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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Disqualification Cases Filed After Elections But Before Proclamation: Bagatsing v. COMELEC
Disqualification complaints filed after elections but before proclamation are dismissed and referred for preliminary investigation, per Bagatsing v. COMELEC.
Proving Psychological Incapacity for Marriage Annulment in the Philippines: The Hernandez Case
Learn how the Supreme Court in Hernandez v. Hernandez clarified what evidence is needed to prove psychological incapacity for marriage annulment.
Election Disqualification Cases After the Polls: What Bagatsing v. COMELEC Means
When a disqualification case is filed after elections, COMELEC must dismiss it and refer it for preliminary investigation, not suspend proclamation.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Government-Owned Corporations: The PNCC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies SEC jurisdiction over GOCCs organized under the Corporation Code, using the PNCC dispute as a landmark example.
The Power of Testimony:
Constructive Dismissal vs Abandonment: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between constructive dismissal and abandonment of work, and what employees must prove.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Why Witness Credibility Is Key in Philippine Murder Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility in criminal cases, using the incestuous rape ruling in People v. Sevilla as a guide.
How Philippine Courts Determine Witness Credibility in Criminal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts assess witness credibility in criminal cases through the landmark incestuous rape ruling in People vs. Sevilla.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: The Importance of Evidentiary Precision in Philippine Rape Cases
A look at People v. Ladrillo, where the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused due to the prosecution's failure to prove the date and facts beyond reasonable doubt.
Lost Cargo Claims in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule for Arrastre Operators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 15-day claim period for lost cargo against arrastre operators and the shipper's load and count rule.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials: The Salary Grade 27 Rule Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a public official's position classification, not actual salary, determines Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
Retroactive Application of Penal Laws in the Philippines: When Can a Sentence Be Reduced
Philippine Supreme Court explains when favorable penal laws apply retroactively, reducing sentences even after conviction and while serving time.
How Eyewitness Credibility Decides Murder Cases in Philippine Courts
A 1999 Supreme Court ruling shows how credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine murder convictions.
Why Illegal Dismissal Cases Belong in Labor Courts: A Guide to Jurisdiction
Learn why illegal dismissal cases belong in labor courts and how the Supreme Court protects probationary employees' security of tenure.
The Power of Witness Testimony: Examining Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court weighs eyewitness credibility against alibi defenses in Philippine criminal cases, and why positive identification prevails.
Probation Denied: Why Evading Civil Liability in the Philippines Can Cost You Your Freedom
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: evading civil liability after conviction can disqualify you from probation and lead to imprisonment.
Rape Conviction Based ON Sole Testimony When IS IT Enough
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Weigh Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court explains why positive eyewitness identification prevails over alibi, and when treachery applies in criminal cases.
When a Bouncing Check Isn't Estafa: Checks as Loan Security in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when postdated checks given as loan security, not payment, cannot result in estafa conviction.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Alibi: How Philippine Courts Decide Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification versus alibi in murder cases, explaining why credible witnesses prevail over alibi defenses.
Notice of Dishonor Under BP 22: Why Actual Receipt Matters in Bouncing Check Cases
Under BP 22, a bounced check issuer can only be convicted if properly notified of dishonor. The Betty King case shows why actual notice is crucial.
Privity of Contract in the Philippines: Why Third Parties Are Not Bound by Your Agreement
Learn how privity of contract protects banks and third parties from obligations they never agreed to, explained through the Villalon case.
Due Process in Elections: When COMELEC Cannot Invalidate Votes
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's cancellation of a candidate's nickname votes for lack of notice and hearing, reaffirming due process in election cases.
Robbery with Homicide: Understanding Liability and Damages in Philippine Law
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, witness credibility, aggravating circumstances, and damages in People v. Paraiso.