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.
Possession of Fake Currency in the Philippines: Knowledge and Intent Under Article 168
Philippine law punishes possession of counterfeit currency only when knowledge and intent to use are proven. The Supreme Court clarifies this in a recent ruling.
Serious Illegal Detention of Minors: What Philippine Law Says
Serious illegal detention of a minor is a grave crime in the Philippines. Learn the elements, penalties, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Accomplice Liability in Direct Bribery: The Gerunda Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court defined accomplice liability in direct bribery cases, using the Gerunda ruling to explain key legal principles.
Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Intent Matters in Denial of Financial Support Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that willful intent to cause anguish, not mere financial hardship, is required for economic abuse convictions under RA 9262.
Behest Loans in the Philippines: Understanding Anti-Graft Law and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts define behest loans, the role of RA 3019, and why loan repayment does not erase potential graft liability.
Intent to Gain in Theft Cases: Good Faith Ownership Claims Under Philippine Law
Philippine theft law requires intent to gain. Learn how a good faith belief in ownership can defeat criminal charges, citing Amarille v. People.
Grave Misconduct vs. Simple Neglect: When Can Philippine Officials Be Dismissed?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official may be dismissed for grave misconduct and how substantial evidence shapes administrative cases.
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.
Copyright Assignment and Forgery: What the Supreme Court Ruled
A forged Deed of Assignment does not transfer copyright ownership, and using the work anyway can lead to infringement liability.
Probating a Foreign Will in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn the formalities for probating foreign wills in the Philippines, from a landmark Supreme Court case on foreign law proof.
Discernment in Juvenile Justice: Key Lessons from CICL XXX vs. People
Understand how Philippine courts determine a minor's discernment and criminal liability, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in CICL XXX vs. People.
Bunkhouse Residency and Voter Registration: The Bascon Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court affirms that workers living in employer-provided bunkhouses can establish voter residency, provided they meet legal requirements.
Defective Informations and Qualifying Circumstances: Lessons from People v. Pilen
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Pilen clarifies when defective Informations waive objections and how treachery is proven.
When Does a Company Bonus Become a Demandable Right in the Philippines?
Learn when a company bonus becomes a demandable right under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Maternal vs. Coca-Cola Bottlers.
Dishonesty in Government Service: When Is It Grounds for Dismissal?
The Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty in government service warrants dismissal, distinguishing serious, less serious, and simple dishonesty.
Libel in the Philippines: When Posting a Complaint Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of libel, including publication and malice, in a case involving posted criminal complaints.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Magno Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when touching a minor's private parts is lascivious conduct under RA 7610, citing the Magno case.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: The Toledo Construction Ruling
When courts ignore corporate structures to enforce labor judgments, protecting workers from fraudulent asset transfers and evasion.
RA 9262 Protects Women in Same-Sex Relationships: Jacinto v. Fouts Explained
The Supreme Court confirms RA 9262 applies to lesbian relationships, ensuring women in same-sex partnerships receive equal protection from intimate partner violence.
Homestead Patent vs. Implied Trust: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when an implied trust can override a homestead patent under the Public Land Act, and why the case was remanded.
Oral Partition of Inheritance: Proving Verbal Agreements in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when an oral partition of inherited property can override a written extrajudicial settlement, and what evidence is needed.
Residency Requirements for Government Positions: The Binay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court’s ruling in CSC v. Binay clarifies residency rules for local government appointments and why accuracy in your Personal Data Sheet matters.
Reassignment Validity Must Precede Ombudsman Oppression Cases, SC Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CSC must first rule on a reassignment's validity before the Ombudsman can hear an oppression charge.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Trocio Case on Child Abuse
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct under RA 7610, holding a doctor liable for abusing a minor patient.