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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Grave Coercion vs Kidnapping: Understanding Deprivation of Liberty in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between kidnapping and grave coercion, emphasizing that actual detention or "locking up" is essential for a kidnapping conviction.
Tax Sale Notice: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Tax Delinquency Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sale notice requirements, protecting registered owners' property rights in delinquent real property auctions.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Court Authority: Navigating Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the balance between prosecutorial discretion and judicial authority in dismissing criminal cases after information is filed.
Strikes in the Philippines: Legal Requirements and Consequences for Labor Disputes
Understand the legal framework for strikes in the Philippines, including requirements, prohibited acts, and consequences for illegal strikes under Philippine labor law.
When Is a Principal Liable for an Agent's Debt? Lessons from Bordador v. Luz
The Supreme Court explains when a principal is liable for an agent's debt, and why apparent authority must be proven.
Breach of Trust and Due Process in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling on willful breach of trust as just cause for dismissal, and the price of skipping procedural due process.
Election Protests Ensuring Fair Canvassing AND Valid Proclamations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election protests, canvassing irregularities, and the validity of proclamations in electoral disputes.
When a Successor Company Inherits Illegal Dismissal Liability: The Alfante Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a successor corporation can be held liable for the illegal dismissal acts of its predecessor, and how backwages are computed.
Eyewitness Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence in drug cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Police Use of Force: When Does Protection Become Illegal Search and Seizure
The Supreme Court clarifies when police stops and frisks cross the line into unconstitutional searches, using a grenade possession case as the example.
Why Drug Cases Stay in Regional Trial Courts Even for Small Amounts
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling explains why RTCs keep jurisdiction over drug offenses regardless of the quantity involved or penalty.
Strikes AND Reinstatement Balancing Workers Rights AND Employer Authority IN THE Philippines
Due Process and Property Rights: Limits on Professional Regulation in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court protected harbor pilots' vested property rights against an administrative order that violated due process.
Warrantless Arrests and Searches: When Are They Legal in the Philippines?
Learn when warrantless arrests and searches are legal in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Malacat v. Court of Appeals.
Election Protests Understanding Demurrer to Evidence and Waiver of Rights in Philippine Law
Learn how filing a demurrer to evidence waives the right to present defense evidence, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Breach of Contract: Financial Obligations and Due Diligence in Land Development Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on accounting obligations, due diligence, and the consequences of failing to produce financial records in land development disputes.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that errors in a judge's judicial function are not administrative misconduct absent bad faith or malice.
Failure of Election Under Philippine Law: Grounds and Remedies Explained
Learn the limited grounds for declaring a failed election under Philippine law and the proper remedies available to candidates and voters.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Consent and Legal Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that carnal knowledge of a mentally retarded woman whose mental age is below twelve constitutes rape.
Separation Pay Not Required After Valid Dismissal for Serious Misconduct
When is separation pay not required after a valid dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies in Philippine Airlines v. NLRC.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains the two elements of statutory rape and why force, hymenal integrity, and spermatozoa are irrelevant.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences for Judges Delaying Case Resolutions
Learn how Philippine courts penalize judges for delayed case resolutions, with rules on fines, retirement benefits, and judicial accountability.
Certiorari vs Petition for Review: Choosing the Right Appeal Route in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when to use certiorari versus a petition for review, and why choosing the wrong mode of appeal can be fatal to a case.
Rape Conviction: Credible Testimony and Victims' Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how courts weigh victim testimony, the sweetheart defense, and damages awards.