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 Incestuous Rape Legal Insights AND Protections FOR Minors IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms 14 convictions for incestuous rape of minors, explaining the legal elements, penalties, and why a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force.
Understanding Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Child Custody Battles: Habeas Corpus and Forum Shopping in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies habeas corpus in child custody cases and penalizes forum shopping in Reyes v. Elquiero.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Disbarment Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint for lack of evidence, clarifying the burden of proof in administrative cases against lawyers.
Proving Forgery in Disbarment Cases: The Burden of Clear Evidence
Disbarment complaints require clear preponderant evidence; bare allegations of forgery without expert proof will not suffice.
Understanding Disability Benefits for Seafarers: A Guide to Legal Rights and Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified seafarer disability benefits, appeal periods, and the difference between CBA accident claims and POEA-SEC compensation.
Non-Diminution of Benefits: When a Company Car Plan Change Is Allowed
The Supreme Court clarifies when changing a company car plan violates the non-diminution rule under Article 100 of the Labor Code.
Other Deceits Under Article 318: Lessons from Magalona v. People
Learn how the Supreme Court applied Other Deceits under Article 318 of the Revised Penal Code in Magalona v. People, and what it means for property transactions.
Estoppel by Laches and Government Reversion Claims: The Sundiam Ruling
When can the government be barred from recovering public land? The Supreme Court's Sundiam ruling clarifies estoppel by laches and innocent purchasers for value.
Notarial Responsibilities and Lawyer Ethics: Lessons from Rivera v. Dalangin
A lawyer's duty to refuse notarizing unlawful documents and uphold honesty, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Abuse of Rights When Legal Actions Cross Ethical Boundaries
When does the right to speedy disposition become a shield against inordinate delay? The Supreme Court clarifies in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in Philippine Law: Insights from a Landmark Ruling
A look at the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases and how the Supreme Court applied it in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
When a Bank Fails: Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Banks Under Liquidation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on which court hears claims against a bank placed under PDIC liquidation, voiding orders from a court without jurisdiction.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, applying the Cagang guidelines.
Real Party in Interest in Unlawful Detainer: Lessons from Collao v. Albania
The Supreme Court clarifies who may sue for unlawful detainer and why procedural technicalities should not delay eviction cases.
Maritime Liability in Vessel Collisions: Fault, Insurance Claims, and the Code of Commerce
When vessels collide, determining liability depends on the cause of action—contract or tort. The Supreme Court clarifies the governing rules.
Illegal Dismissal and Wage Claims: Lessons from Lusabia v. Super K Drug Corporation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies abandonment of employment, the employer's burden of proof in wage disputes, and remedies for illegally dismissed workers.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Mistakes Dont Justify Firing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is illegal dismissal, requiring proof of losses and fair selection criteria.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Misappropriation of Client Funds
When lawyers deceive clients and misuse entrusted funds, the Supreme Court can impose the ultimate penalty: disbarment. Learn from a recent case.
Reinstatement and Length of Service: Employee Rights in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When illegally dismissed employees return to work, does their service clock reset? The Supreme Court clarifies the reckoning point for length of service.
Attorney-Client Trust: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Misconduct
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer misconduct clarifies candor duties, attorney's fees, and the penalties for unethical conduct.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Due Process and Contract Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule and monetary awards for illegally dismissed seafarers under Philippine law.
Mandatory SSS Coverage for Filipino Seafarers: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory SSS coverage of Filipino seafarers under RA 11199, ruling it constitutional and valid.
Mortgage Validity and Damage Claims: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on mortgage validity despite notarization flaws and when damages are improperly awarded.