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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The Limits of Mission Orders: When Can Civilians Carry Firearms Legally in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mission orders, civilian firearm possession, and the limits of authority to issue gun permits.
Warrantless Arrests When IS IT Legal IN THE Philippines Understanding Your Rights
Learn when warrantless arrests are legal in the Philippines, the two conditions under Rule 113, and how courts treat illegal arrests.
Child Custody Rights in the Philippines: When Can a Parent Reclaim Their Child
Understand Philippine child custody rights and when a parent can reclaim custody, including legal grounds, court considerations, and practical guidance.
Protecting Your Property Rights Understanding Free Patents AND Land Ownership IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects private landowners from invalid free patents and what this means for your property rights.
Election Protests: The Strict Timeline for Filing Counterprotests in the Philippines
Understand the strict 5-day deadline for filing counterprotests in Philippine election cases, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Lim v. COMELEC.
Government Employee Strikes: Balancing Rights and Public Service in the Philippines
Philippine law prohibits strikes by government employees, but peaceful assembly within legal bounds remains protected. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
When Is Detention NOT Illegal: Understanding Serious Illegal Detention in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when detention is not illegal and why consent and credible evidence matter in serious illegal detention cases.
Granting Bail Without a Hearing: A Judge's Error and Its Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on a judge fined for granting bail in rape cases without a hearing, a grave error.
Oil Deregulation in the Philippines: Balancing Competition and Public Interest
The Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the oil deregulation law for blocking competition, reshaping Philippine energy policy.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: When a Defendant Can Protect Property Rights
Learn when a defendant can register a notice of lis pendens in the Philippines, even without a registered title, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Employer Duties and Employee Rights
Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, employer responsibilities, and employee rights based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
SEC vs Stock Exchange: Who Decides Which Stocks Get Listed in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies the SEC's power to review stock exchange listing decisions and the limits of that authority.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Serious Misconduct and Loss of Trust Explained
Learn when Philippine employers can validly dismiss employees for serious misconduct and loss of trust, based on the Cosmos Bottling case.
Subleasing Restrictions: Understanding Lease Agreements in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law treats subleasing without consent, the risks for landlords and tenants, and practical tips for valid lease agreements.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When It Nullifies a Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence can void a judgment, and why final judgments protect innocent buyers.
Project vs Regular Employee: What Brahm Industries Teaches About Valid Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between project and regular employees, and the due process required for lawful dismissal in the Philippines.
Upholding Ethical Standards in Public Service: Lessons from a Clerk's Neglect of Duty
A Supreme Court ruling on a court clerk's neglect of duty underscores the high ethical standards demanded of every public servant in the Philippines.
Acquisitive Prescription: How to Acquire Land Ownership in the Philippines
Learn how acquisitive prescription works under Philippine law—the requirements, periods, and limits for acquiring land ownership through open, continuous possession.
Judicial Delay Understanding A Judges Duty TO Decide Cases Promptly IN THE Philippines 2
Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders: Balancing Labor Rights and Employer Interests in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strikes, return-to-work orders, and the delicate balance between labor rights and employer interests.
Overriding Commissions After Retirement: Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether employees can claim commissions earned before retirement but paid after. Learn the rules.
Robbery vs Homicide: Key Differences and Legal Consequences in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts distinguish robbery with homicide from plain homicide, and why the distinction matters for penalties and convictions.
Perfecting Land Titles: Vested Rights and Corporate Land Ownership in the Philippines
Understand how the Supreme Court ruled on vested rights, corporate acquisition of public lands, and the limits of land ownership claims.
Rescinding a Contract to Sell in the Philippines: When Is a Notarial Act Required?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Republic Act No. 6552's notarial requirement applies to rescinding a contract to sell real property.