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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Understanding Negligent Malversation: Protecting Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts define negligent malversation of public funds, the elements of the crime, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Competitive Bidding Under RA 9184: Supreme Court Affirms Graft Conviction for Skipping Public Bidding
A public official's conviction for violating RA 3019 shows that government procurement of consulting services requires competitive bidding under RA 9184.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: When Filing Criminal Charges Backfires
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing baseless criminal complaints constitutes malicious prosecution, and what damages may be awarded.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Production Quotas Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when imposing production quotas becomes illegal dismissal, citing bad faith and unattainable targets.
Perjury and Bouncing Checks in the Philippines: What Saulo v. People Teaches
Understand perjury and BP 22 bouncing check liability through the Supreme Court's ruling in Saulo v. People.
Navigating Civil Service Misconduct: Penalties and Mitigating Factors in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on fake civil service eligibility explains when mitigating circumstances can reduce dismissal to suspension.
Seafarer Death Benefits: The Burden of Proof and Contract Limits in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, contract interpretation, and burden of proof for work-related illness claims.
Direct Bribery in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Mangulabnan v. People
Direct bribery explained through a landmark Supreme Court case: elements of the crime, evidentiary standards, and practical lessons for public officers.
Understanding Judicial Clemency and Retirement Benefits for Dismissed Judges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed judges may receive retirement benefits through judicial clemency, using the Arceo case as a guide.
Understanding Bad Faith in Property Encroachment: Rights and Responsibilities
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a builder is in bad faith in property encroachment cases, and what remedies a landowner has under Philippine law.
Sexual Harassment in the Judiciary: When Clemency Has Limits
The Supreme Court denies a dismissed judge's plea for retirement benefits, clarifying the limits of judicial clemency in sexual harassment cases.
Understanding Grave Misconduct: Illegal Firearm Discharge in the Workplace
A Supreme Court employee was dismissed for firing a gun inside Court premises. Learn the rules on grave misconduct and workplace discipline.
Regionalizing the Bar Exams: Expanding Access to Legal Practice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court approves Cebu City as a regional Bar exam site, easing access for Visayas and Mindanao candidates.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between contract of sale and contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers in real estate transactions.
Retirement Benefits and Reinstatement: Service Credit for Re-Employed Government Workers
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on retirement benefits, reinstatement, and service credit for re-employed government workers in G.R. No. 278615.
When a Judge's Private Misconduct Becomes a Public Offense
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after an extramarital affair, showing how private conduct affects judicial office.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended From Law Practice for Gross Immorality: A.M. No. MTJ-24-031
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for an extramarital affair and suspends him from law practice for three years, balancing penalties with mitigating circumstances.
When Customary Law Claims Cannot Stop a Final Ejectment Judgment
Supreme Court clarifies when IPRA claims of indigenous status can and cannot block execution of a final unlawful detainer judgment.
Navigating Loss of Land Titles: Res Judicata and Your Rights Under Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar a quieting of title claim, and what this means for property owners and heirs in the Philippines.
Self-Defense and Defense of a Relative: Key Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A police officer shot two attackers to protect himself and his pregnant wife. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and defense of a relative apply.
Understanding Estafa by Deceit: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Explore a landmark Philippine Supreme Court case on estafa by deceit, and the ethical duties it highlights for lawyers.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, ruling that police cannot use religious bias to justify breaking chain of custody rules.
Valid Land Titles and Res Judicata: Key Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tax declarations don't prove ownership and how res judicata bars relitigating property claims.
Navigating Easement Rights: Protecting Property Access in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects voluntary easements and property access rights in the Philippines, using the Castro v. Esperanza case as a guide.