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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Government Procurement: When Can Bids Be Rejected Under RA 9184
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Head of Procuring Entity’s power to cancel bids under RA 9184’s reservation clause.
When Courts Relax the Rules: Attorney Negligence and Due Process in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when procedural rules may be relaxed to protect workers' right to due process despite counsel's negligence.
Graft Conviction Overturned: Undue Injury and Burden of Proof Under RA 3019
When does a procurement violation become graft? The Supreme Court clarifies undue injury and the burden of proof under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Executive Order 30 on Energy Projects: Balancing Streamlined Permits and Environmental Rights
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for challenging executive issuances on energy projects, environmental rights, and the scope of judicial review.
Who Can Annul a Bigamous Marriage in the Philippines? SC Explains
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the aggrieved or injured innocent spouse may petition to nullify a bigamous marriage—not the guilty party.
When Can COA Demand a Refund of Disallowed Government Employee Benefits?
Learn when the COA can demand refunds of disallowed government benefits and when employees may be excused from returning them.
Quo Warranto in the Philippines: Challenging an Official's Right to Hold Office
Learn how quo warranto actions challenge an elected official's qualifications in the Philippines, including deadlines, venues, and key Supreme Court rulings.
CIAC Jurisdiction: When a Contract Is Not a Construction Contract
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC jurisdiction requires an actual construction contract, not merely plans or surveys for future projects.
Good Faith Defense for Security Guards in Illegal Firearm Possession Cases
Supreme Court acquits security guard who relied on Duty Detail Order, ruling good faith is a valid defense in illegal firearm possession cases.
Boundary Disputes and Local Government Authority: Caloocan v. Malabon
Supreme Court clarifies that boundary disputes between LGUs must first go through sanggunian settlement before courts can intervene.
Ejectment Cases in the Philippines: When Tenants Cannot Challenge the Landlord's Title
Philippine ejectment cases explained: the estoppel rule barring tenants from denying a landlord's title, plus key rulings from Laqui v. Sagun.
Psychological Incapacity After Marriage: The Boado Ruling on Article 36 Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies when psychological incapacity can void a marriage, even if it manifests years after the wedding ceremony.
Death of the Accused and Criminal Liability: The Rodriguez v. Elorde Ruling
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. But civil liability may survive—here's how.
When Regulatory Approvals Matter: CSP Rules and Power Agreements After Alyansa
Supreme Court clarifies that power supply agreements filed after June 30, 2015 must comply with the Competitive Selection Process, even if executed earlier.
Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Protecting Children From Sexual Exploitation
The Supreme Court affirms a life sentence for pimping a 14-year-old, clarifying the elements of qualified trafficking in persons under RA 9208.
Combating Human Trafficking: Understanding Philippine Law and Your Rights
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified trafficking conviction, explaining the elements of the crime, conspiracy, and penalties under RA 9208.
Qualified Theft vs. Simple Theft: When Does Grave Abuse of Confidence Apply?
The Supreme Court clarifies when employee theft becomes qualified theft, requiring proof of special trust beyond ordinary employer-employee relations.
Judicial Acts During Suspension: Balancing Authority and Protecting Litigant Rights
The Supreme Court validates decisions of a suspended judge under the de facto officer and operative fact doctrines, protecting good-faith litigants.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Attorneys Must Account for Client Funds or Face Suspension
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for failing to turn over client funds, reaffirming the strict fiduciary duty of attorneys.
Good Faith Defense: When Public Officials Can Avoid Liability for Disallowed Fund Transfers
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith shields public officials from personal liability in COA disallowances involving PDAF fund transfers.
Attorney's Fees in Seafarer Disability Claims: New Supreme Court Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees may be awarded in seafarer disability cases, rejecting automatic grants and setting stricter standards.
Judicial Immunity: Administrative Complaints Cannot Substitute Judicial Remedies
Administrative complaints cannot substitute judicial remedies against judges. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling on judicial immunity.
When Legal Advice Becomes a Crime: The Anti-Graft Law in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government lawyer's erroneous advice may—or may not—constitute graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Grave Misconduct and the Limits of Good Faith in Public Service Procurement
Supreme Court clarifies when good faith excuses public officers from grave misconduct in government procurement and acceptance of goods.