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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Cockfighting Operations License As A Privilege And The Absence Of A Cause Of Action
License to operate a cockpit is a mere privilege, not a property right. No cause of action exists without a legal right.
Navigating Libel Law: Probable Cause and Privileged Communication in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause for libel is a prosecutor's call, and privileged communication is a trial defense.
Parental Privilege vs. Right to Testify: Scope in Philippine Law
When can a parent refuse to testify? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of parental and filial privilege in Philippine law.
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest Are Not Violated
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's use of client information and representation of a former client's adversary does not breach professional ethics.
Lost Appeals When Negligence Bars Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an appeal for failure to file brief on time, stressing that the right to appeal is a mere statutory privilege.
Judicial Accountability Negligence VS Simple Misconduct IN Handling Delayed Cases
A sheriff’s misuse of the franking privilege drew a fine, while a letter about flag ceremony attendance was not misconduct.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Examining the Boundaries of Confidentiality and Professional Duty
A disbarment case clarifies when attorney-client privilege exists and why courts defer to pending civil cases.
Pawn Tickets and Documentary Stamp Tax: Understanding Pledge Agreements and Taxable Privileges
The Supreme Court rules pawn tickets are subject to documentary stamp tax as proof of exercising the taxable privilege of entering into a pledge contract.
Executive Privilege vs Senate Inquiries: The Neri Doctrine on Presidential Communications
The Supreme Court upholds presidential communications privilege in Senate inquiries, balancing executive confidentiality against legislative oversight powers.
Trade Secrets vs Discovery: Balancing Business Confidentiality and Legal Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when trade secrets are privileged from compulsory disclosure in civil discovery proceedings.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Redemption and the Privilege to Practice Law
The Supreme Court grants a disbarred lawyer's plea for reinstatement after 15 years, explaining the standards for return to the bar.
Understanding Privileged Communication in Philippine Libel Law: The Alcantara Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protects statements made during preliminary investigations from libel claims through the doctrine of privileged communication.
Market Stall Leases No Vested Right Against City's Regulatory Power
Stall leases in public markets are privileges, not vested rights, so local governments may impose new occupancy rules under police power.
Legislative Inquiry vs Executive Privilege: The PCGG Testimony Case
The Supreme Court ruled PCGG officials must testify before Senate inquiries, striking down Section 4(b) of E.O. No. 1 as unconstitutional.
Defamation and the Limits of Public Interest: Protecting Private Individuals From Unjustified Scorn
When does public interest end and defamation begin? The Binay case clarifies the limits of privileged communication in libel.
Attorney-Client Privilege vs Disclosure Mandates in Marcos-Era Asset Recovery
Supreme Court clarifies when attorney-client privilege yields to disclosure mandates in recovering Marcos-era ill-gotten wealth.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: Defining the Limits of Presidential Power
The Supreme Court struck down E.O. 464's blanket ban on executive officials appearing before Congress, clarifying the proper scope of executive privilege in legislative inquiries.
Executive Privilege in the Philippines: When Can the President Withhold Information? Ermita v. Senate Explaine
The Supreme Court's ruling in Ermita v. Senate defines the limits of executive privilege and Congress's power of inquiry in the Philippines.
Protecting Client Confidences: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties without full disclosure and written consent. This case explains the rule and its penalties.
Navigating Libel in the Philippines: Defamation, Privileged Communication, and Free Speech
Understand Philippine libel law through a landmark case—what defamation requires, when privileged communication applies, and the penalties involved.
How Minority Affects Criminal Liability: The Larrañaga Case on Privileged Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority lowers penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflict of Interest in Disbarment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be disciplined for representing conflicting interests, even across different cases and clients.
Defamation vs. Press Freedom: Balancing Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Journalists v. Thoenen clarifies when media cannot claim privilege for defamatory reports about private individuals.
Court Personnel Cannot Use Official Position to Send Private Demand Letters
Supreme Court rules court employees who send private demand letters using court letterheads and franking privileges commit simple misconduct.