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.
Undue Influence and the Anti-Graft Act: Protecting Public Officers From Unsubstantiated Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies that violating procurement rules alone does not prove graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Breach of Promise to Marry: Good Faith as a Prerequisite for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a party acting in bad faith cannot recover damages for breach of promise to marry.
Robbery vs. Direct Bribery: What the Remolano Case Teaches About Due Process
The Supreme Court's Remolano ruling clarifies when extortion is robbery or bribery—and why accurate criminal charges are essential to due process.
Billboard Regulations in the Philippines: Permits, Due Process, and the Power Ads Ruling
Learn the legal rules for billboard permits in the Philippines, including the Power Ads case and the due process protections for advertisers.
Inordinate Delay and the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects your right to speedy disposition of cases, explained through the landmark Campa, Jr. v. Paras ruling.
Right to Information vs. Exam Confidentiality: The Antolin-Rosero Ruling
The Supreme Court balances the right to information against exam confidentiality in Antolin-Rosero v. PRC, a landmark 2021 ruling.
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine: When Illegal Searches Taint Evidence in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that evidence from an illegal search cannot be used in administrative proceedings, reinforcing the exclusionary rule's reach.
Understanding Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue hold departure orders and how bail affects an accused person's right to travel.
Right to Access Search Warrant Records: Due Process and Confidentiality in Philippine Law
Philippine courts balance due process rights against informant confidentiality when accused persons seek search warrant records.
Unlocking Justice: The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms the right to speedy disposition of cases, prohibiting the Sandiganbayan from further proceeding after 32 years of delay.
Understanding Estafa in Property Transactions: The Importance of Clear Representations
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling an encumbered property amounts to estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
Navigating Eminent Domain and Franchise Rights: The Battle Over Electricity Distribution in Iloilo City
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of expropriation provisions in R.A. 11212, allowing MORE Power to acquire PECO's distribution system in Iloilo City.
Understanding Freeze Orders Protecting Assets AND Upholding DUE Process IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts issue freeze orders to protect assets and why due process remains essential in asset preservation cases.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, applying the Cagang guidelines.
When a Surety Bond Must Be Honored: Cellpage v. Solid Guaranty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surety is liable despite no written principal contract, and how bank errors affect obligations.
Warrantless Searches and Anonymous Tips: The Sapla Ruling on Police Powers and Privacy Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when police may conduct warrantless vehicle searches and why anonymous tips alone cannot justify intrusive searches.
Obscenity Laws vs. Free Speech: The Madrilejos Ruling on Manila Ordinance 7780
The Supreme Court’s Madrilejos ruling clarifies how Philippine obscenity laws must balance regulation with constitutionally protected free expression.
B.P. 22 and the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability
The Supreme Court pierces the corporate veil in B.P. 22 cases, holding officers personally liable for bouncing checks—but only with proper notice of dishonor.
Retirement Pay Law Prevails Over Company Manual in Optional Retirement Case
Supreme Court rules company retirement plans cannot provide benefits lower than the Labor Code's minimum under Article 287.
Retirement Benefits: Labor Code Prevails Over Inferior Company Plans
Philippine Supreme Court rules company retirement plans cannot provide benefits lower than the Labor Code's minimum under Article 287.
Torrens Title vs. Possession: When a Registered Owner Prevails in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Torrens title prevails over possession claims in accion publiciana cases, reaffirming the indefeasibility of registered land titles.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Father-Daughter Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a father's moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and why conviction stands.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Obligations: Understanding Novation and Continuing Guarantees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan restructuring extinguishes a surety's obligation and the binding effect of continuing guarantees.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases and the Right to Bail: Key Lessons from People v. Tanes
The Supreme Court explains how lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can weaken evidence of guilt and support an accused's right to bail.