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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Philippine Security of Tenure: Why Fixed-Term Employment Can't Sidestep Regularization
The Supreme Court strikes down a fixed-term contract scheme that blocked an employee's regularization, reaffirming constitutional security of tenure for Philippine workers.
Limits of DOLE Jurisdiction: When the Labor Secretary Can Intervene in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Labor Secretary may only assume jurisdiction over strikes in industries indispensable to national interest.
Improvident Guilty Plea in Capital Offenses: When a Conviction Still Stands
A flawed guilty plea in a capital case doesn't automatically void a conviction if prosecution evidence independently proves guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Why Lawyers in Government Service Are Still Bound by the Code of Professional Responsibility
A prosecutor's failure to remit SSS payments led to reprimand, affirming that public office does not exempt lawyers from ethical rules.
Murder vs Homicide: Why Proving Intent Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is murder and when it is only homicide, and why the prosecution must prove intent.
Land Registration Philippines Applicant Withdraws Oppositors Rights Preserved
When a land registration applicant withdraws, oppositors with adverse claims may still present evidence and seek affirmative relief under Section 37, Act No. 496.
Dismissal of Court Cases for Lack of Prosecution: When Is It Justified in the Philippines
Philippine courts may dismiss cases for lack of prosecution, but only for valid reasons. Learn the rules and limits from a Supreme Court ruling.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Prioritize Credibility in Sexual Assault Trials
Philippine courts rely heavily on victim credibility in rape trials. This case explains why testimony matters most in sexual assault prosecutions.
Pipeline Operator as Common Carrier: Tax Exemption Under the Local Government Code
Supreme Court rules pipeline operators are common carriers exempt from local business tax under Section 133(j) of the Local Government Code.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Understanding Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Explore the Salafranca case on illegal dismissal, security of tenure, and due process for regular employees in the Philippines.
Regularization After Probation: Security of Tenure for Philippine Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when probationary employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under the Labor Code.
Bail Denied When Evidence of Guilt Is Strong in Philippine Capital Offenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when bail must be denied in capital offenses and why trial judges must summarize prosecution evidence.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Why Clear and Convincing Evidence Matters in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused when prosecution evidence fails to meet the required standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Second Chances in Court: Understanding Appeals After Amended Judgments
When a trial court amends its decision after you've appealed, do you need to file another notice of appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Security of Tenure for Private School Teachers: The NAMAWU v. San Ildefonso College Ruling
When do private school teachers gain permanent status, and what does illegal dismissal mean? The Supreme Court's ruling in NAMAWU v. San Ildefonso College provides clear answers.
Philippine Bail Petitions: Why Orders Denying Bail Must Detail Prosecution Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: bail denial orders must summarize prosecution evidence. Learn the rule from Aleria v. Velez.
Judicial Impartiality When Prior Involvement In A Case Disqualifies A Judge
A judge who previously served as prosecutor must inhibit from the case. Rule 137, Section 1 explained.
When Is a Public Official's Act Bad Faith in Anti-Graft Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's act amounts to "evident bad faith" under Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Eyewitness Testimony and Murder Conviction: Insights from the De la Cruz Case
How a single eyewitness's positive identification secured a murder conviction and what it means for criminal cases in the Philippines.
Echegaray v. Secretary of Justice: Lethal Injection and the Limits of Administrative Rule-Making
The Supreme Court upheld lethal injection as a constitutional mode of execution but struck down implementing rules that overstepped the law.
Lethal Injection in the Philippines: Balancing Constitutionality and Humane Execution
A look at Echegaray v. Secretary of Justice, where the Supreme Court upheld lethal injection as a constitutional method of execution.
Project vs Regular Employment: What San Miguel v. NLRC Teaches About Employee Status
Understand project vs regular employment in the Philippines through San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC, a landmark case on employee classification and security of tenure.
Precision in Prosecution: Why Properly Worded Charges Matter in Philippine Rape Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape highlights why precise language in criminal informations is crucial, especially when penalties differ by victim age.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Burden of Proof and Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law
A cattle rustling conviction overturned on appeal because the prosecution relied on hearsay and uncorroborated testimony. Learn the rules on burden of proof.