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 Acquits Barangay Official in Graft Case, Clarifies Elements of Section 3(c) RA 3019
The Supreme Court acquits a barangay kagawad of graft, clarifying the elements of Section 3(c) of RA 3019 and the importance of substantial justice over technical rules.
Managerial Responsibility in Government Procurement: Defining the Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that GOCC managers, regardless of salary grade, fall under Sandiganbayan jurisdiction for procurement offenses.
Lawyer Suspended Five Years for Negligence, Dishonesty in Handling Client's Annulment Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer five years and orders PHP 810,000 fine for mishandling client funds and filing defective petition.
Judicial Clemency for Philippine Lawyers: The Ruiz Case and the Path to Reinstatement
Learn how judicial clemency works for disciplined Philippine lawyers, including the requirements under the CPRA and the landmark Ruiz case.
Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Defective Information in VAWC Cases: When Lack of Specificity Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a VAWC accused because the Information failed to allege mental or emotional anguish, a crucial element under Section 5(i) of RA 9262.
Unlawful Detainer vs Forcible Entry: Key Distinction in Property Possession Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between unlawful detainer and forcible entry, and why tolerance must exist from the start of possession.
Absolute Privilege in Quasi-Judicial Proceedings: The Arquiza Libel Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a party-list nominee of libel, extending absolute privilege to statements in COMELEC quasi-judicial petitions.
Notarial Negligence and Misuse of Notarial Seals: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be held liable for misuse of their notarial seals, and when they may not.
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.
Qualified Trafficking: Protecting Children From Sexual Exploitation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms life sentences for traffickers who sexually exploited a minor, clarifying the law on qualified trafficking in persons.
Upholding Agrarian Reform When Can a Final Judgment Be Overturned
The Supreme Court explains when a final judgment can be overturned, applying exceptions to immutability in an agrarian reform case.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.