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.
Substantiation of Tax Deductions: Proper Documentation Under Philippine Tax Law
Philippine law requires proper documentation for tax deductions, including PWD discounts. Learn the rules and substantiation requirements.
When Can a Governor Contract Without Board Approval? Key COA Ruling
A governor must secure sanggunian approval for contracts unless a specific appropriation covers the project. Learn the rules from a 2016 COA case.
Premature Environmental Challenges Clarifying EIS Requirements in Public-Private Partnerships
Supreme Court clarifies when EIS and ECC duties arise in PPP projects, ruling that pre-bidding environmental challenges are premature.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media authorship is proven and why ICT use raises penalties for psychological abuse under RA 9262.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Presumption of Incapacity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that carnal knowledge of a child under 12 is statutory rape, regardless of force or consent.
EDCA and Constitutional Limits: Senate Concurrence on Foreign Military Presence
The Supreme Court ruled EDCA is an executive agreement, not a treaty, so Senate concurrence is not required under the Constitution.
Good Faith in Collective Bargaining: Philippine Rule on Fair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies good faith bargaining duties, unfair labor practice, and when strikes are justified in CBA negotiations.
Safeguarding Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal FOR Prolonged Delays IN Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged Ombudsman delays violate the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Estafa Acquittal: When Lack of Proof of Deceit and Reliance Wins the Case
A look at Ison v. People, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused of estafa for failure to prove deceit and reliance beyond reasonable doubt.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Proving Prior Existence Under RA 26
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles: proof of prior issuance is required under RA 26, not just a decree.
Void Tax Assessment Decisions: Protecting Taxpayer Rights to Due Process
When a Final Decision on Disputed Assessment lacks factual basis, it is void—but the underlying tax assessment may survive.
Due Process in Administrative Actions: Fair Notice in Recruitment Cases
The Supreme Court rules that administrative due process requires furnishing the accused with the evidence against them, not just a hearing.
Passenger Duty of Diligence in Verifying Flight Details: Manay v. Cebu Air
The Supreme Court ruled that passengers must exercise ordinary diligence in checking flight details on tickets, even as airlines owe extraordinary diligence.
Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Robbery Cases: Ensuring Fair Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms that credible eyewitness testimony prevails over denial and alibi in robbery cases, explaining how courts assess witness credibility.
Inconsistent Testimony Does NOT Automatically Break Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court rules that minor inconsistencies in witness testimony do not automatically break the chain of custody in drug cases.
Child Witness Testimony and Competency in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction based on a four-year-old child's testimony, clarifying competency and hearsay rules.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and property rights protection for landowners and buyers.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Construction Delays: Who Bears the Cost? Lessons from BF Corp v. Werdenberg
A Supreme Court ruling on construction delays clarifies how courts apportion liability and compute liquidated damages when both parties share fault.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Suicide as a Defense Against Employer Liability
The Supreme Court explains when an employer may escape liability for seafarer death benefits by proving suicide as a willful act.
Floating Status of Security Guards: When Return-to-Work Orders Defeat Claims of Constructive Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific return-to-work orders prevent a finding of constructive dismissal for security guards on floating status.
Circumstantial Evidence and Murder Conviction: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for murder, applying the Rules of Court standard.
False Legal Credentials and a Lawyer's Duty of Candor to the Court
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for using another counsel's professional details in pleadings, underscoring the duty of candor.
Personnel Actions and the Courts: When CSC Jurisdiction Yields to Judicial Review
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may hear personnel actions involving public officers despite CSC jurisdiction.