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.
Liability in Maritime Charters: Who Pays When the Ship Goes Down
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears liability when a chartered vessel sinks, applying the Civil Code over the Code of Commerce.
Missing Rollo Case: Court Record Handling and Lawyer Accountability
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for borrowing a case rollo and keeping it for nearly 12 years, underscoring integrity in legal practice.
Grave Threats in the Philippines: Criminal Intent and Multiple Offenses Explained
Understand how Philippine courts determine separate grave threats charges, criminal intent, and the limits of justifying circumstances in this Supreme Court case analysis.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Lessons from People v. Uy
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for robbery with homicide, and why unexplained flight and possession of stolen goods matter.
When NO Means GO Understanding Lawful Employee Transfers AND Insubordination IN THE Philippines
Learn Philippine labor law on employee transfers and insubordination—when a "no" to a lawful order can cost a job.
Just Compensation in Land Reform: Ensuring Fair Value for Agricultural Landowners in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed for agricultural landowners under CARP, including DAR formula rules and compensable areas.
Conditional Certifications vs Bank Guarantees: When a Bank Is Not Liable
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's conditional certification of a credit line application does not constitute a binding bank guarantee.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and Floating Status in Security Agencies
When a security guard's floating status exceeds six months, the law treats it as constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
When Can Government Agencies Be Sued? The ATO Case on Tax and Sovereign Immunity
Explaining when Philippine government agencies can be sued, using the Air Transportation Office case on property tax disputes.
When Can You Sue the Philippine Government? The ATO Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains when government agencies can be sued, distinguishing sovereign from proprietary functions in the Air Transportation Office case.
Bail Before Formal Charges: The Limits of Judicial Discretion
A judge's verbal grant of bail without written application, deposit, or release order constitutes a violation of Rule 114.
Conviction for a Different Crime: When Courts Can Convict You of an Uncharged Offense
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a conviction for an offense not charged in the Information is valid under the Rules of Court.
Attorney Suspended for Deceitful Land Sale: Ethical Standards in Philippine Law Practice
Discover how a lawyer's deceptive land sale led to suspension, and learn key ethical rules for Philippine attorneys.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences of Undue Delay in Case Resolution
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judge liability for delayed case resolution, highlighting the 90-day rule and its impact on judicial integrity.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How Filing Similar Cases Can Get Your Suit Dismissed
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping in the Philippines and why filing similar cases can lead to dismissal with prejudice.
Appraisal Rights and Unrestricted Retained Earnings: Turner v. Lorenzo Shipping
A dissenting stockholder's right to payment accrues only when the corporation has unrestricted retained earnings; a premature suit is dismissible.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Supreme Court clarifies that courts determining just compensation under CARP must strictly apply the DAR valuation formula, not substitute their own methods.
Local Government Officials and Legal Representation: Defining Government Instrumentalities
Supreme Court clarifies that government-owned or controlled corporations like NPC are "instrumentalities" under the Local Government Code, disqualifying sanggunian members from appearing as counsel ag
Grave Coercion in Property Takeovers: The Navarra Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that forceful property repossession, even with a debt claim, constitutes grave coercion under Philippine law.
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable for Loan Proceeds Released to Borrower
Supreme Court rules banks are not automatically liable when loan proceeds go to a borrower instead of a third-party seller.
Dishonesty in Public Service: The Cost of Misrepresentation and the Limits of the Right to Counsel
A Supreme Court ruling shows how dishonesty in securing civil service eligibility leads to dismissal, and why the right to counsel does not apply in administrative probes.
When Pilots' Negligence Is the Proximate Cause: The 2010 Runway Collision Ruling
Supreme Court rules on proximate cause in the 1996 NAIA runway collision, holding pilots liable for gross negligence despite air traffic clearances.
Res Judicata and Land Ownership: When a Criminal Ruling Does Not Bind a Civil Case
A criminal conviction for theft does not automatically settle land ownership in a separate civil case. Learn how res judicata applies.