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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Ombudsman's Power to Prosecute: Understanding Its Limits and Scope in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute public officials under R.A. 6770, clarifying constitutional limits.
Obeying Orders: Understanding Criminal Liability for Public Officials in the Philippines
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the Ombudsman's power to investigate and prosecute public officials, explaining how criminal liability attaches.
Continuing Surety Agreements Can Validly Cover Future Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that continuing surety agreements validly secure future debts, even if no principal obligation exists at signing.
Lis Pendens and Contract Disputes: When a Pending Case Can Halt Another Suit
Learn when a pending case between the same parties can block a second lawsuit under the lis pendens rule, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: When Corporate Officers Fall Under SEC Jurisdiction
Explaining Tabang v. NLRC: why a corporate officer's dismissal is an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not a labor case.
Amending Criminal Informations: When a Homicide Charge Can Be Upgraded to Murder
The Supreme Court explains when prosecutors may amend an information to upgrade homicide to murder after the accused has already pleaded not guilty.
Evidence Rules in Illegal Firearm Cases: Why Conviction Requires Proof of No License
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal possession of firearms explains why prosecutors must prove lack of license beyond reasonable doubt.
Continuing Security in Mortgages: When Future Loans Are Covered
Philippine Supreme Court explains when real estate mortgages secure future loans beyond stated amounts, and the limits of injunctions against foreclosure.
When Judges Overstep in Preliminary Investigations: A Lesson from Depamaylo v. Brotarlo
A judge reduced murder to homicide to grant bail, ignored prosecution rights, and was fined P20,000 for misconduct.
Security Guard Accountability: The Importance of Evidence in Termination Cases
When can a security agency dismiss a guard for a lost firearm? The Supreme Court clarifies the substantial evidence rule in illegal dismissal cases.
Employer Liability in Independent Contractor Relationships: The PAL Security Guards Case
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies when a client company becomes liable for an independent contractor's employees—and when it does not.
When Does a Local Union Have the Right to Bargain? A Look at San Miguel Foods v. Laguesma
A local union need not secure its own registration certificate to be legitimate. Learn the rules from San Miguel Foods v. Laguesma.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: Navigating Jurisdiction Between the NLRC and SEC
When a corporate officer is dismissed, is it a labor case or an intra-corporate dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules.
Chattel Mortgage and Future Debts: What Philippine Law Allows
Can a chattel mortgage secure debts incurred after its execution? The Supreme Court explains the limits under the Chattel Mortgage Law.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How It Affects Search Warrants and Legal Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forum shopping applies to search warrant applications, and seized property cannot be held indefinitely without criminal prosecution.
Chattel Mortgage Coverage of Future Loans: The Acme Shoe Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a chattel mortgage can cover future loans and why full payment extinguishes the security.
Lost Documents in Court: Proving Your Case With Secondary Evidence in the Philippines
When the original document is lost, Philippine rules allow secondary evidence. Learn the requirements from a Supreme Court case.
Homestead Redemption Rights: Protecting Family Lands Under Philippine Law
Philippine law protects homestead grantees with a five-year repurchase right. Learn how Section 119 of the Public Land Act works.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
Rape and Incest: Understanding Consent and Familial Abuse in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction but acquits him of a second count where the victim could not identify her attacker.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: Can You Be Tried Twice for the Same Crime?
Understand the double jeopardy rule in the Philippines, its constitutional basis, and how courts apply it to prevent repeated prosecution for the same offense.
Trade Secrets vs Employee Rights Know Your Boundaries
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employer claims of trade secrets justify dismissal, and the limits of confidentiality policies.
Eyewitness Testimony: How It Can Make or Break a Murder Case in the Philippines
How a single eyewitness's positive identification can secure a murder conviction, and why courts trust credible testimony over denial.
Rape Conviction Understanding Credibility OF Witnesses AND Victim Testimony IN Philippine LAW
Philippine courts rely on credible witness testimony in rape cases. This article explains how trial courts assess victim credibility and prosecution evidence.