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.
Election Gun Ban and Retroactivity: The Bargado Case Explained
Can a postponed election erase a gun ban violation? The Supreme Court's Bargado ruling explains retroactivity in Philippine election law.
Premarital Pregnancy and Employee Rights: Illegal Suspension in the Philippines
Supreme Court rules suspending a teacher for premarital pregnancy is illegal; secular morality governs employment discipline in the Philippines.
When Can a Judge Be Disciplined for Rulings in a Criminal Case? Lessons from Bloomberry v. Luna
A look at when judges face discipline for trial rulings, witness disqualification, and courtroom conduct, citing the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling.
Renewable Energy VAT Refunds: What Hedcor v. CIR Means for Philippine Developers
The Supreme Court clarifies when renewable energy developers can claim VAT refunds under of the NIRC versus seeking reimbursement from suppliers.
Contractor Licensing in the Philippines: PCAB vs. DTI Jurisdiction Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that PCAB, not DTI, has jurisdiction over complaints against unlicensed contractors in the Philippines.
Solidary Liability in Construction Contracts: When LWUA Shares Responsibility
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when LWUA can be held solidarily liable with water districts for construction contract obligations.
Lawyer Negligence and Client Funds: Supreme Court Suspends Attorney for Two Years
A lawyer who neglects a client's case, ignores demands for updates, and keeps client funds faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Foreclosure Prescription: When Does a Bank's Right to Foreclose Expire?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure filings do not stop the 10-year prescription period for mortgage actions under Article 1142.
Attorney Misconduct: Handling Client Funds and Accountability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine lawyers must account for client funds and return unused amounts, based on Supreme Court rulings on attorney discipline.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How a Judicial Admission Can Affect Your Rights in the Philippines
A judicial admission can excuse gaps in the chain of custody—but only up to a point. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in a drug possession case.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Legal Remedies
Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, its penalties, and how victims can seek justice, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Abandonment in Agrarian Leaseholds: What Farmers and Landowners Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a farmer's absence amounts to abandonment—and why notarized documents alone cannot end a leasehold.
Simple Misconduct in Philippine Courts: Consequences and Employee Benefits
A judge's office closure during work hours led to simple misconduct liability and clarified rules on benefits eligibility in the judiciary.
Navigating Employment Status: Contract of Service vs Regular Employment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in government-owned corporations are contract of service workers, not regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Mayor's GSIS Remittance Liability: Intent Still Matters in Criminal Cases
Supreme Court acquits mayor of GSIS non-remittance, ruling that intent to perpetrate the prohibited act must still be proven even in malum prohibitum cases.
Navigating Government Procurement: Avoiding Liability in Disallowed Transactions
Learn how the Supreme Court held BAC members liable for flawed procurement, and how to avoid audit disallowances.
Protecting Children: Understanding Sexual Assault Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between rape by sexual assault and sexual assault under RA 7610, protecting child victims.
Protecting Installment Buyers Understanding Rescission Rights Under THE Maceda LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict notarial and grace period requirements for canceling installment contracts under the Maceda Law.
Guardianship in the Philippines: When the Proposed Guardian Lives Abroad
The Supreme Court clarifies that a guardian residing abroad can be appointed if the child's best interests and genuine commitment are shown.
Forum Shopping in Disbarment Cases: Protecting Government Lawyers Under the CPRA
The Supreme Court dismisses a disbarment case against prosecutors, clarifying rules against "effective forum shopping" under the CPRA.
Serious Misconduct and Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine law requires wrongful intent, not just a mistake, to dismiss an employee for serious misconduct. Learn what employers must prove.
Gross Misconduct and Insubordination in Philippine Government Service: A Guide for Employees
Learn how the Supreme Court defines gross misconduct and insubordination in government service, and the penalties that follow.
Enforced Disappearance Safeguarding Rights Under THE Writ Of Amparo In The Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope and remedies under the writ of amparo, reinforcing protections against enforced disappearances.
Understanding Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Are They Valid
The Supreme Court clarifies when compromise agreements and quitclaims in labor cases are valid, and when courts may invalidate them.