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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Attorney Discipline: Negligence and Misconduct in Quasi-Judicial Roles
When do a government lawyer's official acts become grounds for discipline? The Court clarifies the standard in this 2024 ruling.
Consortium Requirement in Subtransmission Asset Acquisition: A Philippine Power Industry Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies mandatory consortium requirement under EPIRA Section 8 for subtransmission asset acquisition by distribution utilities.
Understanding Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Are They Valid
The Supreme Court clarifies when compromise agreements and quitclaims in labor cases are valid, and when courts may invalidate them.
Rape vs. Sexual Abuse: When Force and Lack of Consent Elevates a Crime
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sexual acts with a minor constitute rape under the Revised Penal Code rather than sexual abuse under R.A. 7610.
Proving Filiation for Inheritance: Delayed Birth Registration in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how delayed birth registrations and other evidence establish filiation for inheritance claims in the Philippines.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delays Lead to Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases, and when unreasonable delays can lead to dismissal of criminal charges.
Sheriff's Duty in Writ Execution: Avoiding Neglect and Misconduct
A sheriff who delays writ execution and receives litigant money faces administrative liability, as shown in this 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
Mandamus and Funding for National Sports: A Clear Legal Duty
Supreme Court clarifies mandamus requirements and orders PAGCOR, PCSO to fully fund the Philippine Sports Commission under RA 6847.
When Government Transactions Can Be Disallowed: COA's Power Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may disallow government payments and when it oversteps its audit powers in this PhilHealth case.
Attorney Misconduct in Real Estate Deals: A Case Study in Ethical Duties
A lawyer's three-year suspension for executing multiple deeds of sale shows why ethical duties bind attorneys in personal real estate transactions.
DOJ Authority Over Preliminary Investigations: What It Means for Criminal Procedure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court recognizes the DOJ's authority to issue its own rules on preliminary investigations and repeals inconsistent provisions of Rule 112.
Preliminary Injunction vs Full Trial: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that a preliminary injunction hearing is not a substitute for a full trial on the merits in property disputes.
Decoy Solicitation in Trafficking Cases: Entrapment vs Instigation
The Supreme Court clarifies when police decoy solicitation in trafficking cases is valid entrapment, not instigation, in People v. Mendez.
Accident Insurance Claims in the Philippines: Proving Entitlement and Avoiding Denial
The Supreme Court clarifies how insured persons can prove accident insurance claims and when insurers face liability for wrongful denial.
Forcible Entry and Prior Physical Possession: Protecting Occupants Against Owners
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Magsi v. Heirs of Lopez, Jr. on forcible entry, prior physical possession, and ejectment law in the Philippines.
Speedy Trial Rights When Prolonged Detention Justifies A Writ Of Habeas Corpus IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when prolonged detention violates speedy trial rights and justifies a writ of habeas corpus.
Navigating GOCC Compensation: Board Authority and Disallowed Benefits in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on PNCC directors' gratuity benefits, GOCC status, and when disallowed compensation must be returned.
Disbarment for Bouncing Checks: What Lawyers Must Know About Gross Misconduct
A lawyer was disbarred for issuing worthless checks. Learn the ethical rules, CPRA penalties, and practical lessons for attorneys.
Execution Pending Appeal in Support Cases: Protecting Women and Children Under RA 9262
The Supreme Court clarifies when support awards in VAWC cases may be executed pending appeal, protecting women and children from economic abuse.
Human Trafficking vs. Child Pornography: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that human trafficking and child pornography are distinct offenses, each with separate elements and penalties under Philippine law.
Navigating Anti-Graft Law Good Faith Defense in Government Procurement
Explore the good faith defense in anti-graft cases through a recent Supreme Court acquittal in a government procurement dispute.
Inverse Condemnation: When Must NGCP Be Impleaded as an Indispensable Party
The Supreme Court clarifies when NGCP must be impleaded in inverse condemnation cases involving transmission lines, and why procedural rules may be relaxed.
Proving Causation in Homicide Cases: The Role of Medical Evidence in the Philippines
Philippine homicide cases require proof beyond reasonable doubt that the accused's actions caused death. Learn how the Supreme Court treats medical evidence and pre-existing conditions.
Qualified Trafficking of a Minor: Key Lessons from People v. Cañas
A look at qualified trafficking in persons under RA 9208, as amended, and what the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cañas means for child protection.