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.
Defective Verification and Forum Shopping Certification: Why Cases Get Dismissed in Philippine Courts
Learn how defective verification or certification against forum shopping can get a case dismissed in Philippine courts, based on Loquias v. Ombudsman.
Reasonable Doubt and Due Process in Criminal Cases: The Arco Acquittal
A look at how the Supreme Court’s ruling in People v. Arco underscores the presumption of innocence and the prosecution’s burden in criminal cases.
Dual Citizenship and Election in the Philippines: Clarifying Qualifications for Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when dual citizenship disqualifies a candidate and how filing a certificate of candidacy can cure it.
Judicial Misconduct and Disbarment: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Legal System
A retired judge's antedated decision led to his disbarment, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold integrity and the rule of law at all times.
COMELEC vs. HRET Jurisdiction: When Election Disputes Shift to the Electoral Tribunal
Learn when COMELEC loses jurisdiction over House election contests and the HRET becomes the sole judge of a member's election, returns, and qualifications.
Fighting Back How Improper Summons Can Nullify Court Judgments in the Philippines
Learn how improper service of summons can invalidate court judgments in the Philippines and what it means for defendants' rights.
Presidential Supervision vs Control: Protecting Local Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines
The Supreme Court limits presidential power over LGUs, striking down IRA withholding while allowing advisory economy measures.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Mercury Drug Rule on Notice and Final Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to inform the client of an adverse judgment is binding, and when relief from judgment is unavailable.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing due process and jurisdictional requirements to protect property rights.
Can Foreigners Own Land in the Philippines? Donation vs. Inheritance Rules
Philippine law bars foreigners from owning land except by inheritance. Learn why a quitclaim deed to an American son failed as a donation.
Dying Declarations and Extrajudicial Confessions in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains when dying declarations are admissible and when extrajudicial confessions are not in murder prosecutions.
When Can an Employer Terminate an OFW Due to Illness? The Medical Certificate Rule
Philippine law requires a medical certificate from a competent public health authority before an employer can validly terminate an OFW due to illness.
Fake Lawyer Defense: When an Impostor Can Void a Criminal Conviction in the Philippines
Convictions can be overturned when the accused was represented by a non-lawyer. Learn the rules and how to verify counsel credentials.
Reconstitution of Burned Court Records: When Late Filing Is Not Fatal
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to file for reconstitution of burned court records within six months does not automatically bar the remedy.
Simulated Sales in Philippine Property Law: Intent, Foreign Ownership, and the Blanco v. Quasha Precedent
Learn how Philippine courts determine simulated sales, why intent matters, and the key lessons from Blanco v. Quasha on property transactions.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Immediately?
Learn when Philippine courts may allow execution pending appeal, the good reasons required, and the safeguards protecting a losing party's right to appeal.
Judicial Ethics: Dismissal of Judge for Sexual Harassment and Conduct Unbecoming
Supreme Court dismisses judge for sexual harassment, harassment of employees, and improper dealings with a litigant before his sala.
Fishpond Ownership in the Philippines: When BFAR Jurisdiction Overrides Court Decisions
Philippine courts cannot declare private ownership over public land designated for fishponds—only BFAR holds that authority. Learn the rules.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Lessons from Oil and Natural Gas Commission v. Pacific Cement
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies when foreign judgments are enforceable and how courts interpret arbitration clauses in commercial contracts.
Expropriation in the Philippines: Provisional Deposit and Writ of Possession Explained
Understand how the 1997 Rules on expropriation allow the government to take property upon depositing assessed value, and what this means for owners.
Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Drug Cases: When Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police testimony was riddled with contradictions, reaffirming the constitutional presumption of innocence.
Ombudsman's Limits: When Can the Ombudsman Order Payment of Back Wages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's power to order payment of back wages and limits of its jurisdiction.
Can Philippine Universities Revoke Degrees? Academic Integrity and Due Process
The Supreme Court affirms a university's power to revoke degrees obtained through fraud, provided due process is observed.
Fencing in the Philippines: Why Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt Matters – Tan v. People Case Analysis
Fencing charges require proof beyond reasonable doubt of every element, including knowledge the goods were stolen. Tan v. People shows why.