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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Sick Leave and Security of Tenure: Supreme Court Upholds Employee Rights in Illegal Dismissal Case
The Supreme Court ruled that a janitor's dismissal for absences due to illness was illegal, affirming security of tenure protections for all employees.
Breach of Contract vs Warranty: Prescription in Construction Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a construction defect claim is breach of contract (10-year prescription) versus hidden warranty (shorter periods).
When Self-Defense Fails: Proving Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why bare claims of self-defense fail without credible witnesses, and when treachery and evident premeditation do not qualify a killing.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: The Limits of Justifiable Force in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements and when sudden attack does not constitute treachery in homicide cases.
Conspiracy and Drug Transportation: What Philippine Law Requires
How the Supreme Court upheld a drug conspiracy conviction based on circumstantial evidence and the act of transporting heroin.
Warrantless Arrests and Drug Evidence: What Buy-Bust Operations Mean for Your Rights
Learn when warrantless arrests and drug evidence are valid in buy-bust operations, and how Philippine courts handle frame-up defenses.
Judicial Delay Consequences for Judges and the Right to a Speedy Trial in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on judge liability for trial delays and the constitutional right to speedy trial in the Philippines.
Probationary Employees, Security of Tenure, and Illegal Dismissal: The Anderson Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that vague claims of "loss of confidence" cannot justify dismissing a probationary employee without just cause.
Retroactive Application of Subdivision Laws Protecting Home Buyers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why P.D. 957 protects home buyers even for contracts signed before 1976.
Serving Summons to Foreign Residents: Protecting Your Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how summons must be served on nonresident defendants in property cases, protecting due process rights.
Retroactivity of Subdivision Buyer Protection Laws: PNB v. Office of the President
When do protective laws apply to old contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies P.D. 957's retroactive application to protect lot buyers from developer defaults.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Upholding Conviction in Murder and Frustrated Murder Case
Supreme Court affirms murder and frustrated murder conviction, ruling positive identification prevails over alibi and denial.
Understanding Intent in Murder Cases: When Can a Killing Be Reduced to a Lesser Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on intent, treachery, and penalty computation in murder cases under the Revised Penal Code.
Reclusion Perpetua: The Unchanged Penalty for Murder Despite Constitutional Shifts
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 1987 Constitution's death penalty abolition does not alter the penalty periods for murder under the Revised Penal Code.