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.
When Local Officials Break Procurement Rules: Lessons From Sison v. People
A mayor's conviction for skipping public bidding shows how courts review local procurement and graft cases under Philippine law.
Lump Sum vs. Unit Price in Land Sales: The Del Prado v. Caballero Rule
Philippine land sale disputes often hinge on lump sum versus unit price contracts. The Supreme Court's ruling in Del Prado v. Caballero clarifies the rules.
Party Expulsions and Due Process: When Can a Political Party Remove Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that political party expulsions are internal matters, not subject to constitutional due process requirements.
Challenging Election Results: Strict Rules for Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for pre-proclamation controversies in Philippine election law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Saño v. COMELEC.
When Is a Statement an Admission? Lessons from a Prawn Feed Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written statement counts as an admission and when corporate officers can be held personally liable.
Supreme Court on Sandiganbayan Appeals: Credibility Findings Bind Review
Learn how the Supreme Court limits appeals from the Sandiganbayan to questions of law, and why witness credibility findings are conclusive.
Possession vs. Sale: Proving the Distinction in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies why illegal sale and illegal possession of drugs are separate crimes requiring distinct proof, acquitting on one charge.
Employer Control Determines Employment Status: The PLDT Security Guard Case
When a security agency's contract ends but guards remain at their posts under the principal's direction, an employer-employee relationship may arise.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Business Decisions Are Protected
The Supreme Court clarifies when business decisions like audits and non-renewal of contracts are protected, not abuse of rights.
Habeas Corpus and Valid Court Judgments: When the Writ Is Denied in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions are denied despite procedural leniency, emphasizing valid judgments and pending cases.
DST on Deposit on Stock Subscription: When Is It Due?
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to deposits on stock subscription, distinguishing them from actual stock subscriptions.
Grave Threats vs. Light Threats: The Caluag Case on Gun-Pointing in the Philippines
When does pointing a gun become a grave threat? The Caluag case clarifies the legal line between grave and light threats under Philippine law.
Probationary Employment for Teachers: Rights, Limits, and the Manalo Ruling
Learn the rules on probationary employment for private school teachers, including tenure rights, dismissal standards, and the landmark Manalo case.
Upholding Comelec Discretion in Pre-Proclamation Controversies
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec's broad discretion in dismissing pre-proclamation disputes, emphasizing limited scope of review and proper remedies.
Due Process Rights of Public Officials When Administrative Charges Fail
A public official cannot be held liable for a vague charge never pleaded, nor for a document whose authenticity remains unresolved.
Option Contracts Consideration Requirement For Enforceability In Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on option contracts, consideration, and enforceability under Civil Code. Learn key takeaways.
Proportionality in Employee Discipline: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when dismissal is too harsh a penalty for workplace policy violations, explained in plain language.
Heirship Rights vs. Execution Sales: Protecting Inherited Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' rights when inherited property faces competing claims, and what the Dela Cruz ruling means for Filipino families.
Fair Valuation in Agrarian Reform: Just Compensation Under R.A. 6657
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under P.D. 27 must follow R.A. 6657 and DAR regulations, not outdated formulas.
PCG Disciplinary Authority: Supreme Court Upholds Coast Guard’s Separate Administrative System
Supreme Court affirms the PCG Efficiency and Separation Board’s power to discipline uniformed personnel, distinct from civil service rules.
Proving Land Ownership: Why Possession Since 1945 Needs More Than Claims
Learn what Philippine courts require to prove land ownership through possession since 1945, from the Arbias v. Republic case.
Guarantor's Defense of Excussion: What the Supreme Court Requires
Explaining the benefit of excussion for guarantors under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Bitanga v. Pyramid Construction.
Exterior vs Interior Contract Interpretation and Obligations in Philippine Law
Supreme Court rules on contract interpretation: plain meaning controls unless ambiguity exists, and obscurity cannot favor the drafting party.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Infidelity as Grounds for Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on infidelity as grounds for attorney disbarment, clarifying ethical standards for lawyers and judges in the Philippines.