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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Separation of Church and State: Supreme Court Upholds Labor Rights of Religious Workers
The Supreme Court rules that a pastor's dismissal is a secular employment matter, not an ecclesiastical affair, affirming labor protections.
Limits of Judicial Authority: Incidental Expenses and Due Process in Post-Judgment Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's P1.2M award for "incidental expenses" shows why post-judgment orders must respect due process.
Unmasking Insurance Fraud: How Conspiracy and Falsification Lead to Conviction in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on insurance fraud, conspiracy, and falsification of documents, and what it means for criminal liability.
When Can You Sue a Building Official: Error vs. Bad Faith in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when building officials can be sued for graft—error of judgment is not enough; bad faith must be shown.
Upholding Integrity: Why Workplace Misconduct in Philippine Courts Matters
A lawyer's duty to preserve client confidences survives the attorney-client relationship. The Supreme Court's ruling in Salonga v. Hildawa explains why.
Decoding Holographic Wills in the Philippines: Witness Requirements and Probate Challenges
Understand the mandatory three-witness rule for contested holographic wills in the Philippines and what Codoy v. Calugay means for probate.
Ejectment Case Delays and Summary Procedure: A Lesson from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reminds judges that ejectment cases must be decided within 30 days under the Summary Procedure, or face administrative sanctions.
Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Courts: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony, dying statements, and physical evidence in criminal cases, explained through a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Presidential Appointments in the Philippines: Limits of the Commission on Appointments' Confirmation Power
The Supreme Court clarifies which presidential appointments need Commission on Appointments confirmation under the 1987 Constitution.
Illegal Dismissal Back Wages: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Discipline in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on back wages for illegally dismissed employees, balancing security of tenure with employer discipline.
Valid Mortgage Even Before Title Transfer Philippine Property LAW Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a mortgage can be valid even if the title transfers after the mortgage contract is signed.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Why Victim Testimony Isn't Always Enough in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused when the victim's testimony is riddled with improbabilities. Learn the credibility standards.
Supervisory Unions in the Philippines: Affiliation Rules and Managerial Employee Exclusions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on supervisory union federation affiliation, managerial employee exclusions, and certification election rules under Article 245.
Understanding Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction by Rank: Lessons from George Uy v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies that Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over military officers depends on rank, not just the offense charged.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Military Officers: The Rank Requirement Explained
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over military officers? The Supreme Court clarifies the rank requirement in Uy v. Sandiganbayan.
Supremacy of Civil Service Law: Why Government Appointments Must Meet National Standards
The Supreme Court affirms the Civil Service Commission's power to recall appointments that fail to meet national qualification standards, even if approved locally.
When a Scythe Does Not Mean Deadly Weapon: Rape, Penalties, and Proof in People v. Napiot
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deadly weapon aggravates rape, and affirms that a victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction.
Mortgage Foreclosure: What Happens When a Bank Consolidates Title Before Your Case Ends
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank consolidation of foreclosed property title, TRO effects, and borrower rights during pending litigation.
MSF Tire v. CA: When a Company Cannot Claim "Innocent Bystander" Status in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company with ties to a business in a labor dispute cannot claim "innocent bystander" status to obtain an injunction against picketing.
Deadfreight and Demurrage in Charter Parties: NFA v. Hongfil Shipping
Supreme Court clarifies when charterers owe deadfreight but not demurrage, and when corporate officers escape personal liability.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Why Strong Prosecution Evidence Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court acquits rape accused on reasonable doubt, explaining why prosecution evidence must stand on its own merit.
Victim's Testimony Enough to Convict in Rape Cases: People v. Carullo
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible testimony alone can convict, even against a parent.
Positive Identification vs Minor Inconsistencies: Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Murder Cas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how eyewitness credibility is weighed despite minor inconsistencies and why positive identification prevails over denial.
Term Limits for Philippine Mayors: When a Term Does Not Count (Lonzanida v. COMELEC)
The Supreme Court explains when a mayor's interrupted or void service does not count toward the three-term limit under Philippine law.