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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Labor vs Civil Law: Who Hears Employer Damage Claims Against Employees?
Supreme Court clarifies that employer claims for damages against dismissed employees fall under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Sheriffs' Duty to Execute Writs Promptly: Lessons from Casaje v. Gatbalite
A sheriff's delay in executing final judgments draws administrative liability. The Supreme Court explains the duty of prompt enforcement.
Protecting Electoral Integrity: When Delaying Tactics in Election Protests Fail
The Supreme Court rules that dilatory motions in election protests undermine the will of voters and will not be countenanced.
Accepting a Lower Position Does Not Waive an Illegally Terminated Employee’s Reinstatement Claim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: accepting a lower or coterminous position during reorganization does not waive an illegally terminated employee’s right to reinstatement.
Rape AND Robbery Distinguishing Separate Crimes From A Special Complex Offense
Treachery Defined: How Precise Application of Law Ensures Justice in Criminal Convictions
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery's elements in People v. Repollo, reducing a death sentence to reclusion perpetua while affirming murder convictions.
Finality of Comelec Resolutions in Election Offense Cases: Reconsideration and Judicial Review
When is a Comelec resolution final in election offense cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on reconsideration and judicial review.
Prior Written Notice Employee Rights IN Termination Cases
Recall Elections: Defining the Process and Protecting Local Governance Stability
The Supreme Court clarifies when recall elections may be held under the Local Government Code, balancing accountability with stability.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Establishing Filiation FOR Aggravated Penalties IN Sexual Assault Cases
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Unauthenticated Evidence and Lack of Due Process Can Cost Employers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules: retirement age, CBA benefits, and employer liability in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery Can Convict Even Without Physical Evidence
A single credible eyewitness can sustain a murder conviction despite negative paraffin test results. The Supreme Court explains when treachery qualifies the killing.
Default Orders and the Duty to Answer: Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantive Justice
When does a petition for certiorari excuse a defendant from filing an answer? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on default orders.
When a Civil Case Does Not Stop a Criminal Estafa Charge: Trust Receipts Explained
A civil suit to nullify trust receipts does not automatically suspend criminal estafa proceedings. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
Defining Government Control When Does A Corporations Funding Subject IT TO Anti Graft Laws
When a Civil Case Does Not Suspend Criminal Estafa Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when a civil action for nullity of trust receipts is not a prejudicial question that suspends criminal estafa cases.
Custodia Legis and State Immunity Protect DENR Seizures of Timber-Laden Vehicles
When DENR seizes vehicles for illegal timber, they enter custodia legis and cannot be replevied; suits against DENR officers are suits against the State.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Murder Conviction, SC Rules
SC affirms murder conviction based on eyewitness identification over alibi, and increases damages awarded to the victim's heirs.
Breach of Express Warranty: Seller Liable for Unpaid Taxes Despite Transfer of Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a vehicle seller's assurance that taxes were paid is an express warranty; breach makes seller liable for unpaid duties.
Father Rape Conviction and the Limits of Credibility in Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's rape conviction, explaining why a daughter's delayed report and alleged "complex" do not destroy credibility.
The Reach of Conspiracy: When Concerted Acts Establish Guilt in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy makes all participants equally liable for murder, explained in plain language.
Driving Without a License: Upholding Termination for Violation of Company Rules
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of employee who drove company vehicle without a valid license, causing damage and violating company rules.
When Drunken Brawls Lead to Deadly Stabs: Distinguishing Homicide From Murder
The Supreme Court acquits an accused of murder, explaining how failure to prove treachery and identity can reduce the charge to homicide.
Witness Credibility: Inaction During a Crime Does Not Mean False Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a witness's stunned inaction during a crime does not undermine credibility or testimony.