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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Arbitration Agreements Need Not Be Signed: CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules that an arbitration agreement need not be signed to vest CIAC jurisdiction over construction disputes, as long as intent is clear in writing.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Supreme Court Acquits Three in Frustrated Murder Case
The Supreme Court acquits three accused of frustrated murder, ruling that inconsistent prosecution evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Credit Card Debt: Unconscionable Interest Rates and the Duty to Respond
The Supreme Court clarifies when credit card interest rates are unconscionable and why borrowers must answer lawsuits on time.
Implied Trusts Protecting Shared Property Interests Despite Title Registration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how implied trusts can protect co-ownership rights even when property titles name only one person.
Lawyer Disbarred for Faking Court Decision and Certificate of Finality
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who simulated an annulment decision and certificate of finality, ruling the acts were deceit and grave misconduct.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect of Duty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court affirms that public officials forfeit retirement benefits when found guilty of neglect of duty and misconduct, reinforcing accountability standards.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Forfeiture of Benefits for Neglect and Misconduct
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on CESB vs. CSC regarding PAO positions, third-level eligibility, and jurisdictional boundaries in civil service.
Religious Practices in Public Spaces: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Masses in Halls of Justice
The Supreme Court explains when religious activities in government buildings are permissible accommodation, not a violation of Church-State separation.
Disbarment for Falsifying Court Documents Upholds Integrity in the Legal Profession
Lawyer disbarred for fabricating an annulment decision and certificate of finality, showing the Supreme Court's firm stand on lawyer integrity.
Road Sharing Principle: Balancing Environmental Protection and Executive Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of writs of kalikasan and continuing mandamus in environmental cases, respecting executive discretion.
Balancing Autonomy and Oversight: Defining Eligibility in the Public Attorney's Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the jurisdiction of the CSC and CESB over third-level positions, ruling on PAO eligibility requirements.
Reconveyance Actions: Proving Ownership Is Key to Reclaiming Property
The Supreme Court clarifies that a reconveyance action fails without proof of ownership, as shown in Yabut v. Alcantara.
Franchise Tax After EPIRA: NPC's Liability and the Limits of Local Government Power
The Supreme Court clarifies when the local franchise tax applies after EPIRA, nullifying Bataan's levy on NPC properties.
Reconveyance and Land Ownership: Proving Ownership in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court nullified a provincial government's levy and auction of NPC properties, clarifying franchise tax rules under EPIRA.
Local Franchise Tax After EPIRA: When Government Levy on Power Assets Fails
The Supreme Court nullified Bataan's levy on Napocor assets, clarifying local franchise tax limits after EPIRA's transfer of power functions.
Trademark Infringement and Probable Cause: When the Secretary of Justice Abuses Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override the Secretary of Justice's dismissal of trademark infringement complaints for grave abuse of discretion.
Forced Resignation: When a "Voluntary" Resignation Is Really Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is forced and amounts to illegal dismissal, protecting employees from undue influence.
Agrarian Reform and Jurisdictional Boundaries: Understanding DARAB's Role in CLOA Cancellation
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB can cancel CLOAs and when the DAR Secretary holds jurisdiction, in Union Bank v. DAR officers.
Agrarian Reform Adjudication: When DARAB Has No Jurisdiction Over CLOA Cancellation
The Supreme Court clarifies that DARAB has no jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases when no tenancy relationship exists between the parties.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Due Process in Anti-Drug Operations
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, reinforcing Section 21 RA 9165 safeguards.
Forced Resignation: The Employer's Burden to Prove Voluntariness
When is a resignation forced? The Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove voluntariness by clear and convincing evidence.
Self-Defense and Treachery: Understanding the Boundaries in Philippine Criminal Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and how treachery is determined in Philippine criminal cases.
Procuring Cause: When Real Estate Brokers Earn Their Commission
Learn when a real estate broker earns a commission under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ticong v. Malim.
Concealment of Vehicle Documents as Estafa: Protecting Creditor Rights in Chattel Mortgages
The Supreme Court rules that concealing a vehicle's OR-CR can constitute estafa, protecting creditors' rights in chattel mortgages.