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.
Grave Abuse of Discretion in Philippine Courts: When Certiorari Overcomes Lapsed Appeals
Explaining Bachrach v. Court of Appeals: when res judicata does not bar a separate action, and when certiorari may proceed despite a lapsed appeal.
Understanding Anti-Squatting Laws in the Philippines: Due Process and Constitutional Considerations
The Supreme Court explains how anti-squatting laws interact with constitutional due process and housing rights in the Philippines.
When Self-Defense Fails: Treachery and Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
A look at People v. Ebrada, where the Supreme Court rejected self-defense and upheld treachery in a fatal stabbing.
Judicial Errors vs Misconduct: When to File an Administrative Case Against a Judge
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between a judge's mere error of judgment and administrative misconduct requiring bad faith.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing a managerial employee, and what due process requires.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Consequences for Judges Delaying Case Resolutions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges and court personnel for delayed case resolutions and record mismanagement.
Why Positive Identification Trumps Alibi in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why credible eyewitness identification outweighs denial and alibi in murder convictions.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: Proving Business Losses and the Limits of Quitclaims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, what evidence employers must show, and when quitclaims do not bar illegal dismissal claims.
Refiling a Dismissed Case in the Philippines: When a Technical Dismissal Is Not Final
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a procedural dismissal is without prejudice, allowing a case to be refiled.
Positive Identification in Murder Cases: The Delmendo Ruling on Eyewitness Testimony
How the Supreme Court in People v. Delmendo weighed eyewitness testimony, positive identification, and treachery in affirming a murder conviction.
Ejectment Case Victory: Why Judges Must Enforce Demolition Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules judges have a ministerial duty to issue demolition orders in ejectment cases, even if ownership is questioned.
Due Process in Philippine Rape Cases: Why Improper Charges Can Reduce Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how defective criminal informations can reduce rape penalties from death to reclusion perpetua.
When a Bookkeeper Counts as an Agent for Summons in Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when service of summons on a bookkeeper is valid in labor cases, conferring jurisdiction on the Labor Arbiter.
Tax Refunds for Mining Operations in the Philippines: The Atlas Mining Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how mining firms' 25% specific tax refunds on fuel are computed under RA 1435.
Jurisdictional Challenges in Philippine Courts: Why Timing and Precision Matter in Tax Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax refund computation under RA 1435, explaining why strict interpretation and timing determine success in tax claims.
Fatal Procedural Error: How a Missing Notice of Hearing Can Doom Your Motion for Reconsideration in the Philip
Learn how a missing notice of hearing can doom a motion for reconsideration in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules.
Eviction Moratoriums and Tenant Rights in the Philippines: RA 7279 and Supervening Events
Learn how the Supreme Court applied RA 7279's eviction moratorium and the supervening events doctrine in unlawful detainer cases.
Project Employee Rights Understanding Illegal Dismissal IN Philippine Labor LAW
Learn how the Supreme Court protects project employees from illegal dismissal under Philippine labor law, including rules on termination and remedies.
Court Personnel Extortion: When Demanding Money for Court Documents Is Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court penalizes a court interpreter who extorted money from a litigant to release a property bond document, explaining the rules on grave misconduct.
Unlicensed Firearm in Homicide: How Philippine Law Treats Illegal Gun Use in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains how R.A. 8294 changed the treatment of unlicensed firearms used in murder cases.
Philippine Courts and Foreign Defendants: How Voluntary Appearance Can Establish Jurisdiction
A look at Villareal v. CA: when a non-resident defendant voluntarily appears in court, jurisdiction over the person is established.
Proving Overtime in Philippine Labor Cases: Why Daily Time Records Matter and When They Don't
Daily time records aren't always conclusive in overtime claims. Learn when Philippine courts disregard them and how the doubt rule favors employees.
Credibility of Child Witnesses in Rape Cases: People v. Calma
How Philippine courts weigh child testimony in rape cases, and what People v. Calma teaches about credibility, evidence, and justice for minors.
Certiorari vs Appeal: The Proper Way to Challenge NLRC Decisions in the Philippines
Learn the correct remedy for questioning NLRC decisions—certiorari under Rule 65, filed with the Court of Appeals, not a direct appeal.