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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Regular Employment Status and the Limits of Prior Judgments in Labor Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a prior money claim judgment bars a later case for confirmation of regular employment status.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence and Vicarious Responsibility Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident quasi-delict case under Articles 2176 and 2180.
When Actions Speak Louder: Understanding Self-Defense Claims in Philippine Homicide Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh self-defense claims in homicide cases, and what it takes to prove it.
When Reimbursement Claims Belong to Labor Tribunals: Esico v. Alphaland
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employer's training reimbursement claim is a labor dispute, not a civil case.
BP 22 and Credit Lines: When a Stop Payment Order Doesnt Imply Insufficient Funds
Learn when a stop payment order on a postdated check does not automatically mean insufficient funds under BP 22, and how credit lines affect liability.
HLURB Jurisdiction vs Unlawful Detainer: Defining the Boundaries in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the HLURB has jurisdiction over subdivision lot disputes and when ejectment cases belong in regular courts.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Cases Understanding The Importance OF Timely Filing IN Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on the 60-day Rule 65 certiorari period shows why missed deadlines can end a case.
Upholding Ejectment: The Finality of Judgments and Timeliness in Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms ejectment, stressing that a late motion for reconsideration fails to stop a judgment from becoming final and executory.
DBP Foreclosure Redemption: Special Charter Rules Override General Redemption Law
When redeeming property foreclosed by DBP, mortgagors must pay the full outstanding debt, not just the auction purchase price.
Determining Jurisdiction in Reconveyance Cases: RTC vs MTC Competence
When does the RTC, not the MTC, hear a reconveyance case? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in Copioso v. Copioso.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Civil Service Reassignment Cases: Corsiga v. Defensor
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why civil service employees must exhaust administrative remedies before filing court cases over reassignment orders.
Acquittal in Rape Case: Reasonable Doubt and Consensual Acts Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when acquittal in rape is proper — reasonable doubt vs. consent, evidence rules, and penalties.
Dismissal for Procedural Lapse: The Importance of Stating Material Dates in Certiorari Petitions
Learn why failing to state material dates in a Rule 65 certiorari petition can lead to outright dismissal, as shown in Lapid v. Laurea.
Rape Conviction Upheld Categorical Identification AND THE Absence OF Consent
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining categorical victim identification and how resistance, not consent, defines the crime.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: The Bihag v. Era Resolution
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment decisions, citing a lawyer for contempt and ordering execution of the judgment.
Solid Rock vs Joint Survey: When Evidence Determines Fault in Vehicular Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies negligence and vicarious liability in vehicular accidents, emphasizing evidence over mere allegations in quasi-delict claims.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Establishing Intent and Opportunity for Self-Defense
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, focusing on sudden attack and the victim's lack of defense opportunity.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms: Navigating Murder and Frustrated Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery, unlicensed firearm aggravating circumstances, and penalties in murder and frustrated murder cases.
Res Judicata in Corporate Disputes: When Prior Judgments Bind Subsequent Claims
The Supreme Court explains when a prior judgment bars a later corporate claim, even against a party not impleaded in the first case.
Self-Defense in Parricide: When Unlawful Aggression Fails
A son who killed his father in a drunken argument could not invoke self-defense because unlawful aggression was not proven. The Supreme Court explains why.
Priority of Registered Attachment Liens: Protecting Creditors in Real Property Sales
When a registered attachment lien beats an unregistered sale: lessons from Biñan Steel v. Garcia on creditor protection in Philippine property law.
Judicial Impartiality: Proving Bias Claims in Administrative Cases Against Judges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that bias claims against judges need substantial evidence, not speculation, in administrative proceedings.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Group Criminal Acts: Philippine Law Explained
Learn how Philippine courts determine conspiracy and treachery in group crimes, and what this means for criminal liability.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Key Lessons from People v. San Pascual
How the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy to convict five accused of murder in People v. San Pascual.