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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Fabricated Serious Illegal Detention Case Shows Why Courts Demand Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When a land dispute turned into a criminal charge, the Supreme Court showed how weak evidence and altered complaints can destroy a serious illegal detention case.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Good Reasons Exist in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal is allowed, emphasizing that financial distress of a corporate party is not a "good reason."
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Early in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard for execution pending appeal, using PBCom v. Court of Appeals.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Safeguards Justice Regardless of the Accused's Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that automatic review of death penalty cases ensures justice and due process, independent of the accused's conduct or character.
Valid Reorganization vs Constructive Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Prerogatives
When a valid company reorganization abolishes a position and reassigns an employee without bad faith, no constructive dismissal arises.
When a Corporation Can Be Held Liable in Labor Disputes Even Without Being Impleaded
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporation may be held liable for labor claims even if only its trade name was impleaded.
Admissibility of Confessions: Protecting Your Rights During Custodial Investigation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a murder accused whose extrajudicial confession was taken without full Miranda rights, reaffirming constitutional safeguards.
When a Teacher's Discretion Is Not Oppression: The Limits of Authority in Philippine Schools
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a teacher's reasonable enrollment requirement is not oppression, defining the limits of administrative liability.
Homicide vs Murder: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Understand the legal distinction between homicide and murder in the Philippines, explained through a Supreme Court ruling on treachery and evident premeditation.
Employee Negligence and Termination: When Is Dismissal Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence justifies dismissal and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Perfecting a Sale With an Assumed Mortgage: Key Considerations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale with assumption of mortgage is perfected, and the consequences of failing to comply with mortgagee conditions.
Treachery and Qualifying Circumstances: Understanding Murder vs Homicide in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why treachery must be alleged in the information to convict for murder, not just homicide.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using People v. Reboltiado to show how sudden, planned attacks qualify.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: What Philippine Law Requires of Employers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies illegal dismissal, retirement age, and CBA benefits for managerial employees in the Philippines.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment orders strictly, citing a lawyer in contempt for defying a restitution order.
Probate Court Jurisdiction vs Foreign Courts: The Marcos Estate Ruling
Philippine probate court jurisdiction does not bar foreign courts from acting on claims against an estate, as the Supreme Court explained in this 1997 ruling.
Dying Declarations and Abuse of Superior Strength: People v. Bautista
The Supreme Court explains when a dying declaration is admissible and how abuse of superior strength qualifies a killing as murder.
Bouncing Checks and Ejectment: Civil Liability and Land Possession in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a bounced check creates civil liability despite acquittal, and when ejectment suits must be filed.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Spouse's Property Be Seized for a Husband's Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a wife's property can be seized for her husband's debts, and the limits of third-party claims.
Subrogation in Philippine Law: Recovering Debt After Paying Another's Mortgage
Explaining subrogation under Philippine law through a Supreme Court ruling on a partner who paid a co-debtor's mortgage.
Can a New Union Register During an Existing CBA? The KAMADA Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a new labor union may register during a CBA's lifetime, and clarifies the freedom period rule.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Construction
When do construction workers become regular employees? The Supreme Court explains repeated rehiring and security of tenure in Lao Construction v. NLRC.
Libel and Free Speech: The Limits of Defamation in Workplace Communications
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on direct contempt clarifies the boundary between free speech and defamatory conduct in workplace settings.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Assessment of Justice Secretary's Resolutions in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trial courts' duty to independently assess Justice Secretary's resolutions in withdrawal of criminal informations.