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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Upholding Employers Right TO Dismiss FOR Fraud THE Philippine Airlines Case
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for fraud? The Supreme Court's ruling in Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the standard.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why Corporate Officers Must Sign
A corporation's certification against forum shopping must be signed by an officer, not counsel. The Supreme Court explains why in Digital Microwave Corp. v. Court of Appeals.
Union Dues and Attorney's Fees: Protecting Employee Rights in Collective Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees can be charged to union members and the strict rules on check-off deductions.
Due Process Denied: The Importance of Hearing Notices in Default Orders Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders without hearing notices, and the duty of clerks of court in safeguarding due process.
Limits on Ombudsman's Power: Court Upholds Anti-Graft Prosecution Discretion
Supreme Court clarifies courts cannot interfere with Ombudsman's prosecutorial discretion absent grave abuse, in anti-graft case.
When Courts Overstep Authority in Preliminary Investigations: Domondon v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with the Ombudsman's prosecutory discretion, and when judicial overreach becomes grave abuse.
When Circumstantial Evidence Justifies Dismissal for Fraud Against the Company
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC shows when circumstantial evidence suffices to prove employee fraud justifying dismissal for loss of trust.
Treachery and Criminal Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and intent to kill are proven in murder cases, using the conviction of Maximo Hernandez as an example.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Insufficient Identification in Drug Sale Conviction
Supreme Court acquits drug sale convicts when police cannot identify who sold marijuana, applying reasonable doubt standard.
When Courts Collide: The Impermissible Interference in Judicial Decisions
A judge who enjoined a co-equal court's final judgment was fined for gross ignorance of the law.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge Ignores the Supreme Court and the Law
A 2000 Supreme Court ruling shows that judges can be fined for failing to follow a mandatory reporting law and for remarks that undermine the Court's authority.
Clouded Titles: Protecting Land Ownership Rights Against Invalid Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court protects land ownership rights when fraudulent claims, invalid mortgages, and void free patents cloud title.
Regular Employment and the Prolonged Service Doctrine in Philippine Labor Law
Learn how prolonged service of 20 years can establish regular employment under Article 280 of the Labor Code.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Delay and Due Process in Anti-Graft Proceedings
Explaining the Castillo v. Sandiganbayan ruling on what counts as unreasonable delay in anti-graft cases and the right to speedy disposition.
When Heirs Can Question a Void Marriage After Death: The Niñal Rule
Heirs may challenge a deceased person's void marriage for successional rights. The Supreme Court explains the limits and rules.
When Sudden Attacks Dont Mean Murder Examining THE Nuances OF Homicide AND Treachery
A sudden attack does not always amount to treachery. This case explains when killing is homicide, not murder.
Fixed Term Contracts VS Illegal Dismissal Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee Security
Finality of Dismissal: Why a "Without Prejudice" Order Still Becomes Final After the Appeal Period
A dismissal without prejudice is still a final order. After 15 days without appeal, it becomes final and executory, barring revival by mere motion.
Duty and Diligence: Upholding Efficiency in Public Service
A Supreme Court administrative case reminds court employees that efficiency and diligence are non-negotiable duties in public service.
Interlocking Confessions Establishing Guilt In Conspiracy Cases
Explains when extrajudicial confessions of co-accused can be used against another accused, citing the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Job.
Protecting Innocence: The Supreme Court's Stance on Child Rape and Child Witness Testimony
A five-year-old rape victim's testimony can convict. The Supreme Court explains child witness credibility and the death penalty for child rape.
When Defense Falters Distinguishing Homicide From Murder IN Philippine LAW
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how treachery elevates a killing to murder and why alibi fails without proof of physical impossibility.
Interlocking Confessions and Kidnap Conviction: People v. Dela Torre
Explaining the interlocking confessions rule and how it secured a kidnap-for-ransom conviction in People v. Dela Torre.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal for Conduct Unbecoming a Judge
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's dismissal of criminal cases constitutes grave abuse of discretion.