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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Consent and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Antido
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Antido clarifies how consent and intimidation are weighed in rape prosecutions.
Foreign Currency Deposits: Balancing Secrecy and Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that foreign currency deposit secrecy cannot shield a transient alien's funds from satisfying a judgment for heinous crimes against a Filipino minor.
Security of Tenure: Understanding Reinstatement Rights After Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects employees from illegal dismissal and what reinstatement rights mean under the Labor Code.
Lumber VS Timber Navigating Illegal Possession Charges IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal possession of lumber falls under Section 68 of PD 705, the Forestry Reform Code.
Illegal Firearm Possession: Proving Lack of License Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a man of illegal firearm possession because the prosecution failed to prove he lacked a license—a key element.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What the Supreme Court Looks At
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies what makes illegal recruitment "large scale" and why victim testimony alone can secure a conviction.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Corporate Controversies: The Lozano v. De Los Santos Test
When does the SEC have jurisdiction over corporate disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the two-element test in Lozano v. De Los Santos.
Retroactivity of Disqualification: When Prior Misconduct Bars Future Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether Section 40(b) of the Local Government Code applies retroactively to disqualify candidates removed from office before 1992.
Confidential Employees and Security of Tenure: What PAGCOR v. Salas Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies that a position's actual functions, not its legal label, determine if an employee is truly confidential.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: When SEC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Regular Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dispute between stockholders falls under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
When Stockholder Disputes Belong to the SEC: Garcia v. Court of Appeals
A stockholder's damages suit against another stockholder may still be an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of Persons Deprived of Reason in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that rape of a mentally incapacitated person can be proven through circumstantial evidence, securing justice for voiceless victims.
How Reliable Eyewitness Testimony Secures Convictions in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts weigh witness credibility carefully when deciding criminal cases. Learn how positive identification and consistent testimony lead to convictions.
Principals Liability FOR Contractors Wage Violations KEY Protections FOR Workers IN THE Philippines
When can a principal be held liable for a security agency's failure to pay minimum wage? The Supreme Court explains joint and solidary liability under Philippine law.
The Duty to Prosecute Appeals: Why Inaction Can Get Your Appeal Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine law requires appellants to actively prosecute their appeals. Learn why waiting for court notices can lead to dismissal.
When a Guilty Plea Does Not Admit Aggravating Circumstances: The Baldimo Case
A guilty plea in capital cases no longer admits aggravating circumstances; prosecution must prove them beyond reasonable doubt.
Tenant OR Farm Laborer Understanding Security OF Tenure IN Philippine Agrarian LAW
Security of tenure under Philippine agrarian law protects farm tenants and laborers from illegal dispossession and dismissal, ensuring stability and fairness.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Employee Rights Under Conti v. NLRC
Conti v. NLRC explains the twin notice rule, security of tenure, and why a fixed-term contract cannot defeat regular employment status in the Philippines.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: When the SEC, Not NLRC, Has Jurisdiction Over an Officer's Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer's dismissal is an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not a labor case for the NLRC.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Legal Malice Explained
Learn the three elements of malicious prosecution in the Philippines, including probable cause and legal malice, from the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling.
Moral Character and Admission to the Bar: Second Chances in Philippine Law
Explore how Philippine law treats moral character in bar admissions and the possibility of second chances for applicants.
Secretary of Labor's Power to Assume Jurisdiction in Labor Disputes: A Guide
Learn when the Labor Secretary can assume jurisdiction over strikes and lockouts, and what this means for workers and employers.
Bail in Capital Offenses: When Is a Hearing Mandatory?
A judge must hold a hearing before granting bail in capital offenses, even if the prosecution does not object. Learn the rule.
Anti-Graft Law: Delay in Official Action and Extortion Under RA 3019
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on delay of official action and extortion under the Anti-Graft Law, Section 3(f) of RA 3019.