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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Self-Defense or Murder: Justifying Circumstances and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
A guide to self-defense, conspiracy, and treachery in Philippine criminal law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Bitoon.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Robbery With Homicide Cases: The Insanity Defense
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for the insanity defense in robbery with homicide cases, requiring complete deprivation of reason.
Loss of Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court explains when loss of confidence justifies employee dismissal and why employers cannot rely on mere suspicion.
Avoiding Double Lawsuits Understanding Litis Pendentia AND Forum Shopping IN Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts prevent duplicate lawsuits through litis pendentia and forum shopping rules, with practical guidance for litigants.
When Judges Are Held Liable for Gross Ignorance of the Law in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for gross ignorance of the law, setting standards for judicial competence and accountability.
Decoding Tax Treaties: Philippines Clarifies Most Favored Nation Clause in Royalty Taxation
The Supreme Court explains when the most favored nation clause in tax treaties applies to royalty withholding tax rates.
Protecting Employee Benefits: Non-Diminution and Publication Rules in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court protected incumbent employee benefits under RA 6758 and voided an unpublished DBM circular that would have removed them.
Unraveling Conspiracy: Eyewitness Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court defined conspiracy through circumstantial evidence and eyewitness testimony in People v. Bermudez, and why treachery must be proven.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Why Jurisdictional Compliance Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Republic v. Estrada explains why strict compliance with RA 26 publication and notice requirements is mandatory in land title reconstitution cases.
When Buy-Bust Operations Stand Firm: Upholding Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions from a buy-bust operation, clarifying conspiracy rules and correcting the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua.
Supreme Court Clarifies Penalty for Shabu Sale: Death Sentence Reduced to Reclusion Perpetua
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on drug sale penalties, conspiracy, buy-bust operations, and when death penalty is not automatic.
No Back Wages for Teachers in Illegal Strikes: Understanding Justifiable Suspensions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on back wages for teachers in illegal strikes, explaining when suspensions are justifiable and what exoneration means.
When Negligence Isnt Gross Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence is not "gross" enough to justify dismissal under the Labor Code.
Ensuring Valid Candidacy: Why Proper Nomination Is Crucial in Philippine Elections
Learn why a defective party nomination invalidates a certificate of candidacy, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Recabo vs. COMELEC.
Preliminary Investigations: Why Judges Must Follow Procedure — Domingo v. Reyes
A judge who rewrites a criminal complaint during preliminary investigation violates Rule 112. The Supreme Court explains why procedure matters.
Ipso Facto Resignation: When Philippine Politicians Lose Their Seats by Running for Another Office
The Supreme Court explains why elective officials are deemed resigned upon filing a certificate of candidacy for a different position.
Beyond Occupational Disease: How Philippine Law Compensates Death Benefits for Heart Ailments Alongside Cancer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compensable heart disease and death benefits under PD 626, even when cancer is non-occupational.
When Heart Disease Makes a Death Claim Compensable Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a non-occupational illness like cancer does not bar death benefits if a compensable heart ailment caused death.
Navigating the Insanity Defense in Philippine Law: Burden of Proof and Presumption of Sanity
The Supreme Court clarifies the insanity defense in Philippine criminal law, emphasizing the presumption of sanity and the accused's burden to prove insanity beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape by Deprivation of Reason: Understanding Consent and Involuntary Intoxication in Philippine Law
Philippine law on rape by deprivation of reason, consent, and involuntary intoxication explained through Supreme Court rulings.
Home Invasion and Victims' Rights: Understanding Robbery with Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains robbery with rape, a special complex crime, and the rights of victims in home invasion cases.
Reasonable Doubt and Insanity Defense: When Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Philippine Murder Cas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies insanity defense and treachery in murder cases, reducing death penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Protecting Your Land Title From Fraudulent Claims: Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protected landowners from fraudulent registration and what it means for your property rights.
The Power of Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Victim Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, and the importance of properly alleging qualifying circumstances.