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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When a Complaint Is Dismissed, Does the Counterclaim Fall With It?
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a compulsory counterclaim survives the dismissal of the main complaint — and when the defendant must object to keep it alive.
Fair Trial or Biased Judge: When a Trial Judge's Questions Are Proper in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's clarificatory questions during trial are proper and do not prove judicial bias.
Immediate Execution in Ejectment Cases: Why Delaying Tactics Won't Work
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces immediate execution in ejectment cases and why delaying tactics like motions for reconsideration won't stop a writ.
Due Process and Court Clerk Negligence: Why Notice of Orders Matters in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court holds court clerks liable for failing to notify a party of a dismissal order, underscoring due process in litigation.
Management Prerogative vs. Unfair Labor Practice: Work Schedules and Paid Lunch Breaks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when changing work schedules and removing paid lunch breaks is valid management prerogative, not unfair labor practice.
When Dismissal Fails: The Burden of Proof in Drug-Related Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer's burden of proof in drug-related dismissals, requiring clear evidence, not speculation, for valid termination.
Credibility of Testimony in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. Auxtero
How Philippine courts assess victim credibility in rape cases, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Auxtero.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer’s Duty of Diligence Explained
When does a lawyer's inaction become professional negligence? The Supreme Court explains the duty of diligence in Villafuerte v. Cortez.
When Workplace Fear Leads to Constructive Dismissal: Philippine Seafarers' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal for seafarers who quit due to well-founded fear for their safety at work.
Exceeding Authority or Political Vendetta: Ombudsman Dismissal of Local Officials in the Philippines
When can the Ombudsman's dismissal of a local official be overturned? The Supreme Court explains in Constantino v. Desierto.
Judicial Misconduct and Ethical Violations: Lessons from Improper Handling of Court Funds and Disqualification
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's misconduct over court funds and failure to inhibit, with lessons for judicial ethics and accountability.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Law: Can You Be Tried Twice for Illegal Firearm Possession and Subversion?
The Supreme Court clarifies when double jeopardy applies, distinguishing illegal firearm possession from subversion in People v. Pimentel.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Minor Inconsistencies in a Child Victim's Testimony Do Not Destroy Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a triple rape conviction, explaining why minor inconsistencies in a young victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Why Credible Testimony and Victim Protection Matter
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, explaining why minor inconsistencies don't destroy a young victim's case.
Campaign Ad Ban in the Philippines: Balancing Free Speech and Fair Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the political ad ban under RA 6646, ruling it a valid regulation ensuring equal opportunity among candidates.
Judicial Accountability IN THE Philippines Supreme Court Dismisses Judge FOR Absenteeism AND Falsification
Surety vs Guarantor: Co-Maker Liability in Philippine Loans Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a surety and a guarantor in co-maker loan agreements, and when a creditor may sue one alone.
Homicide vs Murder in the Philippines: Distinguishing Intent and Treachery in Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why treachery must be proven conclusively.
Cross-Examination Essentials: Why Properly Impeaching a Witness Testimony Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
Learn the proper way to impeach a witness in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Guzman.
Preventive Suspension Under RA 3019: When Public Officials Must Step Aside
The Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension of public officials facing graft charges under RA 3019 is mandatory, not discretionary. Learn the rules.
Circumstantial Evidence in Kidnapping: Conspiracy, Principal and Accessory Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence proves conspiracy or principal liability, and when it only supports accessory liability in kidnapping.
When Cases Become Pointless: Mootness and a Lawyer's Duty to the Court in Philippine Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on procedural rules and the burden of proof in the Pacific Banking Corporation liquidation case.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
How Philippine courts assess a minor rape victim's testimony, and why child witnesses are often deemed credible in incest cases.
Burden of Proof in Stock Trading: Why Unverified Profit Statements Fail in Court
A portfolio manager sued for fees but lost because his profit statements were unverified. The Supreme Court explains why proof matters.