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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Defining Piracy Under Philippine Law: Protecting Vessels and Ensuring Maritime Security
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes piracy under PD 532, ruling that seizing a fishing boat by force is piracy, not mere grave coercion.
Direct Contempt of Court: Limits on Punishment and Judicial Authority in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies direct contempt penalties, judicial authority limits, and accountability in Veluz v. Babaran.
Overseas Recruitment Agencies: When Can Licenses Be Suspended or Cancelled
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Secretary of Labor and the POEA can suspend or cancel an overseas recruitment agency's license.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: Legal Obligations of Philippine Schools
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how tuition fee increases must be allocated for employee salaries and benefits, with prescription rules explained.
Patent Novelty, Prior Art, and the Presumption of Validity in Philippine Patent Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on patent novelty, prior art, and the heavy burden to overcome the presumption of patent validity.
Revival of Judgment: How Long Can You Wait to Enforce a Court Order in the Philippines
Learn the rules on reviving a dormant judgment in the Philippines, including prescriptive periods and key Supreme Court rulings.
Dying Declarations When Can a Victim's Last Words Convict
Philippine Supreme Court explains when dying declarations are admissible evidence and how they can convict an accused.
Premature Objections When Third-Party Claims Challenge Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a spouse cannot file a third-party claim after a fraudulent conveyance is annulled.
Consent and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Antido
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Antido clarifies how consent and intimidation are weighed in rape prosecutions.
Judicial Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Its Consequences for Judges
Philippine Supreme Court censures judge for grave abuse of authority, misconduct in issuing extended TROs and lifting hold departure order.
Enforcing Compromise Agreements Navigating Disputes AND Appeals IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final and executory judgments, execution of awards, and limits on modifying settled labor disputes.
Kidnapping vs. Illegal Detention: The Role of Intent Under Philippine Law
Philippine law distinguishes kidnapping from illegal detention by the offender's intent. The Supreme Court explains the difference in People v. Dadles.
Assigning Lease Rights When IS Consent Required IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee can assign lease rights, including a right of first option, without the lessor's consent.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Panes
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killings as murder in the Philippines.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies regular employment, constructive dismissal, and retirement rights in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Judicial Misconduct When Ignorance of the Law Is No Excuse
Supreme Court fines judge and clerk for issuing subpoena to a life-term prisoner without authority, ruling ignorance of circulars is no excuse.
Right to Backwages When an Illegally Dismissed Employee Is Entitled
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an illegally dismissed government employee is entitled to backwages and other benefits.
Incestuous Rape: Why a Victim's Testimony Prevails Over Familial Betrayal
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction based on the credible testimony of his minor daughter, clarifying key rules on penetration and witness credibility.
Foreign Currency Deposits: Balancing Secrecy and Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that foreign currency deposit secrecy cannot shield a transient alien's funds from satisfying a judgment for heinous crimes against a Filipino minor.
Credibility of Eyewitnesses in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Palomar
How the Supreme Court weighed eyewitness credibility, minor inconsistencies, and alibi in a brutal multiple murder case.
Liability for Dishonored Checks: When Civil Damages Can Be Recovered
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a party can recover civil damages from a check issuer even if criminal liability under B.P. 22 is not established.
Docket Fees and Venue: When Payment Must Be Made Anew on Refiling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that refiling a case in the proper venue requires new docket fees; prior payments do not transfer.
Officer Compensation vs Director Compensation: A Philippine Corporate Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between officer and director compensation under the Corporation Code.
Clerks of Court Responsibilities and Liabilities for Lost Court Exhibits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerk of court liability for lost firearms exhibits and the duty to turnover evidence after cases end.