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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Supreme Court Limits Its Own Power: NLRC Cases Now Start at the Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court ruled that petitions challenging NLRC decisions must first be filed with the Court of Appeals, respecting the hierarchy of courts.
Summons on Foreign Corporations: What Philippine Courts Require Before Service on an Agent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when summons may be served on a foreign corporation's alleged agent, and why mere allegations in a complaint may not be enough.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Burden of Proof and Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law
A cattle rustling conviction overturned on appeal because the prosecution relied on hearsay and uncorroborated testimony. Learn the rules on burden of proof.
Void Titles: Land Ownership and Forest Land Classifications in the Philippines
A homestead patent over forest land is void. The Reyes v. Court of Appeals ruling and its implications for Philippine land titles.
How Presidential Proclamations Affect Imperfect Land Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when presidential proclamations can defeat claims to public land by long-time occupants.
Breach of Trust When Lawyers Misappropriate Client Funds: Docena v. Limon
When a lawyer takes client money meant for court deposit but keeps it, the Supreme Court may impose the ultimate penalty: disbarment.
Lost Property Claims: Why Delay Can Cost You Everything in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows how delay, laches, and prescription can bar property recovery claims. Learn the legal lessons.
Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law: Why Alibis Often Fail
A 1998 Supreme Court ruling shows why positive identification trumps weak defenses like alibi and denial in Philippine criminal cases.
Eyewitness Testimony VS Alibi KEY Principles IN Philippine Robbery Homicide Cases
When Shadows and Voices Convict: Understanding Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Kidnapping Cases
How Philippine courts weigh positive identification against alibis in kidnapping and robbery cases, explained through a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Ferrer
Philippine courts rely heavily on victim credibility in rape cases. People v. Ferrer shows why trial court findings on witness demeanor are rarely overturned.
Judicial Ethics and Due Process: The Rule on Service of Judgments by Registered Mail
A look at Santos v. Court of Appeals on the completeness of service by registered mail and the need for conclusive proof of notice.
When Is Self-Defense Justified in the Philippines? Limits of Self-Defense and Defense of Strangers
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and defense of strangers apply in the Philippines, and when they fail.
Can Promotional Salary Increases Offset Statutory Wage Hikes? PAL Ruling
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC: statutory wage increases under RA 6640 cannot be offset by promotional salary increases. Learn the rule.
Invalid Sheriff's Sale: Protecting Property Rights in Judgment Execution
Learn from Dayonot v. NLRC why a sheriff's lack of authority voids an auction sale and what it means for judgment execution.
When Courts Review Mining Disputes: The Pearson Doctrine on Abandoned Claims
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Pearson on abandoned mining claims, administrative adjudication, and when courts may review interlocutory orders.
Supreme Court Dismisses Court Employee for Falsifying Judge's Signature
The Supreme Court dismisses a court interpreter for forging his judge's signature, underscoring that dishonesty has no place in the judiciary.
Floating Status or Illegal Dismissal: Security Guard Rights in the Philippines
When does a security guard's off-detail become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court explains the six-month floating status rule and employee rights.
Use It or Lose It: Understanding Abandonment of Mining Claims in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines abandonment of mining claims, including annual work obligations, tax payments, and the consequences of non-compliance.
Falsification of Public Documents: Upholding Integrity in Philippine Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's dismissal for forging a judge's signature, underscoring integrity in public service.
Service by Registered Mail in the Philippines: When Deadlines Start Ticking
Understand when service by registered mail is complete in Philippine courts, and how insufficient postal certifications can protect your right to due process.
Self Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force
Philippine law allows force only against unlawful aggression. Learn the limits from the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Sabalones.
Mandatory PCHC Arbitration for Bank Check Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine banks must settle check clearing disputes through PCHC arbitration before going to court, as explained in Allied Banking v. Court of Appeals.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of Persons With Mental Disability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that rape of a mental retardate requires less force, and explains why conviction stands.