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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Unexcused Absence When Neglecting Duty Leads to Removal From Public Service
Learn when Philippine courts drop government employees from the rolls for AWOL, and what rights remain after separation.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may order reconstitution of a lost or destroyed land title under Republic Act No. 26.
Corporate Name Disputes Priority Rights and Confusing Similarity in Trademark Law
Learn how Philippine courts resolve corporate name disputes, priority rights, and confusing similarity in trademark registration cases.
Just Compensation and Judicial Notice Limits in Expropriation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may take judicial notice of other cases in determining just compensation for expropriated property.
Upholding Arbitration Philippine Courts Enforce Foreign Awards Despite Domestic LAW Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms enforcement of a Singapore arbitral award, clarifying narrow grounds for refusal under the New York Convention.
One Act One Crime: Continuing Offenses and the Anti-Graft Law in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts treat continuing offenses under the Anti-Graft Law, including key principles and practical implications.
Protecting Children: Upholding Convictions for Child Abuse Under Republic Act No. 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying how courts assess child victims' testimonies.
Formal Offer of Evidence in Tax Cases: Courts Must Consider All Evidence on Record
A taxpayer's admission of transferring shares can establish tax liability even without the BIR's formal offer of evidence.
How Courts Read Ballots: Voter Intent in Philippine Barangay Elections
A one-vote barangay election dispute shows how Philippine courts apply the idem sonans, neighborhood, and written-by-two rules to honor voter intent.
Tax Injunctions and Declaratory Relief: Limits on Court Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot enjoin tax collection and that declaratory relief is not a proper remedy to contest tax assessments.
When Courts Can Bend Procedural Rules: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. Learn when extensions are allowed and the consequences of delay.
Foreign Currency Deposits and Joint Accounts: When Courts Cannot Order Withdrawal
A Supreme Court ruling explains why courts cannot order release of foreign currency deposits and when co-depositor consent is required.
When Military and Civilian Tribunals Collide: Jurisdiction in AFP Misconduct Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how concurrent jurisdiction works between the Ombudsman and military courts in administrative cases against AFP personnel.
Estate Administration: Courts Prioritize Heirs' Best Interests Over Preferences
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate administration rules—courts may appoint administrators based on heirs' best interests, not strict preference order.
Treachery and Murder: Proving Deliberate Intent in Philippine Criminal Law
A look at how Philippine courts distinguish murder from homicide, and why proving deliberate intent matters.
Legal Interest on Loans: When Courts Impose Compensatory Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest applies to unpaid loans, distinguishing monetary from compensatory interest under Nacar guidelines.
Dismissal Upheld: Intra-Corporate Disputes Belong in Commercial Courts
Supreme Court rules a shareholder's ejectment suit against corporate officers is an intra-corporate dispute, not a simple forcible entry case.
Website Activity as Proof of Commercial Use in Philippine Trademark Law
How Philippine courts treat website activity as evidence of commercial use in trademark cases, and what this means for brand owners.
Amendment of Information After Plea: Balancing Due Process and Fair Trial Rights
A Supreme Court ruling on when courts may allow amendments to a criminal information after the accused has pleaded, and the limits of such amendments.
The High Cost of Homicide: Establishing Liability in Robbery With Homicide Cases
A look at how Philippine courts convict in robbery with homicide, from proving intent to the price of damages.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Determining Employer Status in Labor Disputes
Learn when courts pierce the corporate veil in labor cases and how legitimate job contracting differs from prohibited labor-only contracting.
R.A. 10951 Penalty Adjustment: How Final Theft Convictions Can Be Modified and Inmates Released
The Supreme Court clarifies how R.A. 10951 modifies penalties in final theft convictions, remanding cases to trial courts for possible early release.
Indigence AND Access TO Justice Balancing Legal Fees AND Constitutional Rights
Explains how courts balance the right to appeal against the requirement to pay docket fees, and when indigent litigants may be exempted.
Defining Probable Cause in Philippine Plunder Cases: Estrada v. Office of the Ombudsman
The Supreme Court explains the standard for probable cause in plunder cases and why courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.