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.
Quorum Quandaries: When Does a Presiding Officer Count in Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a vice-mayor counts for quorum in local sanggunian sessions under the Local Government Code.
The Limits of Judicial Review: Safeguarding Congressional Authority in Budget Allocations
A 2012 Supreme Court ruling on PDAF shows how courts respect congressional budget power and the limits of taxpayer suits.
When a Judge's Side Business Crosses the Line: Lessons from Luarca v. Molato
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's involvement in a spouse's business becomes an administrative offense, and what judges must avoid.
When Dismissal of the Main Case Kills Injunctions and Triggers Forum Shopping
A preliminary injunction dies with the main case. Filing similar suits in different courts is forum shopping.
Control Test Decides Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Charlie Jao v. BCC Products Sales Inc. explains the control test and four elements determining employer-employee relationship.
Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Ison v. Crewserve
SC rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment prevails over belated, unsupported certifications from seafarer's own doctors in disability claims.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Negligence and Misuse of Funds
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, client funds, and the duty of diligence in Philippine legal practice.
Burden of Proof in Estafa and Homicide: Why Hearsay Evidence Fails to Establish Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doub
The Supreme Court explains why positive identification by credible witnesses outweighs bare denial and hearsay in criminal cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Credibility of a Child Witness in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining how such evidence can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Timeliness is Key: Understanding the 15-Day Rule for Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court explains why landowners must file just compensation cases within 15 days of the DARAB decision, or lose their right.
Acquisitive Prescription and Double Sales: When Long-Term Possession Confirms Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on how prior possession and good faith determine ownership in double sales of land.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that the victim's positive identification outweighs the accused's weak defense of alibi.
Judicial Integrity Imperiled When Judges Betray Public Trust Lessons From Falsified Court Decisions
When a judge fabricates annulment decisions without proceedings, the Supreme Court shows why dismissal and disbarment follow.
Sound Mind Prevails: Upholding Testamentary Freedom in Will Probate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forgetfulness does not equal unsound mind, and oppositors bear the burden in will probate cases.
When Onboard Recreation Becomes Work-Related: Seafarer Disability Claims Under the POEA-SEC
The Supreme Court clarifies when injuries from onboard recreational activities are compensable under the POEA-SEC and the Bunkhouse Rule.
When a Case Becomes Moot: The Stradcom v. Laqui Ruling on Preliminary Injunctions
The Supreme Court explains the moot and academic doctrine in Stradcom v. Laqui, showing how a preliminary injunction expires with the main case.
Cooperatives No Longer Exempt From Court Fees: The 2012 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court denied cooperatives' exemption from court and sheriff's fees, reaffirming judicial independence and fiscal autonomy.
Prescription Period for Illegal Dismissal: The 4-Year Rule in Philippine Labor Law
Illegal dismissal claims prescribe in four years, not three. Learn the rule and how refiling a case interrupts prescription.
Land Registration: Proving Possession for Imperfect Titles Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession for land registration under the Public Land Act and Property Registration Decree.
Bouncing Checks and Civil Liability: Why You Can't Sue Separately for a BP 22 Violation in the Philippines
Learn why a bounced check can lead to estafa prosecution, not just BP 22, and what this means for your civil remedies.
Litis Pendentia and Forum Shopping in Philippine Law: The Cabreza Case
Learn how the Supreme Court applied litis pendentia and forum shopping rules to bar a second suit over the same conjugal property dispute.
When a General Manager Is Not a Corporate Officer: Jurisdiction Over Illegal Dismissal Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer is really an employee, and who has jurisdiction over dismissal disputes.
Probating Foreign Wills in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to probate a foreign will in the Philippines, including the legal requirements, court process, and practical steps for heirs and executors.
Judicial Ethics: Sheriff Dismissed for Accepting Payoffs in Landmark Philippine Ruling
Supreme Court dismisses deputy sheriff for accepting kickbacks from a newspaper publisher in exchange for judicial notice assignments, reaffirming strict ethics for court personnel.