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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Publication Is Key: Ensuring Government Transparency and Rule of Law in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why administrative circulars must be published to be effective, ensuring transparency and rule of law.
Publication of Implementing Rules: The De Jesus v. COA Doctrine on Administrative Circulars
Supreme Court rules on when administrative circulars must be published to be effective, using DBM-CCC No. 10 as the case example.
Supervisory and Rank-and-File Unions: Same Federation, Same Company, Allowed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when supervisory and rank-and-file unions may affiliate with the same federation without violating Article 245.
Security of Tenure for Tenant Farmers: Upholding Leasehold Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reaffirmed tenant farmers' security of tenure, ruling that land sale does not extinguish agricultural leasehold rights.
The Power of a Single Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases
How one credible eyewitness can convict in robbery with homicide, explained through a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Integrity in the Judiciary: Why Honesty in Your Judicial Application Matters
A judge concealed a pending criminal case in his application to the Judicial and Bar Council. The Supreme Court dismissed him for dishonesty, underscoring that candor is a non-negotiable qualification
Philippine Legal Interest on Loans: When Does 12% Apply? Villanueva v. CA Explained
Learn when 12% legal interest applies to unpaid loans in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Villanueva v. Court of Appeals.
When Acts of God Disrupt Travel: Airline Liability for Flight Delays in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability for passenger expenses during flight delays caused by force majeure, like the Mt. Pinatubo eruption.
Stock Pledge in the Philippines: When Can a Pledgee Demand Ownership and Stock Transfer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a pledgee of shares can demand stock transfer and ownership rights under a contract of pledge.
Personal Service IS Priority: Understanding Mandatory Pleading Service in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when personal service of pleadings is mandatory under Section 11, Rule 13, and what happens when lawyers skip it.
Safeguarding Due Process: COMELEC's Jurisdiction in Philippine Election Cases
The Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc resolution for violating due process and the constitutional rule that election cases be decided by division.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Defenseless Victims
The Supreme Court explains treachery, conspiracy, and self-defense in a murder case involving three brothers who shot an unarmed victim.
Sequestration Orders in the Philippines: Validity Rules and Timely Legal Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when sequestration orders are valid, how PCGG rules apply, and the constitutional deadline for judicial action.
Can Labor Cases Be Decided Solely on Position Papers? Understanding Due Process in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when labor arbiters may decide cases based only on position papers without trial, and what due process requires.
When Words Fail and Knives Speak: Self-Defense and Homicide in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails, how accomplices differ from principals, and why a heated argument defeats treachery.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Importance of Credibility in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's four rape convictions, underscoring how trial courts assess witness credibility in sexual assault cases.
Upholding Judicial Impartiality: Timely Case Resolution and Ethical Conduct Matter
The Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan's lifting of sequestration orders, underscoring strict compliance with PCGG rules and constitutional time limits.
Final Judgment Is Final: Understanding Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
When can a final criminal judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of annulment of judgment and due process.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Key Differences and Employer Responsibilities in the Philipp
Learn the legal distinction between independent contractor and labor-only contracting, and the employer responsibilities that follow, based on a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Victim Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Conviction Despite Assailant's Flight
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction and death penalty even after accused flees trial, citing credible victim testimony and flight as evidence of guilt.
Selling Inherited Property During Probate: What Heirs Should Know
Can an heir sell inherited property while probate is pending? The Supreme Court explains when court approval is needed and when it is not.
Missed Pre-Trial and Default Orders: What Victory Liner v. Viron Means for Businesses
Philippine Supreme Court explains when missing a pre-trial can lead to default orders and why businesses must ensure proper representation.
Buyer’s Right to Specific Performance When a Seller Backs Out of a Contract to Sell
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that sellers cannot unilaterally rescind a Contract to Sell, and buyers may sue for specific performance.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Burden of Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why accused persons claiming self-defense must prove it, and how courts assess such claims.