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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Judicial Ethics in the Philippines: Impartiality, Evidence, and the Presumption of Innocence
A look at how the Supreme Court upholds judicial ethics by demanding impartiality and rigorous evidence review in criminal cases.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Why Credibility Is Key in Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining how credibility, alibi, and evident premeditation are evaluated.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Victim Testimony Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why a credible rape victim's testimony alone can convict, and why alibi and sweetheart defenses fail.
Withdrawal of an Administrative Complaint: Does It Auto-Dismiss Cases Against Court Personnel?
Withdrawing an administrative complaint against court personnel does not automatically end the case. The Supreme Court explains when dismissal is proper.
Failure to File Corporate By-Laws: Not Automatic Dissolution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that failing to file corporate by-laws on time does not automatically dissolve a corporation.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Election Protests: When Can a Trial Court Still Act
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court may still order execution pending appeal in election protests, even after an opponent files a notice of appeal.
Wage Order Exemptions: Why National Guidelines Trump Regional Board Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why regional wage board guidelines need national approval before granting exemptions.
Robbery With Homicide Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Philippine LAW 2
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, explaining the elements of the crime and how the prosecution must establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Philippine Election Law: Voter Intent Prevails Over Technical Ballot Defects
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that minor ballot irregularities, like missing BEI signatures, do not invalidate votes.
Strict Construction in Penal Law: Why Relationship Definitions Matter in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a step-grandfather is not an "ascendant" for death penalty purposes, applying strict construction in rape cases.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DAR's Role in Ejectment Cases Explained
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling in Caraan v. CA on the DAR's preliminary determination of tenancy and its effect on ejectment cases.
When Self-Defense Fails: Understanding Homicide vs. Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing becomes homicide, not murder, and why a weak self-defense claim can backfire.
The Last Words Speak Volumes: Understanding Dying Declarations in Philippine Murder Cases
How Philippine courts treat dying declarations as evidence, explained through a 1998 Supreme Court murder ruling.
Final Judgments ARE Final Understanding Immutability IN Philippine Administrative LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court in Caraan v. Court of Appeals clarified the preliminary nature of DAR determinations and the finality of judgments in agrarian disputes.
Tolerated Possession vs Ownership: Understanding Philippine Property Law and Land Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how tolerated possession does not ripen into ownership, and when landowners can recover property.
Second Chances in Labor Disputes: Appealing NLRC Decisions Despite Deficient Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deficient appeal bond should not bar an employer's appeal from reaching the NLRC merits.
Unreliable Affidavit? Why Courtroom Testimony Reigns Supreme in Philippine Criminal Cases
In People v. De Guzman, the Supreme Court ruled that courtroom testimony prevails over affidavits and police reports, explaining why.
NLRC Appeal Bonds and Property Protection: Lessons from Gensoli v. NLRC
When can a deficient appeal bond be excused? The Supreme Court explains liberal interpretation in labor appeals.
Are Commissions Part of Minimum Wage in the Philippines? Employee Compensation Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether sales commissions count toward minimum wage compliance under the Labor Code, and explains due process rules for dismissal.
When Should a Judge Inhibit: Safeguarding Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges must voluntarily inhibit to protect judicial impartiality, explained in plain language.
Deadlines Matter: Why Philippine Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days
The Supreme Court reminds judges of the 90-day decision deadline, explaining why delays undermine justice and what happens when courts miss the mark.
Credibility of Witness Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: A Supreme Court Analysis
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against alibi and denial in criminal cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Broadcasting Public Service: Understanding the Government's Right to Comelec Time
The Supreme Court upheld Section 92 of the Omnibus Election Code, requiring broadcast stations to give free air time to the COMELEC during elections.
Protecting Loan Security: How Mortgagees Can Secure Insurance Claims in the Philippines
Learn how mortgagees can secure insurance proceeds under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. v. Goyu & Sons.