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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reinstatement VS Separation PAY Understanding Employee Rights After Illegal Dismissal IN THE Philippines 2
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.