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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Missed Deadlines Dismissed Cases Understanding Timely Appeals IN Philippine Labor LAW
Learn how appeal deadlines work in Philippine labor cases, including the 10-day rule, service of decisions, and the registered mail filing rule.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Death Claims: Employer Must Prove Suicide to Avoid Liability
In Lapid v. NLRC, the Supreme Court ruled that employers must prove suicide to avoid death benefits under the POEA contract.
Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Supreme Court Rules on Delay and Record Management
The Supreme Court fined a judge for failing to decide cases within the constitutional 90-day period, emphasizing that missing transcripts and transfers are no excuse.
Demand Is Key: Understanding Rescission in Philippine Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer can still pay after missing a deadline in a property sale, and why demand for rescission matters.
Navigating Nepotism in the Philippine Civil Service: Indirect Influence and Landmark Rulings
The Supreme Court clarifies that nepotism in the civil service covers indirect influence, not just direct appointments, in CSC v. Dacoycoy.
Robbery With Rape in the Philippines: Understanding the Complexities and Victims Rights
The Supreme Court explains when rape accompanies robbery as a single crime, and affirms victims' rights and evidentiary rules.
SEC Jurisdiction in Suspension of Payments: Why Including Individuals Can Jeopardize Your Petition
Learn how including individual officers in a suspension of payments petition can affect SEC jurisdiction and jeopardize your company's rehabilitation case.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Gross Misconduct in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross misconduct shows the high ethical standards required of the bench and the consequences of abuse.
Parental Rape in the Philippines: The Right to Counsel and the Death Penalty
When a father is accused of raping his daughter, the Supreme Court still requires effective counsel—explained in People v. Bermas.
Protecting Your Property Rights: The Innocent Purchaser for Value Doctrine in Philippine Land Law
Learn how the innocent purchaser for value doctrine protects buyers of Philippine land, even when the original title was fraudulently obtained.
Right to Counsel in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Orders New Trial for Ineffective Defense
Supreme Court remands rape case for new trial after counsel de officio failed to provide effective legal representation to the accused.
Navigating Mining Tax Refunds in the Philippines: Understanding R.A. 1435 and Its Limits
Philex Mining v. CIR clarifies that the 25% mining tax refund under R.A. 1435 is based on old rates, not actual taxes paid.
Presumption of Innocence in Philippine Drug Cases: The Lagmay Acquittal
How the Supreme Court applied the presumption of innocence to acquit a drug suspect when prosecution evidence fell short of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Beware Illegal Recruiters: Supreme Court Upholds Life Sentence for Syndicate Preying on Job Seekers
The Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for large-scale illegal recruitment, warning Filipinos against unscrupulous individuals promising overseas jobs.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Understanding Estafa in Philippine Investment Schemes
Learn how the Supreme Court treats investment scams involving bouncing checks, deceit, and estafa under Philippine law.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting the Mentally Vulnerable Under the Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on statutory rape of a mentally retarded victim, explaining why force need not be proven.
Beyond Kicking: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man who kicked a murder victim, explaining when mere presence or minor acts do not prove conspiracy.
Rear-End Collision Liability in the Philippines: Negligence and Proximate Cause
Philippine courts presume the rear driver at fault in rear-end collisions. Learn the rules on negligence and proximate cause from Raynera v. Hiceta.
Valid Search Warrants in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Specificity
Philippine law requires probable cause and particular description for valid search warrants. Kho v. Makalintal clarifies how specific these must be.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
Credible Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Victim Accounts Matter in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a minor rape victim's credible, detailed testimony alone can sustain a conviction, explaining key rules on credibility.
When Is a Policeman's Death Work-Related? Compensability for Law Enforcement Families in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer's death is compensable under PD 626, and when the 24-hour duty rule does not apply.
Understanding Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Lessons from People v. Nava
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy in murder is proven through acts showing unity of purpose, not just prior agreement.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies how online posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.