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 Words Become Weapons: Establishing Conspiracy in Philippine Homicide Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine conspiracy in criminal cases, using the landmark Babanggol drug case as a guide.
Bank Cashier's Liability for Negligence in Approving Fraudulent Deposits
Supreme Court ruling on a government bank cashier's grave misconduct for approving fraudulent second-endorsed check deposits to a personal account.
Challenging Drug Convictions: Evidence and Chain of Custody in Buy-Bust Operations
How the Supreme Court assessed evidence and chain of custody in a drug buy-bust case, and what it means for criminal defenses.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials Violating the Auditing Code
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over local officials below Salary Grade 27 charged with Auditing Code violations.
When Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto under the Revised Penal Code.
Annulment and Parricide: The Prejudicial Question Rule Explained
When a marriage annulment case can—and cannot—suspend a criminal case for parricide under Philippine law.
Bail and Burden of Proof: When Courts Can Grant Bail in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies bail in murder cases: burden of proof, evidentiary standards, and when courts may grant bail.
Breach of Construction Contract: Establishing Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability and damages in construction contract breaches, including key rules and practical guidance.
Enforcing Surety Bonds in Construction: Timeliness and CIAC Jurisdiction Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC jurisdiction over surety bonds and what counts as a timely claim in construction disputes.
Upholding Procedural Rules THE Impermissibility OF Prematurely Challenging Orders IN Preliminary Injunction Cases
Pollution Adjudication Board Primary Jurisdiction Over Fishermen's Damages Claims vs Industrial Operations
Supreme Court ruling on PAB primary jurisdiction over pollution-related damages claims, balancing fishermen's livelihood rights and industrial operations.
Reclusion Perpetua and the Element of Intent in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, the weak defense of alibi, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua without parole.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Establishing Alter Ego Liability in Philippine Law
When can a court disregard separate corporate personality and hold a subsidiary liable for its parent's debts? The Supreme Court explains.
Upholding Workers Rights Timely Appeals AND Constructive Dismissal IN Labor Disputes
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on prescriptive periods for illegal dismissal and money claims in PLDT v. Pingol.
Untimely Appeal, Solidary Liability in Joint Ventures, and the Cost of Procedural Lapses
A Supreme Court ruling on the perils of an untimely appeal, solidary liability in joint ventures, and the high cost of procedural lapses in the Philippines.
When Does the 10-Day Appeal Period Start in Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Learn when the 10-day appeal period starts in labor cases and why a security guard's receipt of a decision may not bind the employer.
Protecting Employee Retirement Funds Invalidating Reversion of Assets to Cover Corporate Debt
The Supreme Court ruled that a provident fund cannot be used to pay the employer's debts, protecting employees' retirement benefits.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Courts Hold Subsidiaries Liable
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction and hold a subsidiary liable for a parent company's obligations.
Clean Hands Doctrine Upholding Agreements IN School Discipline Cases
Challenging Drug Convictions: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Illegal Possession Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, and what this means for illegal possession cases.
Security of Tenure vs Academic Standards: The St. Mary's Academy Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on premature dismissal of teachers who failed the LET, balancing security of tenure with professional regulation.
Civil Service Eligibility and the Consequences of Dishonesty in Government Employment
Buying a civil service eligibility is dishonesty punishable by dismissal. Learn the rules and consequences from a Supreme Court case.
Balancing Security and Privacy: The Supreme Court on Amparo, Habeas Data, and Enforced Disappearance Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of amparo and habeas data writs in Roxas v. Arroyo, balancing security, privacy, and state accountability.