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.
Burden of Proof in Rape Cases: Why Clear and Convincing Evidence Matters in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused when prosecution evidence fails to meet the required standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Earnest Money Matters Understanding Refundability in Philippine Real Estate Deals
When can a seller keep earnest money in a failed property deal? The Supreme Court explains the rules on refunds under Philippine law.
Ensuring Finality How Compromise Agreements Resolve Philippine Labor Disputes
Learn how compromise agreements become final and executory in Philippine labor cases, and why finality matters for both employers and employees.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Second Chances in Court: Understanding Appeals After Amended Judgments
When a trial court amends its decision after you've appealed, do you need to file another notice of appeal? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Understanding Your Right to Back Wages
The Supreme Court clarifies when private school teachers gain permanent status, what constitutes illegal dismissal, and how back wages are computed.
Annulment of Property Sale: Protecting Your Rights Against Fraud in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts annul property sales obtained through fraud, using the landmark Archipelago v. Court of Appeals case as a guide.
Security of Tenure for Private School Teachers: The NAMAWU v. San Ildefonso College Ruling
When do private school teachers gain permanent status, and what does illegal dismissal mean? The Supreme Court's ruling in NAMAWU v. San Ildefonso College provides clear answers.
Separation of Powers: Why Courts Stay Out of Senate Leadership Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why it dismissed a quo warranto petition challenging the Senate minority leader's selection, citing separation of powers.
Priority in Land Titles: Why Earlier Registration Wins in Philippine Property Disputes
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registration generally prevails. Learn the rule and how to protect your property.
Finality of Administrative Decisions: Why Timeliness Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why final and executory administrative decisions cannot be reopened, and the importance of reglementary periods.
Lump SUM PAY Legality IN THE Philippines Protecting OFW Wages
Unlicensed Firearm Use in Homicide: Navigating Philippine Law After RA 8294
The Supreme Court clarifies that under RA 8294, using an unlicensed firearm in a killing is an aggravating circumstance, not a separate crime.
When Employers Are Liable for Employee Negligence: The MMTC Bus Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer vicarious liability for employee negligence, damages for death of a minor, and proof required.
Credibility of Eyewitness Testimony in Philippine Murder Cases: Villonez v. People
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions based on a lone eyewitness's credible testimony, explaining how Philippine courts assess witness credibility on appeal.
Philippine Bail Petitions: Why Orders Denying Bail Must Detail Prosecution Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: bail denial orders must summarize prosecution evidence. Learn the rule from Aleria v. Velez.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Management Prerogative Is Not Harassment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's resignation is voluntary, and why management directives are not necessarily harassment.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: When Officers Face Criminal Risk in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers are criminally liable for bouncing checks under BP 22, including defenses and penalties.
Client Liability Clarified: Solidary Responsibility for Agency Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client-employer is solidarily liable for agency workers' claims, distinguishing back wages from service incentive leave pay.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Understanding Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases After R.A. 7730
Learn how R.A. 7730 changed appeal bonds in Philippine labor cases, plus key lessons from Producers Bank v. NLRC on jurisdiction and retirement benefits.
Decoding Stray Votes: How Philippine Courts Uphold Voter Intent in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stray votes, nuisance candidates, and the primacy of voter intent in election canvassing.
Accidental Shooting or Intentional Killing: Parricide and the Defense of Accident in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when the defense of accident fails in parricide cases, explaining intent, negligence, and unlawful acts.
Contractor vs Employee: When a Principal Isn't the Employer in Service Agreements
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC clarifies when job contracting is legitimate, who bears liability for separation pay, and why control matters.
Election Ban on Presidential Appointments: Safeguarding Judicial Independence in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the constitutional ban on presidential appointments during election periods applies to judicial vacancies, protecting judicial independence.