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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Employer and Vehicle Owner Liability: Solidary vs. Vicarious Under Philippine Law
When a driver causes an accident, liability depends on presence. Learn the difference between solidary and vicarious liability.
When Is Deadly Force Justified in the Philippines? Police Use of Force Rules
Philippine law on police use of force, deadly force standards, and what the Supreme Court says about justified shootings.
When Does Masturbation in Front of a Minor Constitute Child Abuse Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal boundaries of child abuse under RA 7610, ruling that mere masturbation in front of a minor without proof of severe psychological harm is not enough for conviction
Ethical Boundaries for Court Personnel: Consequences of Soliciting Fees for Favorable Outcomes
Court stenographer dismissed for gross misconduct after soliciting P248,000 from a litigant, promising to fix an annulment case.
Double Jeopardy in Attorney Disbarment: When Is a Lawyer Ineligible for Judicial Clemency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy in disbarment cases and the strict standards for judicial clemency for disbarred lawyers.
Agrarian Dispute vs Qualified Theft: When Courts Must Refer Cases to DAR
The Supreme Court clarifies when criminal cases like qualified theft must be referred to the DAR because an agrarian dispute exists.
When Agrarian Disputes Trump Criminal Cases: The Bacar Doctrine on Automatic Referral
The Supreme Court clarifies when criminal cases like qualified theft must be referred to the DAR, protecting tenant farmers' rights.
Understanding Rape Conviction in the Philippines: Consent Evidence and the Role of Co-Conspirators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rape conviction standards, consent evidence rules, and co-conspirator liability in criminal cases.
Attorney Negligence and Disbarment: Upholding Legal Ethics in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross negligence and deceit, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold the highest standards of integrity and diligence.
Ombudsman's Discretion Upheld: Probable Cause in PNP Procurement Irregularities
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's probable cause findings in anomalous PNP V-150 LAV procurement, clarifying due process and review standards.
When Is a Seafarer's Injury Work-Related? The Arguilles Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when an off-duty injury on board a vessel is compensable, applying the bunkhouse rule and POEA-SEC standards.
Choice of Law Clauses in Cross-Border Contracts: The Standard Chartered Ruling
How Philippine courts resolve conflicting choice-of-law clauses in cross-border contracts, explained through the Standard Chartered Bank v. Philippine Investment Two ruling.
Good Faith Buyers and Title Defects: Lessons from Billote v. Badar
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith buyers, Section 4 Rule 74 annotations, and co-owner sales of undivided shares.
Workplace Sexual Harassment: Defining Boundaries and Protecting Employees in the Philippines
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years over workplace sexual harassment of a junior associate, clarifying professional boundaries.
Loss of Trust in Banking Employment: The Prudent Man Standard for Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the standard for terminating bank employees for loss of trust, balancing employer diligence with employee rights.
Investment Prudence and SSS Officials' Liability in Stock Purchase Decisions
Supreme Court clarifies when SSS officials may be held liable for investment decisions, applying the prudent man standard under the SSS Law.
When a Land Dispute Is Not an Agrarian Dispute: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are civil cases, not agrarian disputes, in DAR v. Lapanday Foods.
When Agrarian Disputes Are Really Contract Cases: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are ordinary contract cases, not agrarian disputes under DAR jurisdiction.
Judicial Accountability: Granting Bail Without Due Process Is Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's dismissal for granting bail without due process illustrates the high standard of judicial competence and accountability in the Philippines.
Psychological Incapacity and Marital Nullity: Spousal Rights and Evidentiary Standards in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies who may file for marital nullity based on psychological incapacity and the evidentiary standards required under Article 36.
Disrespect to the Court: Disbarment for Abusive Language and Unprofessional Conduct
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for abusive language and disrespect toward court officials, affirming high standards of lawyer conduct.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorney Sanctioned for Overreach and Notarial Misconduct
Supreme Court disciplines lawyer for exceeding search warrant limits and notarizing brother's certificate, affirming ethical boundaries.
Accountability in Public Office: Non-Remittance of GSIS Contributions and the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for unremitted GSIS contributions, distinguishing violations of RA 8291 from graft under RA 3019.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Courts Can Depart from DAR Formulas
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on just compensation in agrarian reform, when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas, and why evidence matters.