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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Crushing Deadlines: How Negligence Can Cost You Your Case in Philippine Courts
Missed deadlines in Philippine courts can mean losing your case entirely. Learn how procedural rules and negligence affect your rights.
Acts of Lasciviousness as a Lesser Included Offense in Philippine Child Abuse Cases
When rape isn't proven, Philippine courts may convict for acts of lasciviousness under RA 7610. Learn the rules from a landmark case.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When an Employer's Dismissal Is Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal standard for dismissing managerial employees based on loss of trust and confidence in Norsk Hydro v. Rosales.
Why Courts Must Scrutinize Motions to Withdraw Criminal Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates an accused's constitutional right to due process and speedy disposition.
Declaratory Relief in the Philippines: When Can You Ask Courts to Clarify Your Rights
Learn when Philippine courts allow declaratory relief actions, including the requirements of justiciable controversy and ripeness, based on a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Annulment of Judgment for Lack of Due Process: A Philippine Legal Guide
Learn when Philippine courts may annul a final judgment for lack of due process, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Intestate Estate of Nimfa Sian v. PNB.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Philippine Employers Can Validly Dismiss Employees
In Norsk Hydro v. Rosales, the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for loss of trust and confidence — but only with substantial proof and proper notice and hearing.
Hospital Liability for Doctor Negligence in the Philippines: Corporate Responsibility Explained
When can a Philippine hospital be held liable for a doctor's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Professional Services, Inc. v. Agana clarifies corporate responsibility.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Foreclosure vs Corporate Rehabilitation: Why Timing Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prior foreclosure affects corporate rehabilitation petitions and the proper remedy for dismissal orders.
Failure to Pay Appeal Docket Fees: When Courts May Reinstate an Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to pay appeal docket fees does not automatically dismiss an appeal; courts have discretion to reinstate.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: Why Filing Multiple Cases Can Backfire
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping, why filing multiple cases over the same dispute can get a case dismissed, and what the certification against forum shopping requires.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Your Right TO Speedy Trial IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Prioritize a Child's Voice
Philippine courts rely heavily on a child rape victim's credible testimony. Learn the rules from People v. Batiancila.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Rights Apply Even in Just Cause Terminations
The Supreme Court clarifies that even employees dismissed for just cause, like strike-related violence, are entitled to procedural due process.
Charged With A Major Crime Philippine Law on Lesser Offenses Explained
Learn how Philippine courts treat charges for election offenses, the importance of the information's factual recital, and the rules on appeals.
Presumption OF Guilt IN Philippine Malversation Cases WHY Accountability Matters
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Why Timing Matters in Philippine Property Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is valued at the time of filing or taking, whichever comes first.
Proving Employee Abandonment: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what employers must prove to establish employee abandonment—and why mere absence is not enough.
Protecting Your Property Investments Understanding Grace Periods AND Cancellation IN Philippine Real Estate Co
Learn how Philippine law protects real estate buyers on installment, including grace periods, cancellation rules, and cash surrender value rights under RA 6552.
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet: Why Title Verification Matters in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine law bars transferring property you don't own. Learn the nemo dat rule from Hermosilla v. Remoquillo and how to protect your purchase.
SEC Suspension Orders and Labor Disputes: What the Rubberworld Case Means
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC suspension orders in rehabilitation cases automatically stay labor claims, making any labor ruling void.
Estafa by Misappropriation: When Failing to Return Entrusted Money Is a Crime
Understand when failing to return money received for a specific purpose becomes estafa under Philippine law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Estafa by Misappropriation: When Failing to Remit Entrusted Money Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court explains when failure to remit money received for a specific purpose constitutes estafa under Philippine law.