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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Abuse of Authority: A Judge's Unlawful Order for Warrantless Arrest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the limits of judicial authority in drug cases.
Challenging Entrapment When Buy-Bust Operations Must Meet Strict Standards in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a buy-bust operation is valid and when an accused can challenge it as entrapment.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Suspended For Neglecting Legal Duty AND Misusing Funds
A lawyer who took a client's fees but never filed her annulment case was suspended for six months. The Supreme Court explains why.
Second Chances Denied: The High Cost of Procedural Missteps in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why "honest mistake" rarely justifies a new trial—and why procedural deadlines and rules are strictly enforced.
When Presence Implies Participation: Fencing Conviction Reversed for Lack of Proof
The Supreme Court acquits a jeweler of fencing stolen jewelry, ruling that inconsistent testimony and hearsay cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Regular Employment: What Employers and Workers Must Know
A Supreme Court ruling explains when fixed-term employment is valid and how it differs from regular employment under Philippine labor law.
Habitual Absenteeism of Court Employees: Accountability and Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court defines habitual absenteeism for court employees and clarifies that personal obligations do not excuse unauthorized absences.
Fencing Law, Inconsistent Testimony, and the Burden of Proof in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a jeweler of fencing, stressing that inconsistent testimony and hearsay cannot prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When a Suspension Order Against an Elective Official Takes Effect Immediately
The Supreme Court clarifies when suspension orders against elective local officials are immediately executory, even during an election period.
Fencing Conviction Reversed: Proving Knowledge of Stolen Goods in Philippine Law
Supreme Court acquits jeweler of fencing, stressing the need for competent proof of value and knowledge that goods were stolen.
Can Employers Withhold Wages for Loan Guarantees or Training Bonds? SC Says No
Philippine Supreme Court rules employers cannot withhold wages or benefits as lien for car loan guarantees or training expenses. Learn the limits.
Corporate Authority: When a President Cannot Sue on Behalf of the Corporation
The Supreme Court rules that a corporate president must prove valid board authority to sue; belated SEC filings cannot cure defective authorization.
Control Test vs Independent Contractor: Manila Water Ruling on Labor-Only Contracting
Supreme Court explains when a contractor is labor-only, not independent, and when workers become regular employees under Philippine labor law.
Silence Isnt Always Golden: Admissibility of Confessions in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial admissions, hearsay, and circumstantial evidence in homicide prosecutions.
Waiver of Rights: The Importance of Asserting Your Right to Cross-Examine Witnesses
Learn why failing to cross-examine witnesses and perfect an appeal on time can be fatal to your case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Prescription Does Not Bar State Reversion of Public Land Illegally Acquired
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription and laches do not bar the State from reverting public land fraudulently titled, even after many years.
Age and Relationship as Essential Proofs for Qualified Rape Conviction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why minority and relationship must be both alleged and proven before the death penalty for qualified rape can be imposed.
Confessions and the Death Penalty: Ensuring Voluntariness in Rape-Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a death sentence for rape-homicide, explaining the required "searching inquiry" into guilty pleas and the weight of voluntary confessions.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Execution OF Court Orders AND Presumption OF Regularity
When a "Duplicate Original" Becomes a Technicality: Velasco v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "duplicate original" copy satisfies appeal requirements, and when dismissal for technicality becomes grave abuse of discretion.
Transfer of Employees Is a Valid Managerial Prerogative Unless Done in Bad Faith
The Supreme Court explains when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal and when it is a valid exercise of management prerogative.
Fatal Stabbing Affirming Conviction Despite Questions of Superior Strength
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction for fatal stabbing, ruling treachery absorbed abuse of superior strength and rejecting alibi defenses.
Serving Time Before Deportation: Criminal and Immigration Law Intersect
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that convicted aliens must serve their prison sentence before deportation under the Immigration Act of 1940.
Rape and Consent: Examining the Boundaries of Sexual Assault in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction, clarifying how force and lack of consent are established in Philippine law.