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.
Sharia Court Jurisdiction Determining Muslim Status For Estate Settlement
The Supreme Court clarifies when Sharia District Courts may hear estate cases and determine if a deceased person was Muslim.
Voluntary Surrender of Tenancy Rights: Landicho v. Sia Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on voluntary surrender of tenancy rights, farm helper claims, and prescription in Landicho v. Sia.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Legality and Upholding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the chain of custody of seized drugs.
Bidding Disqualification Upholding Agency Discretion In Government Contracts
The Supreme Court affirms agency discretion in government bidding, explaining protest rules, judicial hierarchy, and the limits of court intervention.
Contract Interpretation: Plain Language Prevails Over Extrinsic Evidence
When contract terms are clear, courts must apply them literally. Extrinsic evidence cannot rewrite a written agreement.
Bidding Disputes in Government Projects: Why Courts Won't Second-Guess the BAC
A Supreme Court ruling on government procurement bidding disputes, explaining the proper legal remedies and why courts respect the discretion of bidding authorities.
Continuing Surety Agreements: When a Surety Stays Liable Despite Principal Default
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on continuing surety agreements and a surety's joint and several liability despite the principal debtor's default.
Illegal Strikes and Unfair Labor Practices: When Employee Remedies Survive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employees who joined an illegal strike may still claim backwages and separation pay for unfair labor practices.
Continuing Surety Agreements: When a Surety Is Liable for Another's Loan
Philippine Supreme Court explains continuing surety agreements and when a surety becomes liable for a principal debtor's obligations.
Must-Carry Rule vs. Broadcasting Rights: The DTH Satellite Retransmission Case
The Supreme Court ruled that DTH satellite providers may carry free-to-air signals under the must-carry rule without violating broadcasting rights.
Land Disputes and Prescription: Time Limits in Agrarian Reform Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-year prescriptive period for reconveyance of agrarian land begins, using Rementizo v. Heirs of Madarieta.
Theft Beyond Tangibles: When Telecom Services Became Personal Property
The Supreme Court ruled that telephone services and business can be the object of theft under the Revised Penal Code.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty and Deception in Local Governance
Barangay officials convicted for falsifying a resolution under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code. The Supreme Court explains why.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Protests: Court Personnel Cannot Exercise Judicial Discretion
Supreme Court clarifies that court personnel cannot exercise judicial discretion in granting execution pending appeal in election contests.
Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
Acts of Lasciviousness vs Rape: When Touching Is Not Insertion in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when digital touching amounts to acts of lasciviousness rather than rape by sexual assault.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Undue Delay IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court annuls a COMELEC ruling that nullified execution pending appeal in an election protest, clarifying the standards for the remedy.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Price of False Entries and Delayed Deposits
A cashier's false cashbook entry and delayed bank deposits amount to dishonesty, warranting dismissal from government service.
Material Misrepresentation in a COC: When a False Statement Can Nullify an Election Win
A false statement in a Certificate of Candidacy on a material qualification can cancel a candidacy and nullify an election victory, as Velasco v. COMELEC shows.
Perjury and Venue: Where the False Statement Truly Matters
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled that venue in perjury cases depends on where the false statement is used, not where it is notarized.
When Landlords Can Cut Utilities: Lessons from Barbasa v. Tuquero
Learn when a lessor may lawfully disconnect utilities under a lease's penalty clause without committing grave coercion.
Mandamus and Manila Bay Cleanup: Defining Ministerial Duties in Environmental Protection
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay, defining environmental duties as ministerial.
Manila Bay Cleanup Case: Ministerial Duties and the Right to a Balanced Ecology
The Supreme Court ruled government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay under environmental laws.
Adultery and Public Service: Proving Immorality Beyond Suspicion in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on immorality cases against court employees: the need for competent evidence and the limits of double jeopardy in administrative proceedings.