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 Contract Disputes: Documentation and Due Process in Graft Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on graft liability shows why documentation and due process are critical in government procurement and contract implementation.
Seafarer Rights and Agency Duties: The Corpuz Case on POEA Contract Substitution
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, the 3-day medical exam rule, and agency liability for contract substitution.
Theft by Misappropriation of Found Property: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law punishes keeping found property as theft. Learn the finder's duties and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes psychological violence under RA 9262, including marital infidelity, hearsay exceptions, and penalties.
Finality of Judgment and Penalty Recomputation Under RA 10951: Insights from Aguinaldo v. People
A Supreme Court ruling explains when final judgments may be modified and how RA 10951 affects penalties for estafa.
Navigating Fraud in Land Patent Applications: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when the State can cancel a free patent obtained through fraud, even if the land is no longer public domain.
Due Diligence in Property and Payment Transactions: Lessons from a Landmark Fraud Case
A Supreme Court ruling on ghost repairs shows why due diligence in verifying documents is critical before approving payments or entering transactions.
Navigating Beneficiary Designation in Life Insurance: A Guide for Policyholders
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when beneficiary changes in life insurance take effect, and why insurer internal rules cannot override policy terms.
Understanding the Legal Duties of Public Officials in Remitting GSIS Contributions
A mayor's duty to remit GSIS premiums explained through a Supreme Court ruling on criminal liability for non-remittance.
Understanding Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lascivious conduct and other child abuse under RA 7610, modifying a conviction and imposing a heavier penalty.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When the Supreme Court Declines to Revisit Facts
A look at a 2026 Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict liability, negligence, and why factual findings of lower courts are often left undisturbed.
Procurement Integrity Lessons from a Landmark Ruling on Misconduct and Due Diligence
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employee's concealment during an investigation justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law.
When Lawyers Borrow From Clients: Disbarment for Gross Misconduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a lawyer who borrows money from a client and uses a forged title as collateral faces disbarment for gross misconduct.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence and Its Consequences: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's failure to attend hearings amounts to negligence, and why clients cannot simply withdraw disciplinary cases.
Tax-Free Exchanges and Capital Gains Tax: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a tax-free exchange followed by a share sale is subject to capital gains tax, not income tax.
Lawyer Disbarred for Borrowing From Client and Using Fake Title
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's loan from a client, fake title, and bounced check led to disbarment.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Understanding the Legal Path to Compensation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how seafarers can claim total disability benefits when illness manifests after their contract ends.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Loss of Trust and Confidence: Key Lessons from Paez v. MARELCO
A look at when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when it does not, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Treachery and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy doctrines in a murder conviction, and what this means for criminal cases.
Notarial Seal Misuse: Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Accountability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lawyers cannot escape liability when their notarial seal is misused, even if signatures are forged.
Safeguarding Notarial Seals: A Lesson from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
What happens when a notary's seal is used without authorization? A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's administrative liability.
Understanding Heirs' Obligations in Philippine Property Sales: A Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how a 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies heirs' obligations and foreign will probate requirements in Philippine property sales.
Understanding Trust and Misappropriation in Philippine Estafa Cases: Key Lessons from a Landmark Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies estafa under Article 315(1)(b), explaining trust receipt obligations, demand requirements, and why partial payment does not erase criminal liability.
Understanding the Nuances of Statutory Rape and Intimidation in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how force, threat, or intimidation defines rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code.