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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Indirect Employers' Solidary Liability: Protecting Workers' Monetary Claims Under the Labor Code
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on indirect employers' solidary liability for workers' wages, 13th month pay, and other monetary benefits.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: Protecting Shareholder Rights in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts classify intra-corporate disputes and protect shareholder rights from fraudulent share transfers, based on a 2010 Supreme Court ruling.
Buyer Beware: Due Diligence in Philippine Real Estate Transactions
The Supreme Court reminds buyers of registered land that a title is not enough—due diligence requires inquiry beyond its four corners.
The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Cabanilla
In People v. Cabanilla, the Supreme Court rejected the sweetheart defense, showing why a claim of a love affair rarely defeats a credible rape charge.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and why self-defense failed in People v. Manulit.
Sweetheart Defense in Rape Cases: Why Consent Cannot Be Assumed from a Relationship
The Supreme Court explains why the sweetheart defense fails in rape cases and what constitutes valid consent under Philippine law.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements and Property Sales in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee's right of first refusal when leased property is sold, explained in plain language.
Prescription in Tax Collection: When Does the Government Lose Its Right to Collect
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for tax collection and when the government's right to collect prescribed taxes expires.
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
Untimely Appeal: How Attorney Negligence Can Doom Your Case
Learn how attorney negligence in filing an appeal can doom your case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability.
Late Certiorari Filing Binds Clients to Counsel's Negligence: Labao v. Flores
Supreme Court rules that a client is bound by counsel's failure to file certiorari on time, stressing strict compliance with reglementary periods.
When the Secretary of Labor May Award Higher Wages Than a Union MOA
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether the Labor Secretary can grant wage increases higher than a union's memorandum of agreement.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Inconsistent Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after prosecution witnesses gave contradictory testimonies, casting doubt on the identity of the seized drugs.
When Sheriffs Cross the Line: Execution Without a Demolition Order
A sheriff demolished a house using only a writ of execution, without a demolition order. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Warrantless Arrests in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless arrests are legal in the Philippines, using a drug case to illustrate the rules.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Proving Alienability and Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to register land title under PD 1529, emphasizing proof of alienability and possession since 1945.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Mishandling Court Funds: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court ruled on the severe consequences for clerks of court who mishandle judiciary funds, emphasizing their duty as custodians of public money.
Unauthorized Absences and the Limits of Disciplinary Action: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on PLDT v. Teves clarifies when unauthorized absences justify dismissal and when they do not.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Immorality in the Workplace: When Personal Conduct Leads to Professional Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a government employee's extramarital affair constituted disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation.
Finality of Judgments: Understanding Immutability and Exceptions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of finality of judgments and its exceptions in a labor case involving illegal dismissal and retirement.
Treachery and Attempted Murder: Establishing Intent and Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how treachery qualifies murder and how intent is established in attempted murder cases.
When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a claim of self-defense failed and how treachery qualified a killing as murder.
Chain of Custody: Why Drug Sale Convictions Fail Without It
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with R.A. 9165 procedures.