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.
Party-List Nominee Qualifications: Supreme Court Strikes Down Ban on Losing Candidates
The Supreme Court ruled Congress may set party-list nominee qualifications, but struck down the ban on losing candidates as violating equal protection.
Who Can Appeal an Invalidated Appointment? CSC v. Binay Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies who may appeal a disapproved government appointment and why residency and education requirements matter in local posts.
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.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman's Discretion in Public Fund Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's probable cause finding against a mayor for unlawful appointments and graft, underscoring judicial restraint.
Deceptive Recruitment Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Illegal Recruitment AND Estafa Cases
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa based on deceptive recruitment schemes.
Dead Incorporator in Articles of Incorporation: When Misrepresentation Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deceased incorporator in the Articles of Incorporation warrants revocation, and when amendment suffices.
Naturalization in the Philippines: Strict Compliance Required, Even for Refugees
Philippine naturalization demands strict compliance with all legal requirements, as shown by a recent Supreme Court ruling denying a refugee's citizenship application.
Tax Amnesty Scope: When Revenue Regulations Exceed Statutory Authority
Supreme Court ruling on tax amnesty, pending cases, and limits of implementing rules under RA 9480.
Regulating Psychologists: When Professional Standards Meet Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the 100-hour training requirement for psychologists seeking registration without examination under RA 10029.
Upholding Academic Freedom: Supreme Court Limits State Control Over Law School Admissions
The Supreme Court strikes down the PhiLSAT requirement as an unconstitutional intrusion on law schools' academic freedom to admit students.
Estafa by Deceit in Property Sales: Lessons from Dulay v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Dulay v. People clarifies estafa by deceit in property transactions and the buyer's duty to verify ownership.
Understanding Arbitration Awards: Finality and Limited Judicial Review in Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts treat arbitration awards—why finality matters, the limits of judicial review, and key takeaways for parties.
Election Protest Costs: The Supreme Court Ruling on Retention Fees for Election Equipment
The Supreme Court explains why the Senate Electoral Tribunal cannot rule on contract validity in election protest cost disputes.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Chain of Custody
A buy-bust conviction reversed because police failed the chain of custody rule under RA 9165. Learn the required links and witnesses.
Special Administrators in Estate Cases: Residency Matters More Than Citizenship
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that residency, not citizenship, determines who may serve as special administrator in estate proceedings.
Residency Rules for Local Candidates: When Incumbency Defeats a Domicile Transfer Claim
The Supreme Court cancels a governor's COC for false residency declaration, clarifying when an incumbent mayor cannot claim a new domicile.
Proving Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Philippine courts require strict authentication of foreign divorce decrees and the alien spouse's national law before a Filipino can remarry.
Recall of Appointments Without Notice and Hearing: Insights from a Landmark CSC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CSC may recall a civil service appointment without prior notice and hearing, and the limits of good faith.
Probationary Employment Standards: When Vague Job Rules Lead to Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when vague probationary standards make an employee regular, and the consequences for employers who fail to set clear job expectations.
Plea Bargaining and Probation in Philippine Drug Cases: Key Insights from a Landmark Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that probation eligibility depends on the offense of conviction, not the original charge, in drug cases.
Vicarious Liability and Common Carrier Duties: The Mendoza Case Explained
Learn how the Mendoza ruling clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the obligations of common carriers in the Philippines.
Moral Character and Bar Admission: Overcoming Obstacles to Legal Practice
How the Supreme Court weighed pending criminal cases against moral fitness in bar admission, and when a bar applicant may finally take the oath.
Hereditary Succession in Agrarian Reform: Supreme Court Ruling on Tenant Beneficiary Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies how farmholdings under PD 27 pass to heirs, emphasizing DAR's authority over succession and owner-cultivator selection.
Judicial Longevity Pay: Crediting Prior Government Service for Justices and Judges
The Supreme Court ruled that prior OSG service may count toward judicial longevity pay, affecting retirement and salary benefits.