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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Missed Deadline NOT Justice Denied When Excusable Negligence Saves A Labor Appeal IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a late labor appeal may be excused due to honest mistake, and when separation pay replaces reinstatement.
Suspension of Payments in the Philippines: Who Can File and What Are the Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies that only corporations, partnerships, or associations—not individuals—may file for suspension of payments under PD 902-A.
Dying Declarations and Witness Credibility: Key Elements in Philippine Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains dying declarations, witness credibility, and conspiracy in murder convictions of three brothers.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Forensic Evidence: When Reasonable Doubt Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court acquits murder accused where eyewitness accounts conflicted with forensic findings, explaining when reasonable doubt prevails.
Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases: Lessons from Greenhills Products v. NLRC
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified appeal bond rules and due process in illegal dismissal cases, protecting employee rights.
Presidential Power vs Cooperative Autonomy: When Can the President Intervene
The Supreme Court limits presidential intervention in electric cooperatives, protecting cooperative autonomy and democratic governance under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Reversal: When Consensual Sex Becomes Forced
Supreme Court acquits pastor in rape case, explaining how a complainant's post-incident conduct can cast doubt on claims of force.
Superior Strength in Murder: How Conspiracy Establishes Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy and superior strength qualify a killing as murder, with practical legal takeaways.
Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a transferee recruitment agency can be held liable for illegal dismissal of an overseas worker.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when public social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Project Employee vs Regular Employee: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project employees and regular employees in construction work, and when repeated contracts may indicate regular employment.
Quasi-Delict vs Criminal Negligence: Civil Liability in Philippine Accidents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's negligence creates civil liability under quasi-delict, even without a criminal conviction.
When Is a Spouse's Debt Chargeable to the Conjugal Partnership
Supreme Court clarifies when a husband's surety agreement binds the conjugal partnership, distinguishing corporate debts from family obligations.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: When Employers Must Pay Back Wages
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers must pay back wages during appeal—only if the labor arbiter ordered reinstatement.
Resignation Cannot Shield Court Personnel From Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules resignation does not erase administrative liability, dismissing court employee for grave misconduct, tardiness, and absenteeism.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment: When One Person Can Be Held Liable
One person can be guilty of large scale illegal recruitment if three or more victims are defrauded, explains the Supreme Court.
Defense of a Relative in the Philippines: Proving Unlawful Aggression
Philippine law allows defense of a relative, but only if unlawful aggression is clearly proven. A Supreme Court case shows why.
Admissibility of Confessions: Protecting Rights During Custodial Investigation in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a confession obtained without counsel during custodial investigation is inadmissible in evidence.
Rape and the Limits of Relationship in Philippine Law: When Kinship Aggravates the Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a relationship between offender and victim can aggravate rape, and when it cannot.
Philippine Coconut Authority Cannot Abandon Its Regulatory Power
Supreme Court rules PCA cannot deregulate coconut processing industry by resolution, as only Congress can dismantle statutory regulation.
Club Membership Disputes: When Suspension and Due Process Collide
A Supreme Court ruling on club suspensions, delinquent lists, and the limits of due process in private associations.
COMELEC's Power to Prosecute Election Offenses: Independent Authority Affirmed
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's exclusive authority to prosecute election offenses, ruling that deputized prosecutors cannot override its decisions.
When a Creditor's Actions Cross the Line: Abuse of Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Learn when a creditor's enforcement actions become unlawful abuse of rights under Philippine law, with practical guidance.
Judicial Delay: When Inaction Becomes Neglect of Duty
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's prolonged inaction on pending motions constitutes neglect of duty, even after case transfer.