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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Judicial Accountability: Negligence vs. Malice in Philippine Courts
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Tecson v. Sandiganbayan on graft, administrative liability, and the distinction between negligence and malice.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Landowners' Right to Fair Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on landowners' right to just compensation in agrarian reform, valuation standards, and the jurisdiction of Special Agrarian Courts.
When Absence Is Not Abandonment: Understanding Illegal Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's absences do not amount to abandonment, protecting workers from illegal dismissal.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: When an Anonymous Letter Leads to Reinstatement and Back Wages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal based on an anonymous letter, and the awards of back wages and separation pay.
Soliciting Gifts for Official Action: Understanding Graft and Corruption in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine law punishes public officers who solicit gifts for official favors, explained through the Supreme Court's Tecson v. Sandiganbayan ruling.
Union Officer Elections Must Follow Union Constitution and Bylaws: USTFU Case
Supreme Court rules union officer elections must follow the union's constitution and bylaws, not general faculty assemblies.
Who Pays for an Illegal Strike? National Union Liability Under Philippine Law
When a local union stages an illegal strike, can the national union be held liable for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies agency and responsibility.
Homicide vs Murder: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent and qualifying circumstances distinguish homicide from murder, and explains cyber libel prescription rules.
Supreme Court on Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262 and Cybercrime Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262 and raises the penalty for using social media under RA 10175.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: A Guide for Litigants
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is a judicial matter for appeal, not an administrative case for discipline.
Lawyer's Courtroom Bullying and Defiance of IBP Orders Draw PHP 155,000 Fine
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer PHP 155,000 for shouting at court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming lawyer conduct standards.
NLRC Remand Orders and Due Process in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NLRC may remand labor cases for further proceedings without violating due process rights.
When a Spousal Sale Is Void: Buyer Beware in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when sales between spouses are void, why in pari delicto does not apply, and what buyers must check.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can Killing Be Justified?
Philippine Supreme Court explains the limits of self-defense in murder cases. Learn the three elements required to justify killing.
The Searching Inquiry: Why Guilty Pleas in Capital Cases Demand Extra Care
Philippine Supreme Court explains why guilty pleas to capital offenses require a searching inquiry to protect the accused's constitutional rights.
Treachery and Passion: Understanding Murder and Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when sudden attacks qualify as treachery and why passion and obfuscation may reduce criminal liability.
Forcible Abduction with Rape: Why "Sweetheart" Status Does Not Equal Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that romantic relationships never imply consent to sexual acts, especially when force or abduction is involved.
Wage Order Compliance During Bank Rehabilitation: Philippine Veterans Bank v. NLRC
Supreme Court ruling on wage order compliance, computation of daily wages, and employer liability during bank receivership and rehabilitation in the Philippines.
When Presence Is Not Proof: Conspiracy and Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of murder based on mere presence at the crime scene, explaining the strict rules on conspiracy.
When Lawyers May Hold Client Funds: The De Vera Case on Attorney's Liens and Trust Duties
A lawyer's right to claim fees does not justify withholding client funds. The Supreme Court's ruling in De Vera explains the limits.
Speedy Trial in the Philippines: Balancing the Accused's Rights and the State's Pursuit of Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every delay violates the right to speedy trial, balancing accused rights with the State's opportunity to prosecute.
Lost Land Title: When Solicitor General Notice Is Not Required in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the Solicitor General need not be notified in lost title replacement proceedings under PD 1529.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. Batoon
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a minor rape victim's candid testimony prevails over defense claims of impossibility and delay.
Protecting Sugar Workers Rights Understanding Non-Diminution of Benefits in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court explains how the non-diminution of benefits rule protects sugar workers when new laws replace old ones.