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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Warrantless Arrests and Searches in the Philippines: What People v. Chua Ho San Teaches Us
Understand when warrantless arrests and searches are valid in the Philippines, and learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Chua Ho San.
Intent Is Key: Understanding Kidnapping Laws in the Philippines and Deprivation of Liberty
Learn how Philippine courts determine intent in kidnapping cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a child abduction case.
Beyond Penetration: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration is enough to consummate rape, distinguishing it from attempted rape in a father-daughter case.
How Defective Criminal Informations Can Reduce Penalties in Philippine Rape Cases
Learn how defects in criminal informations affect penalties in Philippine rape cases, based on Supreme Court rulings.
When a Warrantless Arrest and Search Fail: Lessons from People v. Chua Ho San
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police searched his bag without probable cause, reaffirming constitutional protections.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Imperfect Recall Doesn't Equal Unreliable Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why minor inconsistencies in eyewitness testimony don't destroy credibility in criminal cases.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Justice Understanding Motions FOR Reconsideration IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NLRC rules: supplemental motions for reconsideration filed beyond 10 days are barred.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds BLR Authority In Union Account Audits Ensuring Transparency AND Accountabilit
The Supreme Court affirms the Bureau of Labor Relations' jurisdiction over union account audits, clarifying appellate procedure under Philippine labor law.
When Presence Becomes Participation: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
Explore how the Supreme Court in People v. Sanchez defined conspiracy, distinguishing mere presence from concerted action in criminal liability.
No Premium, No Policy: Philippine Insurance Law on Payment and Coverage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that fire insurance policies require actual premium payment before coverage attaches, rejecting implied credit arrangements.
Beyond Employer-Employee Disputes: When Philippine Courts Take Over Damage Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when damage claims from employment disputes belong in regular courts, not labor arbiters.
When Banks Lose the Right to Collect: Estoppel in Foreclosure Deficiency Claims
When can a bank be barred from collecting a foreclosure deficiency? The Supreme Court explains estoppel's limits in PNB v. Court of Appeals.
Unlawful Aggression: The Key to Self-Defense in Philippine Homicide Cases
Understand why unlawful aggression is essential for a self-defense claim in Philippine homicide cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Time Is of the Essence: Prescription and Laches in Philippine Land Title Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches bar reconveyance claims over fraudulently titled land after decades of inaction.
Lawyer Reprimanded for Losing Client Trust: Fidelity Lessons from Curimatmat v. Gojar
A lawyer's duty of fidelity means keeping clients informed and appealing on time. The Supreme Court's reprimand in Curimatmat v. Gojar explains why.
When Civil Courts—Not DARAB—Handle Agrarian Disputes: Morta v. Occidental
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when civil courts, not DARAB, have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, using Morta v. Occidental as guide.
When Can a Claim Be a Compulsory Counterclaim? Lessons from Yulienco v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a claim must be raised as a compulsory counterclaim, and when separate suits are allowed.
Abuse of Superior Strength as an Aggravating Circumstance in Philippine Murder Cases
Learn how abuse of superior strength elevates homicide to murder under Philippine law, with key insights from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Circumstantial Evidence Speaks Volumes: Rape With Homicide Convictions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how circumstantial evidence can prove rape with homicide beyond reasonable doubt, with key takeaways.
Collation in Philippine Inheritance Law: When Lifetime Transfers Are Included in Estate Division
Learn when lifetime transfers must be included in estate division under Philippine inheritance law, based on Supreme Court rulings on collation.
Floating Status and Constructive Dismissal: Security Guards' Rights in the Philippines
Security guards placed on floating status for over six months may claim constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court case.
Think Before You Share: Understanding Republication Libel in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sharing or republishing a news article becomes libel, and the crucial role of malice.
When Doubt Prevails: How Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Philippine Libel Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted Roque Vicario in a libel case, emphasizing the need for proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal prosecutions.
Car Plans in the Philippines: Lease or Installment Sale? Key Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on car plans: when a "lease" is really an installment sale, and what it means for employers and employees.