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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Supreme Court Clarifies Just Compensation Payment and COA's Role in Expropriation
Final and executory just compensation awards need no prior COA approval; payment is now subject to post-audit only.
Fiscal Autonomy Limits: When Government Corporations CAN Grant Employee Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that government corporations like PhilHealth cannot grant employee benefits without presidential approval, even with fiscal autonomy provisions.
Attorney Disciplinary Action: When Offensive Social Media Posts Lead to Disbarment Risk
Learn how a lawyer's Facebook post accusing the Supreme Court of "judicial tyranny" led to contempt and disciplinary action under the CPRA.
Patent Infringement in the Philippines: How Claims Define Protection
Philippine patent infringement hinges on claim interpretation. The Supreme Court's Tuna Processors ruling clarifies direct and indirect infringement.
When Is an Accusation Enough? Conspiracy and Probable Cause After the Pastor Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a co-accused's confession can establish conspiracy and probable cause, and when it cannot.
Marijuana Cultivation and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from a 2024 Supreme Court Ruling
A 2024 Supreme Court ruling clarifies what counts as marijuana cultivation and why broken chain of custody leads to acquittal.
Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules, employer liability, and employee rights in illegal dismissal cases involving contractors.
Tax Assessment vs Tax Refund: Know Your Rights Under the Local Government Code
The Supreme Court clarifies when taxpayers may claim a refund under Section 196 instead of protesting an assessment under Section 195 of the Local Government Code.
When Can a Mayor Order Demolition Without a Court Order? The Altarejos Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a mayor's power to order demolition without court intervention, reinforcing due process and property rights.
Defying Court Orders Consequences OF Disobedience IN THE Philippine Justice System
The Supreme Court clarifies that repealing a penal law does not erase criminal liability when the offense is reenacted, affirming a child pornography conviction.
Child Pornography Prosecution After Repeal: The Doctrine of Reenactment in the Philippines
Can a repealed law still lead to conviction? The Supreme Court clarifies how reenactment preserves criminal liability for child pornography offenses.
HIV Status and Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Protections for OFWs
The Supreme Court ruled that terminating an OFW solely because of HIV status is illegal dismissal, affirming Philippine law protections.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: When Flawed Identification Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits an accused when eyewitness identification is unreliable. Learn the totality of circumstances test and key safeguards.
Disbarment for Falsifying Court Documents: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for facilitating fake annulment documents, reaffirming that falsifying court records is a serious ethical breach.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: Nullifying COA Decisions for Undue Delay
The Supreme Court nullified COA decisions after an 11-year delay, reaffirming the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Lawyer Disbarred for Falsifying Court Documents: A Landmark Ethics Ruling
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for falsifying a nullity of marriage judgment, reaffirming the high ethical standards required of Philippine attorneys.
Construction Disputes: Why an Arbitration Agreement Is Crucial in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CIAC cannot take construction disputes unless the parties agreed to arbitration. Learn the key rule.
When Does Teasing Cross the Line? Understanding Homicide and Sufficient Provocation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when teasing amounts to sufficient provocation and why a sudden attack may not be treachery.
When Does a Right to Radio Frequencies Vest? The NOW Telecom Ruling
A legislative franchise does not guarantee radio frequencies. The Supreme Court explains why spectrum use is a privilege.
Constructive Dismissal of OFWs: When Unbearable Work Conditions Amount to Illegal Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when unbearable working conditions abroad amount to constructive dismissal of OFWs, entitling them to back wages and damages.
Lawyer Disbarred for Issuing Dishonored Checks and Evading Debt
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for issuing worthless checks and refusing to pay debt, affirming that dishonesty in personal dealings warrants the ultimate penalty.
Dismissal for Dishonesty When Court Employees Cross the Line in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies dismissal for dishonesty against court employees and the importance of integrity in the judiciary.
Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Election Overspending Case Due to COMELEC Delay
SC nullifies COMELEC resolutions in election overspending case, ruling that the poll body's six-year delay violated the right to speedy disposition.
Dual Citizenship and Philippine Law Practice: What Lawyers Must Know
How dual citizenship affects a Philippine law license, and the Supreme Court steps to keep practicing under RA 9225.