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.
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Navigating Title Reconstitution: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict jurisdictional requirements for reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles under R.A. No. 26.
Understanding the Fight Against Human Trafficking: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinction between rape, sexual assault, and lascivious conduct under Philippine law, offering key insights for child abuse cases.
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.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status
Philippine land registration requires proof that property is alienable and disposable public land. A recent Supreme Court ruling explains the strict requirements.
Valid Dismissal and Separation Pay: Key Lessons from a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when dismissal for willful disobedience is valid and when separation pay may—or may not—be granted.
The 60-Day Rule on Suspension of Arraignment: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn how the 60-day limit on suspending arraignment under Rule 116 protects the right to speedy trial, explained through a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Right to Repurchase Homestead Land: Key Supreme Court Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court reaffirms a homesteader's right to repurchase sold land within five years under Section 119 of the Public Land Act.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Disbarment for Misappropriating Client Funds
A Supreme Court ruling disbarred two lawyers for misappropriating a client's P5 million, underscoring the strict fiduciary duties of attorneys.
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.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder, the need for specific allegations in an Information, and proper damages awards.
Protecting Seafarers From Sexual Harassment and the Right to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal of an OFW household worker who faced sexual harassment and maltreatment abroad.
Family Employment and Public Office: Understanding RA 3019 Violations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when hiring a spouse in a private firm with pending official business violates the Anti-Graft law.
Foreign Bank Foreclosures in the Philippines: Lessons from Parcon-Song v. Parcon
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when foreign banks may foreclose on Philippine property and why the timing of the foreclosure matters.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: The 120/240-Day Rule on Medical Assessments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability is deemed permanent and total due to delayed medical assessments by company-designated physicians.
Correcting Birth Certificate Errors: Why Impleading Indispensable Parties Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why correcting birth certificate errors requires impleading all affected parties under Rule 108.
Understanding Administrative Liability in Law Enforcement Raids: Lessons From a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges face administrative liability for delayed decisions, offering lessons on accountability in the justice system.
Understanding Lawyer Misconduct and Ethical Duties in Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's misconduct highlights the ethical boundaries court personnel must observe in property disputes.
Foreign Investment and Unfair Competition: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of judicial review over Board of Investments registration decisions and the meaning of unfair competition claims.
How Lawyers' Dilatory Tactics Can Delay Justice: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
Six lawyers were disciplined for filing frivolous motions to delay execution of a final judgment. Learn the rules they violated.
Understanding Judicial Efficiency: The Consequences of Delaying Case Decisions in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows the heavy price judges pay for delaying decisions—and what it means for litigants and the justice system.
Understanding Consent and Force in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Rulings
A look at how Philippine courts evaluate force, threat, and intimidation in rape cases, and why the "sweetheart defense" rarely succeeds.
Good Faith vs Bad Faith in Public Office: Lessons from Abillar v. People's Television Network
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when reliance on an official's assurance amounts to good faith, and what constitutes bad faith in public office.
Lawyer-Client Confidentiality: When a Consultation Creates a Binding Duty
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that even unpaid consultations create lawyer-client confidentiality, barring lawyers from representing adverse parties.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Pre-Existing Condition Does Not Bar Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits, work-relatedness, and pre-existing conditions under the POEA-SEC.