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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Malicious Prosecution in Philippine Law: Probable Cause and Malice Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a failed criminal complaint becomes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of lack of probable cause and sinister motive.
Consent and Credibility in Rape and Forcible Abduction Cases: The Claudio Standard
The Supreme Court acquits in Claudio, stressing that prosecution must prove lack of consent beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases.
Credibility in Rape Cases: The High Standard for Conviction Based on Victim Testimony
How Philippine courts weigh a rape victim's testimony, force, and mental capacity in securing a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Positive Identification and Witness Competency in Rape with Homicide Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed that a witness with hearing and intellectual impairments can provide credible testimony in rape with homicide prosecutions.
DUE Process AND Union Security Balancing Rights IN Labor Disputes
Reliance on Official Advice as Good Faith Defense in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court holds that public officers who rely on prevailing BIR opinions act in good faith and cannot be liable under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Good Faith in Land Registration: Protecting the Rightful Owner in Property Disputes
When does a second buyer's registration of property fail to defeat the first buyer's rights? The Supreme Court explains the good faith requirement under Article 1544.
Attachment and Fraud: When Promises Fail to Secure Preliminary Remedies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fraud justifies preliminary attachment and limits on dissolving the writ.
Wage Order Obligations: Contractor and Principal Liability in Security Service Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security agencies can recover wage order increases from principals under solidary liability rules.
Tenant Rights Prevail: Security of Tenure and Agrarian Reform in Greenfield v. Cardama
The Supreme Court affirms that agricultural tenants enjoy security of tenure and cannot be summarily dispossessed, reinforcing CARP beneficiary rights.
Tenant Rights Prevail: Security of Tenure in Agrarian Reform Disputes
The Supreme Court affirms that agricultural lessees retain security of tenure under CARL, even when landowners claim conversion or termination of lease.
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: The Napolcom Commissioners Case
When Congress declared Napolcom commissioners' terms expired, the Supreme Court struck it down as a violation of security of tenure.
Project Employees vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of regular employees disguised as retirement, and the rules on appeal bonds in labor cases.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Theft Case Due to Insufficient Evidence and Questionable Witness Testi
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling acquits an accused in a theft case after finding the prosecution's evidence insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Allegation vs Proof: Why Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Alleged and Proven
A rape conviction reduced from death to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to allege and prove the victim's minority and the offender's status as stepfather.
Public Bidding Prevails Miaas Duty TO Ensure Fair Contracts FOR Security Services
Dying Declarations and Extrajudicial Confessions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains when dying declarations are admissible and when extrajudicial confessions are not in murder prosecutions.
Security Guard's Dismissal Ruled Illegal: Probationary Status and Sister Companies Explained
A security guard absorbed by a sister company becomes a regular employee; first-offense infractions cannot justify dismissal.
Dismissal Without Malicious Prosecution: Why Probable Cause Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a dismissed criminal case does not automatically mean malicious prosecution. Learn the legal distinction.
Regular vs Project Employees: Key Differences and Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies regular vs project employee status, tenure security, and monetary claims under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Why Proof of No License Is Crucial
The Supreme Court acquitted a student of illegal firearm possession because the prosecution failed to prove he had no license. Learn why this element matters.
When Proof of a Gun License Matters: Acquittal in Illegal Firearm Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquitted a student of illegal firearm possession because prosecutors failed to prove he lacked a license. Here's why.
Securing Shareholder Rights: Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Corporate Disputes
Understand when Philippine courts grant preliminary injunctions in corporate disputes, using the Ortañez-Enderes case as a guide to shareholder rights.
Illegal Possession of Firearm: Why the Prosecution Must Prove Lack of License
The Supreme Court acquits a student of illegal possession of firearm because the prosecution failed to prove he had no license—a vital element of the crime.