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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Probable Cause and Government Procurement: Insights from the DOH v. Pascua Case
The Supreme Court dismissed DOH petitions against a trial court's TRO and injunction in a bidding dispute, ruling the case moot after the project proceeded.
Understanding Demurrers to Evidence: When Can You Challenge the Prosecution's Case
A demurrer to evidence lets an accused challenge the prosecution's case. But denial cannot be attacked via certiorari, as Espinosa v. Sandiganbayan shows.
Balancing Employee Misconduct With Proportionate Penalties: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that dismissal was too harsh for an employee who took expired company products, emphasizing proportionate penalties.
Understanding Incestuous Rape Standards and Victim Credibility in Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies legal standards for incestuous rape and how courts assess victim credibility in such cases.
Unlocking the Path to Remarriage: How Philippine Courts Handle Foreign Divorce Decrees
The Supreme Court clarifies when Filipino spouses in mixed marriages may remarry after a foreign divorce, and why courts relax procedural rules for substantial justice.
Understanding the Time Limits for Executing Court Judgments in the Philippines
Learn the prescriptive periods for enforcing court judgments in the Philippines, including the rules on execution, revival, and important exceptions.
Understanding Probable Cause in Public Procurement: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in public procurement cases, emphasizing that mere signature on documents does not prove bad faith.
Understanding Mootness in Philippine Legal Proceedings: Insights from a Landmark Infrastructure Project Case
The Supreme Court explains mootness doctrine through a DOH infrastructure bidding dispute, showing when courts dismiss cases as moot.
Attempted vs. Frustrated Homicide: The Gemenez Ruling on Proving Fatal Injuries
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, homicide—key lessons on proving fatal injuries.
Nuisance Candidates in Multi-Slot Elections: What the Rules Really Say
Nuisance candidates in multi-slot elections: the legal test, the Comelec's discretion, and practical guidance for aspirants.
Navigating Work-Related Illness Claims: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Seafarer Compensation
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on seafarer compensation for work-related illness, including the reasonable link test and quitclaim validity.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains treachery, alibi, eyewitness identification, and damages in murder cases. Learn the key principles.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Municipality of Bakun v. Municipality of Sugpon
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how local government boundary disputes are appealed, and why procedural rules yield to substantial justice.
Proving Inheritance The Burden OF Evidence IN Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a certificate of title existed before reconstitution is granted.
Navigating Conflict of Interest: The Importance of Ethical Notarization in Legal Practice
A lawyer who notarizes an adverse party's affidavit risks conflict of interest and suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
Transferee Pendente Lite in Trademark Assignments: The Sunfire Trading Case
Learn how the Sunfire Trading ruling clarifies that buying a trademark during litigation binds the buyer to the case's outcome.
When Sellers May Keep Partial Payments in a Failed Property Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller may keep partial payments as rentals after a failed contract to sell.
Lawyer Disbarred for Fraud and Coercion in Corporate Governance
A lawyer's deceitful takeover of a client corporation leads to disbarment, underscoring ethics rules for attorneys.
Constructive Dismissal and Abandonment: Key Insights from a Philippine Labor Case
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish constructive dismissal from abandonment of work, and when separation pay is due.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Filing Baseless Lawsuits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for filing baseless suits to harass an opposing party—a lesson on the limits of a lawyer's zeal.
Partitioning Inherited Property: Why Precise Land Identification Matters for All Heirs
A Supreme Court ruling on partition shows why heirs must clearly identify inherited land. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
Medical Abandonment and Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Antolino Case
When a seafarer skips required medical check-ups, disability benefits may be forfeited. The Supreme Court explains the limits of financial incapacity as an excuse.
Petition for Relief and Extrinsic Fraud: Jurisdiction Limits in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for relief from judgments, the role of extrinsic fraud, and jurisdictional limits under Rule 38.