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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Judicial Misconduct Maintaining Propriety AND Upholding Public Trust IN THE Judiciary
Conspiracy and Falsification: Probable Cause in Private Document Cases
How the Supreme Court clarified that conspiracy allegations in falsification cases need only probable cause at preliminary stages, not proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Protecting the Young: Statutory Rape Conviction and the Weakness of Alibi
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that alibi cannot defeat positive identification in statutory rape cases involving minors.
Conspiracy and Liability in Rape: Understanding Shared Criminal Intent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules in rape cases, explaining when co-accused share criminal liability.
Breach of Warranty in Realty Sale: Buyer Entitled to Reduced Purchase Price
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on breach of warranty in realty sales and the buyer's right to proportionate price reduction.
Due Process Prevails: Demotion Without Notice Violates Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on due process in employee discipline, examining demotion without notice and seafarer abandonment cases.
Taxing Power Showdown: How Franchise Agreements Interact With Local Taxes in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on whether "in lieu of all taxes" clauses in franchises exempt broadcasters from local franchise taxes.
Treachery Defined: When a Sudden Attack Constitutes Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, raising a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Fixed-Term Contracts Must Not Circumvent Workers’ Rights
The Supreme Court rules that fixed-term contracts cannot be used to circumvent an employee's security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Attorney Disbarred for Abandoning Client After Receiving Full Payment for Legal Services
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who took full payment but abandoned client's case, violating the duty of fidelity and diligence.
Upholding Judicial Responsibility A Fine FOR Neglecting Summary Procedure Rules
Union Security vs. Employee Rights: Navigating Unfair Labor Practice Claims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employer's compliance with a union security clause is valid and what constitutes unfair labor practice.
Expanding Protection: Conspiracy and In-Laws Under the Anti-VAWC Act
The Supreme Court rules that parents-in-law can be held liable under R.A. 9262 through conspiracy, expanding protection for women.
Automatic Reversion in Donations: Land Returns to Donor, Improvements Stay With Donee
Supreme Court rules on automatic reversion of donated land when conditions fail, and the fate of buildings on reverted property.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why Water Rate Disputes Must First Go to the NWRB
The Supreme Court rules that water rate disputes must first be elevated to the NWRB before going to court, reinforcing the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Intimidation in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how victim testimony, intimidation, and corroborating evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Disclosing Wealth When AN Incomplete Saln Leads TO Falsification Charges FOR Public Officials
Conspiracy AND Intent Determining Liability IN Criminal Cases
Upholding Trust AND Confidence IN Employment When Employee Actions Justify Dismissal
Mandamus and Discretionary Power: When Courts Can Compel Government Action
Explore when courts can compel government action through mandamus, using the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation case as a guide.
Cause of Action Ruling Protects Employee Benefit Claims Despite Procedural Labeling
Supreme Court rules employee benefit claims stand on complaint allegations, not procedural labels, protecting workers' rights to statutory compensation.
Positive Identification and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Clarifying Witness Credibility
People v. Martin shows how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification, alibi, conspiracy, and damages in a murder conviction and appeal.
When Courts, Not HLURB, Decide Contract Disputes: Cadimas v. Carrion
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every subdivision property dispute falls under HLURB jurisdiction—ordinary contract breaches belong in regular courts.
Fair Valuation in Agrarian Reform: Just Compensation Under R.A. 6657
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under P.D. 27 must follow R.A. 6657 and DAR regulations, not outdated formulas.