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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Unmasking Insurance Fraud: How Conspiracy and Falsification Lead to Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on insurance fraud, conspiracy, and falsification of documents, and what it means for criminal liability.
Conspiracy in Murder: When Presence Does Not Prove Guilt (G.R. No. 127754)
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy in murder cases: mere presence at the crime scene is not enough to convict.
When Can You Sue a Building Official: Error vs. Bad Faith in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when building officials can be sued for graft—error of judgment is not enough; bad faith must be shown.
Upholding Integrity: Why Workplace Misconduct in Philippine Courts Matters
A lawyer's duty to preserve client confidences survives the attorney-client relationship. The Supreme Court's ruling in Salonga v. Hildawa explains why.
Illegal Dismissal Back Wages: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Discipline in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on back wages for illegally dismissed employees, balancing security of tenure with employer discipline.
Ejectment Case Delays and Summary Procedure: A Lesson from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reminds judges that ejectment cases must be decided within 30 days under the Summary Procedure, or face administrative sanctions.
Presidential Appointments in the Philippines: Limits of the Commission on Appointments' Confirmation Power
The Supreme Court clarifies which presidential appointments need Commission on Appointments confirmation under the 1987 Constitution.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, dying statements, and physical evidence in criminal cases, explained through a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Supervisory Unions in the Philippines: Affiliation Rules and Managerial Employee Exclusions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on supervisory union federation affiliation, managerial employee exclusions, and certification election rules under Article 245.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Victim Testimony Isn't Always Enough in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused when the victim's testimony is riddled with improbabilities. Learn the credibility standards.
Valid Mortgage Even Before Title Transfer Philippine Property LAW Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a mortgage can be valid even if the title transfers after the mortgage contract is signed.
Understanding Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction by Rank: Lessons from George Uy v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies that Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over military officers depends on rank, not just the offense charged.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Military Officers: The Rank Requirement Explained
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over military officers? The Supreme Court clarifies the rank requirement in Uy v. Sandiganbayan.
Supremacy of Civil Service Law: Why Government Appointments Must Meet National Standards
The Supreme Court affirms the Civil Service Commission's power to recall appointments that fail to meet national qualification standards, even if approved locally.
Mortgage Foreclosure: What Happens When a Bank Consolidates Title Before Your Case Ends
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank consolidation of foreclosed property title, TRO effects, and borrower rights during pending litigation.
When a Scythe Does Not Mean Deadly Weapon: Rape, Penalties, and Proof in People v. Napiot
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deadly weapon aggravates rape, and affirms that a victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction.
MSF Tire v. CA: When a Company Cannot Claim "Innocent Bystander" Status in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company with ties to a business in a labor dispute cannot claim "innocent bystander" status to obtain an injunction against picketing.
Deadfreight and Demurrage in Charter Parties: NFA v. Hongfil Shipping
Supreme Court clarifies when charterers owe deadfreight but not demurrage, and when corporate officers escape personal liability.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Why Strong Prosecution Evidence Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court acquits rape accused on reasonable doubt, explaining why prosecution evidence must stand on its own merit.
Victim's Testimony Enough to Convict in Rape Cases: People v. Carullo
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible testimony alone can convict, even against a parent.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Key Insights from the Philippine Supreme Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Yabut explains how courts assess a child rape victim's credibility and why minor inconsistencies do not destroy it.
Second Chances in Labor Appeals: Understanding NLRC Docketing Fees and When Late Payment Isn't Fatal
Late NLRC appeal docketing fees aren't always fatal. Learn when the Supreme Court allows second chances in labor cases.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Robbery Homicide Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction Despite Affida
Court rules sworn affidavit inconsistencies do not automatically destroy an eyewitness's credibility when open-court testimony is clear and positive.
Term Limits for Philippine Mayors: When a Term Does Not Count (Lonzanida v. COMELEC)
The Supreme Court explains when a mayor's interrupted or void service does not count toward the three-term limit under Philippine law.