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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Professional Courtesy Among Lawyers: The Imperative of Civility and Ethical Conduct
A lawyer's suspension for impleading opposing counsel and a prosecutor in a civil case illustrates the ethical duty of professional courtesy.
Unknowing Possession: When Lack of Knowledge Voids Drug Possession Charges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere physical possession of drugs is not enough for conviction—the prosecution must prove the accused knowingly and consciously possessed them.
Age Limits and Security of Tenure: Navigating Employment Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how age limits in service contracts interact with security of tenure and constructive dismissal claims.
Rape Conviction and the Burden of Proving the Victim's Minority for the Death Penalty
A father's rape conviction affirmed but death penalty reduced to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove the victim's minority with independent evidence.
Eyewitness Identification and Conspiracy in Murder Conviction: People v. Musa Jr.
Clear eyewitness identification by prosecution witnesses prevails over minor inconsistencies, affirming murder convictions based on conspiracy and treachery.
Challenging the Frame-Up Defense: Upholding Convictions in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains why the frame-up defense rarely succeeds in drug cases and what prosecutors must prove.
When Robbery Evidence Fails: Acquittal for Lack of Corpus Delicti
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in robbery with homicide where the prosecution failed to prove the taking of property, explaining the necessity of establishing corpus delicti beyond reasonable do
Navigating Jurisdictional Boundaries Civil Claims VS Graft Prosecution
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: The Notice of Dishonor Requirement in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a BP 22 accused because the prosecution failed to prove notice of dishonor was served on the drawer.
Regular Employment Status: Necessity of Work and Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers become regular employees based on necessity of work and security of tenure under Article 280.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Protecting Employee Rights in Termination Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a fixed-term contract cannot defeat regular employment status and security of tenure protections.
Litis Pendentia in Lease Disputes: When Concurrent Actions Can Proceed
The Supreme Court clarifies when litis pendentia bars a second lease case, distinguishing claims that matured after the first suit was filed.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigation of Reconveyed Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior final judgment prevents a second lawsuit over the same reconveyed property.
When Retirement Is Not Voluntary: Illegal Dismissal and Security of Tenure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's "retirement" is actually illegal dismissal, protecting security of tenure.
Purchasers Beware: Rule 74 Section 4 Annotations and Real Estate Risk
A Supreme Court ruling explains why buyers cannot claim good faith when a title bears a Rule 74, Section 4 annotation.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employees become regular workers entitled to security of tenure and full backwages.
The Perils of Second Pre-Trials: Safeguarding Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a second pre-trial without proper notice violates due process, and explains the proper appeal route for COSLAP decisions.
Reviving Criminal Cases: Balancing Speed and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed criminal case can be revived, balancing the State's right to prosecute with the accused's right to due process.
Challenging Drug Busts: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Drug Sales
A Supreme Court ruling on warrantless searches in drug cases and the prosecution's burden to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Independence VS Ombudsmans Authority Protecting Labor Arbiters From Unwarranted Criminal Prosecution
Challenging Local Tax Ordinances: The 30-Day Appeal Rule Under Section 187
Taxpayers must appeal to the Secretary of Justice within 30 days of a local tax ordinance's effectivity or lose the right to challenge it in court.
Immunity From Prosecution for Witnesses in Vote-Buying Cases Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when vote-selling witnesses gain immunity from prosecution under RA 6646, protecting those who expose vote-buying.
Due Process and Timeliness: Strict Enforcement of Motion Hearing Rules in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts strictly enforce Rule 15, Section 5 on motion hearing dates. Learn how a pro forma motion can waive due process rights.
Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal: When the Supreme Court May Allow It
The Supreme Court explains when a convicted person may withdraw an appeal, and why it granted withdrawal in a rape case despite the prosecution's opposition.