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 Dislocation Allowances Legal Insights AND Implications FOR Government Employees
The Supreme Court ruled on incentive allowances for government employees, clarifying limits under Philippine law on additional compensation.
Understanding the Insanity Defense: Key Insights from a Recent Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how Philippine courts assess insanity as a defense, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling that clarified the test for legal insanity.
Understanding Judicial Impartiality: Bias and Inhibition in Philippine Election Protests
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for judicial inhibition in election protests, explaining what bias truly means and why rulings must not be mistaken for prejudice.
Conflict of Interest in Legal Practice: The Fine Line Lawyers Must Navigate
When can a lawyer's business venture become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on lawyer loyalty and competing businesses.
Navigating Accountability in Government Procurement: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on CNA incentives clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed funds and how special funds may be spent.
Understanding Tax Implications of Initial Public Offerings: Separate vs Joint Computation
The Supreme Court clarifies how IPO taxes on primary and secondary offerings are computed under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Lease Renewal vs Extension: Supreme Court Clarifies the Critical Distinction
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between lease renewal and extension in a dispute over a government property lease.
Contract Renewal vs. Extension: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the critical legal difference between renewing and extending a lease, and why precise contract language matters.
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.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Dangers of Assisting False Witnesses in Philippine Courts
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a commission and assists false witnesses faces suspension and perpetual disqualification from notarial practice.
Lateral Transfers and Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
When a government employee's lateral transfer appointment is disapproved, does the employee automatically revert to a former position? The Supreme Court clarifies.
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.
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.
When a Dismissed Employee Can Vote: Certification Election Rules Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees may vote in certification elections and how blank ballots affect majority computation.
Insurance Proceeds and Lease Agreements: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how insurance proceeds are treated when a lease is preterminated, and when COA may disallow government expenditures.
When Corporate Veil Piercing Fails: Renewal Commissions After Agent Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a terminated insurance agent can claim commissions and when the alter ego doctrine applies to affiliated companies.
Understanding Mitigating Circumstances in Administrative Penalties: A Case of Fairness in Government Service
Explore how mitigating circumstances affect administrative penalties in Philippine government service, promoting fairness and proportionality in disciplinary actions.
Recall of Appointments Without Notice and Hearing: Insights from a Landmark CSC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CSC may recall a civil service appointment without prior notice and hearing, and the limits of good faith.
Mortgage Sales and Interest Claims: Lessons from DBP v. Heirs of Danico
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of mortgaged property become liable for interest and how mortgage obligations are enforced.
Government Procurement and Audit Disallowances: Lessons from a Landmark COA Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when government officials and contractors may be held liable for audit disallowances in public procurement projects.
Storage Fee Disputes: Key Lessons From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when storage fees are collectible and how interest applies, offering key lessons for businesses and clients.
Less Serious Physical Injuries: When Intent to Kill Is Absent
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mauling results in less serious physical injuries rather than attempted homicide, and how a brawl differs from a tumultuous affray.
Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service: SC on Inordinate Delay
The Supreme Court clarifies when the period for inordinate delay begins in Ombudsman cases, citing Quemado v. Sandiganbayan.