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.
Understanding the Limits of COA Jurisdiction Over Final Court Judgments in Money Claims Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the COA can deny money claims against the government, and when contractors can recover under quantum meruit.
Marriage Nullity and Estate Settlement: Jurisdiction and Standing Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle marriage nullity and estate settlement, including who has legal standing to challenge a marriage's validity.
Attorneys' Fees in Estate Recovery: Insights from the Supreme Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies mandatory personal notice to known heirs in probate proceedings and its impact on estate recovery.
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.
Certiorari Timelines in the Philippines: Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Borja
The Supreme Court clarifies the 60-day rule for filing certiorari petitions and when extensions may be allowed.
When Government Instrumentalities Are Exempt from Docket Fees: The BCDA Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities are exempt from paying docket fees, using the BCDA case as a guide.
Residency Rules for Local Candidates: When Incumbency Defeats a Domicile Transfer Claim
The Supreme Court cancels a governor's COC for false residency declaration, clarifying when an incumbent mayor cannot claim a new domicile.
Service of Summons and Due Process: A Philippine Property Dispute Lesson
The Supreme Court nullified a property ruling because summons was served at the wrong address, violating due process. Learn the rules.
Navigating Labor Disputes: The Importance of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Employment Law
A look at Luces v. Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils., Inc., where the Supreme Court clarified labor-only contracting rules and the need for procedural compliance.
Overlapping Land Titles in the Philippines: Priority of Registration and Legal Remedies
When two titles cover the same land, the earlier registered title prevails. Learn the rules and remedies in Philippine property disputes.
Property Ownership and Adverse Possession: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Deeds and Occupation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when occupation ripens into ownership, and why a defective deed cannot transfer property rights.
Navigating Employee Dismissal: Just Cause and Procedural Due Process in the Philippines
Learn the two-part test for lawful dismissal in the Philippines—substantive just cause and procedural due process—from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Unlocking Tax Refunds: How the Supreme Court's Ruling on VAT Compliance Impacts Businesses in the Philippines
A guide to the Supreme Court's ruling on VAT refund claims, tax compliance, and what it means for Philippine businesses.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails in homicide cases and the penalties that follow.
Understanding Theft in the Philippines: Key Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A look at how the Supreme Court clarifies plea bargaining rules in drug cases and what this means for criminal procedure in the Philippines.
Understanding Disturbance Compensation in Land Conversion: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on disturbance compensation claims in land conversion, including prescription periods and evidentiary requirements.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct and Its Consequences: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how the Supreme Court defines judicial misconduct and its serious consequences for judges and the justice system in the Philippines.
Navigating Tax Assessments: The Validity of Letters of Authority in the Philippines
Learn when a BIR Letter of Authority becomes invalid, the 30-day and 120-day rules, and how the Supreme Court ruled in AFP General Insurance.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Key Lessons from a Landmark Sandiganbayan Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when prescription runs and how delays in preliminary investigation can violate the right to speedy disposition.
Prescription and Speedy Disposition in Philippine Criminal Cases: Key Insights
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period for graft cases begins and what constitutes inordinate delay.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the right to speedy disposition of cases and prescription rules for graft charges under RA 3019.
Limits of Compensation Authority in Government Corporations: Insights from SSS v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies when GOCCs may grant employee benefits without presidential approval, and when officers may be excused from refunding disallowed amounts.
Administrative and Criminal Liability: Prescription and Speedy Disposition Lessons from Perez v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription and speedy disposition rules in graft cases, balancing public accountability with the accused's rights.
Intervention Rights in Property Disputes: The PRA Reclamation Case Explained
When can a third party intervene in a property dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in a reclamation case involving the Philippine Reclamation Authority.