transportation Office case.
Rape Conviction and Deadly Weapon: Credibility of Witness Testimony in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies circumstantial evidence and witness credibility in rape with homicide conviction, affirming guilty verdict.
Breach of Contract and Bank Negligence: Protecting Clients' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for negligence in terminating credit lines and dishonoring checks without proper notice.
Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Testimony: Philippine Law on Crimes Against Children
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape with homicide convictions based on circumstantial evidence and victim testimony in crimes against children.
Supreme Court Affirms Conviction in Incestuous Rape, Adjusts Damages
The High Court affirms a father's rape conviction, clarifies penalties under RA 8353, and adjusts civil, moral, and exemplary damages.
Docket Fee Payment Safeguarding Appeals Through Procedural Flexibility
Learn how the Supreme Court protects appellate rights through flexible docket fee payment rules and the consequences of non-compliance.
Certiorari Cannot Substitute for a Lost Appeal in Property Disputes: Tan v. Antazo
The Supreme Court reiterates that certiorari under Rule 65 cannot replace an ordinary appeal, even in property cases.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and Floating Status in Security Agencies
When a security guard's floating status exceeds six months, the law treats it as constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
When a Rape Conviction Can Rest on the Victim's Sole Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape conviction can rest solely on the victim's credible testimony, and why alibi rarely prevails.
SALN Compliance: Ombudsman’s Authority and the Limits of Employer Review
The Supreme Court clarifies that heads of offices reviewing SALNs cannot bar the Ombudsman from investigating public officials for substantive defects.
Simulated Bidding and Falsification: Public Officials' Liability Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on public officials liable for falsified bidding documents and graft under R.A. 3019 in simulated procurement.
Eyewitness Testimony and Conspiracy Affirming Guilt in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on credible eyewitness testimony, conspiracy, and treachery, explaining key rules for criminal cases.
SALN Disclosure: Ombudsman’s Authority Not Limited by Internal Office Procedures
Supreme Court ruling on SALN review, Ombudsman independence, and the limits of Section 10 RA 6713.
Substantial Compliance vs Strict Interpretation: Upholding Appeals in Liquidation Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in appeals, using a bank liquidation case to clarify procedural rules.
Unwavering Witness: How Philippine Courts Value Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on credible eyewitness testimony, explaining how courts weigh witness credibility against alibi defenses.
SALN Review by Head of Office Cannot Bar Ombudsman From Filing Charges
Supreme Court clarifies that a head of office's failure to review a subordinate's SALN does not stop the Ombudsman from prosecuting falsification cases.
Calculating Loss of Earning Capacity in Wrongful Death Claims: The Roberto Lopez Case
The Supreme Court in People v. Lopez clarifies the formula for computing loss of earning capacity in wrongful death cases.
Treachery and Conspiracy: When Presence Makes You an Accomplice, Not a Principal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bystander at a murder scene becomes an accomplice rather than a conspirator, and how treachery is proven.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when retrenchment is valid, how waivers and quitclaims are tested, and what happens when the required DOLE notice is late.
Judges Must Decide Cases Promptly: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how undue delay in deciding cases makes a judge liable, even after retirement, and why heavy caseload is no excuse.
Protecting Marital Assets When Corporate Debt Cannot Seize Family Property
Supreme Court ruling on when corporate debts cannot reach family property, and the proper remedy for third-party claims in labor execution.
Deceptive Practices in Sales: When Employees Face Estafa Liability
Sales employees can face estafa liability for deceptive practices. The Supreme Court explains when soliciting clients despite knowledge of fraud constitutes misrepresentation.
When Archiving Criminal Cases Becomes Gross Ignorance of the Law: Ricablanca v. Barillo
A judge's duty to transmit preliminary investigation records to prosecutors, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ricablanca v. Barillo.
Cityhood Laws and Equal Protection: The League of Cities Doctrine
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of 16 cityhood laws, ruling that Congress validly exempted certain municipalities from higher income requirements.