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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Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Salary Reduction as Grounds for Illegal Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal through demotion and salary reduction, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Redemption vs. Repurchase: Property Rights After Foreclosure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between redemption and repurchase of foreclosed property, and why timing matters.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Defining the Lines in Media Talent Engagements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TV or radio host is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the control test.
Accountability for Murder Conspiracy and the Limits of Alibi
A Supreme Court ruling on murder conviction, eyewitness identification, treachery, and why alibi fails against positive testimony.
When a Stabbing Spree Is Homicide, Not Murder: The Treachery Requirement
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a killing during a heated quarrel, without proof of treachery, is homicide—not murder.
Judicial Misconduct: A Judge's Accountability for Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Justice
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial misconduct, abuse of power, and obstruction of justice in City Prosecution Office v. Bersales.
MSU Liable for Official Actions: Contractual Obligations and University Presidents
Supreme Court rules Mindanao State University bound by official acts of its presidents, estopped from denying contract payments to contractor.
Forum Shopping in Corporate Disputes: When Parallel Cases Get Dismissed
The Supreme Court explains when filing parallel cases on the same corporate dispute constitutes forum shopping, leading to dismissal.
Forum Shopping Dismissal: Redundant Suits and Lis Pendens Cancellation
When can a second case be dismissed as forum shopping? The Supreme Court explains in SK Realty v. Johnny KH Uy.
Treachery Defined: When a Surprise Attack Qualifies as Murder in the Philippines
When does a sudden attack amount to treachery that qualifies killing as murder? The Supreme Court explains the rules on treachery, bail, and double jeopardy.
Land Registration and Imperfect Titles: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict possession standard for judicial confirmation of imperfect titles under the Public Land Act.
Due Process and the Right to Present Evidence: Lessons from People v. Oga
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, showing how the prosecution must prove force and intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
Carnapping vs Theft: Defining Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when taking a vehicle is carnapping, not qualified theft, and the proper penalties.
Disobeying Court Orders: The Limits of Excuses in Contempt Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows that hiding pending criminal cases and misusing the title "Attorney" can cost a Shari'a Bar member his privilege to practice law.
Conspiracy vs Mere Presence: When Bystanders Escape Murder Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy in murder cases, acquitting three accused.
Murder Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction, focusing on treachery, witness credibility, and proper damages in People v. Escote.
Prescription and Co-Ownership: When Long Possession Extinguishes Partition Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a co-owner's long, exclusive possession can extinguish the right to demand partition through prescription.
Consent in Rape Cases: Force, Intimidation, and Credibility Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, explaining when lack of resistance signals consent and how courts test force and intimidation.
Entrapment vs Illegal Search: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and illegal warrantless searches in drug cases, and clarifies penalties for selling small amounts of shabu.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules Clarifying Timelines for Certiorari Petitions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies retroactive application of procedural rules and timelines for certiorari petitions in administrative case against RTC judge.
Habitual Absenteeism in Public Service: Defining Boundaries and Upholding Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between habitual absenteeism and excusable absences in public service, reinforcing accountability standards.
Grave Threats Case: Why Judges Must Apply Summary Procedure Correctly
In Riño v. Cawaling, the Supreme Court fined a judge for gross ignorance of the law in misapplying summary procedure in a grave threats case.
Enforcement Delayed: Prescription and Revival of Judgments in Philippine Property Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains the five-year and ten-year deadlines for enforcing judgments, and the consequences of delay.
Homeowners' Open Space Claims vs Subdivision Rules: When Laws Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on whether P.D. 957's open space requirement applies retroactively to subdivisions approved before 1976.