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.
Fresh Period Rule Expanded to Criminal Appeals: Equal Rights for Accused
The Supreme Court extends the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, ensuring accused persons get the same 15-day window as civil litigants.
Rehabilitation Denied When Financial Realities Override Corporate Rescue
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate rehabilitation is not available—mere illiquidity qualifies, but irreversible insolvency with speculative plans does not.
Tortious Interference Protecting Distributorship Rights in Philippine Commerce
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tortious interference with exclusive distributorship contracts and the liability of third parties who induce breach.
Trademark Rights in the Philippines: Prior Use vs. Registration Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether trademark rights come from prior use or registration, and why distributors cannot own the marks they sell.
When Can a Generic Term Like "Ginebra" Be Protected as a Trademark?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a generic word like "Ginebra" may acquire trademark protection through secondary meaning, and why preliminary injunctions demand a clear right.
Bidding Integrity Strict Compliance Prevails Over Agency Discretion In Government Procurement
Supreme Court nullifies a government contract award where the winning bid failed technical specifications, reaffirming strict compliance in public bidding.
Redundancy Programs Upholding Employer Rights IN Employee Dismissal
Supreme Court affirms employer's right to contract out work during business exigencies, clarifying limits of unfair labor practice claims.
Must-Carry Rule vs. Broadcasting Rights: The DTH Satellite Retransmission Case
The Supreme Court ruled that DTH satellite providers may carry free-to-air signals under the must-carry rule without violating broadcasting rights.
Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
Bidding Required Government Contracts Must Ensure Fair Competition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public bidding is mandatory for government service contracts and why negotiated awards violate fair competition.
Trademark Rights vs Registration: Resolving Unfair Competition Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies how trademark registration and actual use affect unfair competition claims under the Intellectual Property Code.
Independent Assessment Prevails: Dismissal Based Solely on DOJ Resolution Is Grave Abuse of Discretion
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently assess evidence before granting motions to withdraw information, not merely adopt DOJ resolutions.
Philippine Search Warrants and Territorial Jurisdiction: When Can a Manila Court Order a Search in Cavite
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when courts can issue search warrants outside their territorial jurisdiction.
Exclusivity Clauses in Philippine Contracts: When Are They Valid?
Exclusivity clauses are not automatically invalid restraints of trade in the Philippines. They are enforceable when reasonable and tied to legitimate business interests.
Balancing Property Rights and Law Enforcement: The Release of Seized Goods in Intellectual Property Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the release of seized goods in IP cases, balancing property rights and law enforcement.
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: Lessons from the Marlboro Counterfeit Case
When is a search warrant valid in IP cases? The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in People v. Choi.
Freeport vs Customs Territory: Navigating Importation Laws in Philippine Economic Zones
Supreme Court ruling on EO 156 clarifies that importation bans in customs territory do not automatically apply inside the Subic Bay Freeport.
Power Rates and Public Notice: Why Transparency Matters in Philippine Electricity Regulations
A Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's generation charge increase clarifies when public notice and publication are required for rate adjustments under EPIRA.
Judicial Discretion vs Duty: When Can a Judge Inhibit From a Case?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limits of voluntary judicial inhibition, balancing a judge's discretion against the duty to decide cases.
Shipyards and Public Utilities: Defining National Interest in Corporate Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether shipyards are public utilities requiring 60% Filipino ownership, and its impact on corporate acquisitions.
Executive Power vs Legislative Domain: Defining Reorganization Authority in Philippine Sports Governance
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling on EO 81 clarifies the President's power to reorganize the Executive Branch and transfer agency functions.
Suggestive Identification Taints Conviction: Safeguarding Fair Trials in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court acquits a robbery-homicide convict because a suggestive mug shot tainted eyewitness identification, reaffirming the need for fair trials.
Protecting Trademarks: Infringement and Damages for Similar Designs
Supreme Court clarifies trademark infringement rules, damages, and copyright cancellation for similar arcuate designs on jeans.
Public Bidding vs. Right of First Refusal: Fair Competition in Government Asset Sales
Supreme Court ruling on how the right to top a bid undermines competitive public bidding in government asset sales.