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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
The Irrefutable Confession: How Counsel and Corroboration Cement Convictions in Philippine Courts
A counsel-assisted, voluntary confession carries strong weight in Philippine courts, especially when corroborated by independent evidence. This case explains why.
Pay the Right Price: Docket Fees and Court Jurisdiction in Property Recovery Cases
Learn how Philippine courts determine docket fees in property recovery cases and why paying the correct amount is crucial for jurisdiction.
Probation After Appeal: The Fajardo Rule on When You Lose the Right
Can you appeal a conviction and still apply for probation? The Supreme Court explains the rule in Fajardo v. Court of Appeals.
Tax Refund Rates for Miners and Forest Concessionaires Under R.A. 1435
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 25% specific tax refund for miners and forest concessionaires is based on original R.A. 1435 rates, not later amendments.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
Learn how Philippine courts handle rape cases, the role of victim testimony, and the legal framework addressing sexual abuse.
Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Establishing Indispensable Cooperation
Learn how Philippine courts establish conspiracy in criminal cases, using the 1999 rape decision in People v. Banela as a guide.
Tenancy Disputes and Jurisdiction: Courts vs. Agrarian Reform Boards
Understanding when courts or DARAB have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Pipeline Operator as Common Carrier: Tax Exemption Under the Local Government Code
Supreme Court rules pipeline operators are common carriers exempt from local business tax under Section 133(j) of the Local Government Code.
Protecting Employee Rights Understanding Illegal Dismissal AND DUE Process IN THE Philippines
When Surprise Turns Deadly: Understanding Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases through a 1998 ruling where a victim was shot while extinguishing a fire.
Correcting Clerical Errors in Final Judgments: Safeguarding Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts may correct clerical errors in final judgments. Learn from Baguio v. Bandal how typographical mistakes are fixed.
Original Documents ARE King Proving Forgery IN Philippine Courts Under THE Best Evidence Rule
Learn how the best evidence rule works in Philippine courts and why original documents are crucial in forgery cases.
Buyer Beware Priority Rights In Philippine Real Estate Contracts To Sell
Learn how Philippine courts treat priority rights in contracts to sell real estate, and what buyers must verify before paying.
Just Compensation in Eminent Domain: Land Valuation Principles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, emphasizing the land's character at the time of taking.
Circumstantial Evidence vs Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Arson and Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court distinguished insufficient circumstantial evidence from credible eyewitness testimony in a 1998 arson and murder case.
Pipeline Operators as Common Carriers: Tax Exemption Under the Local Government Code
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether pipeline operators qualify as common carriers exempt from local business taxes under the Local Government Code.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and the Right of Legal Redemption in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects heirs from fraudulent property dispositions and when actions for reconveyance may still be filed.
Prescription Periods in Philippine Property Disputes Involving Constructive Trusts
When does a claim for reconveyance based on a constructive trust prescribe? The Supreme Court clarifies the 10-year rule.
Managerial Discretion and Willful Disobedience: When Personal Judgment Leads to Dismissal
A manager's personal judgment cannot override lawful company orders. This case clarifies the limits of managerial discretion in Philippine labor law.
When Managerial Discretion Becomes Defiance: Willful Disobedience in Philippine Labor Law
Explore when a manager's independent judgment crosses the line into willful disobedience, a valid ground for dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction and Preventive Suspension: Safeguarding Public Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's jurisdiction over public officials and the limits of preventive suspension under R.A. 6770.
Dismissal for Willful Disobedience: When Managerial Discretion Has Limits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a managerial employee's exercise of discretion becomes willful disobedience justifying dismissal.
Surname of Illegitimate Children: Mothers Right Prevails Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules illegitimate children must use their mother's surname, even when the father admits paternity.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Understanding Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
Explore the Salafranca case on illegal dismissal, security of tenure, and due process for regular employees in the Philippines.