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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Illegal Recruitment Conviction Reversed: The Need for Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a woman charged with illegal recruitment, underscoring that suspicion cannot substitute for proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Forced Resignation in Labor Cases: When Proof of Intimidation Is Required
Teachers' resignations upheld as voluntary absent proof of intimidation; NLRC awards corrected for 13th month pay, vacation leave, and prescription.
Avoiding the Appearance of Impropriety: Lessons on Judicial Conduct from Garcia v. Valdez
A judge's mere presence in a relative's case can constitute misconduct. Learn the rules on judicial conduct from Garcia v. Valdez.
Cracking Down on Illegal Recruiters: Why Proof of Job Promise Is Crucial in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish valid business closures from union busting, and why proof of job promises matters in illegal dismissal cases.
Motion to Quash Denied: Navigating Criminal Procedure and Your Rights in the Philippines
Learn when a motion to quash can be denied, the limits of certiorari, and your rights in Philippine criminal procedure.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Employee Dismissal: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine jurisprudence on loss of trust and confidence as a valid ground for employee dismissal, explained through the Brent Hospital case.
Illegal Fishing with Explosives: What the Supreme Court Says About Presumptions and Penalties
Learn how Philippine courts handle illegal fishing cases, the legal presumption from fish samples, and why indeterminate sentencing matters.
Ignorance Is No Defense: Death Penalty and Drug Importation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a woman caught importing shabu, ruling that ignorance of the drugs' presence is not a valid defense.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Killing Can Be Justified
The Supreme Court explains the three elements of self-defense in the Philippines and why a murder conviction stood despite the accused's claim.
Presumption of Illegal Fishing: What Fishermen Need to Know About Dynamite Fishing Laws in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts apply the presumption of illegal fishing in dynamite fishing cases, what evidence convicts, and the penalties under P.D. 704.
Due Process in Labor Appeals: Why Employers Cannot Be Ignored in NLRC Cases
Philippine National Construction Corp. v. NLRC clarifies that employers have a constitutional right to due process in labor appeals before the NLRC.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: Why Employers Must Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court rules on due process in labor appeals, explaining why the NLRC cannot decide cases without giving both parties a chance to be heard.
Philippine Courts and Actual Controversies: Why Hypothetical Cases Don't Make the Cut
Philippine courts only decide actual controversies, not hypothetical questions. Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed this petition as moot.
Philippine Drug Case Conspiracy When Presence Equals Guilt
Supreme Court explains how mere presence at a drug sale can prove conspiracy and lead to conviction as a principal.
Robbery with Rape: When All Co-Conspirators Are Liable for the Rape
The Supreme Court explains when a co-conspirator in robbery is also liable for rape committed on the occasion of the robbery.
Credibility of Child Rape Victims: Why Trial Court Observations Matter in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible testimony alone can sustain a conviction, and explains conspiracy in robbery with rape.
When Innocent Presence Becomes Guilt: Conspiracy in Robbery with Rape in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts treat a co-robber who did not commit rape but is held liable for robbery with rape.
Due Process in Ejectment Cases: When Can a Landlord Enter Abandoned Premises?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on landlords entering abandoned leased premises in ejectment cases, and the limits of procedural due process.
Philippine Election Law: RTC Jurisdiction Over Election Offenses Despite Lower Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: Regional Trial Courts keep exclusive jurisdiction over election offenses even if penalties are six years or less.
Why Regional Trial Courts Lack Jurisdiction Over Reckless Imprudence Cases
Learn why the Supreme Court ruled that Regional Trial Courts lack jurisdiction over reckless imprudence cases involving light felonies and property damage.
Strained Relations Doctrine in Illegal Dismissal: Reinstatement Prevails Over Separation Pay
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that strained relations doctrine cannot defeat an illegally dismissed employee's right to reinstatement.
Preventive Suspension in the Philippines: When Does It Become Illegal
Philippine law allows preventive suspension of employees, but only under strict conditions. This article explains when it becomes illegal.
Why Original Checks Are Crucial in Bouncing Check Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies why original checks must be presented as evidence in BP 22 and estafa cases.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases Within 90 Days
Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days and clerks' duty to transmit records promptly.