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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Preterition in Philippine Wills: When Omitting a Compulsory Heir Invalidates Inheritance
Learn how preterition—omitting a compulsory heir—can annul a will's heir institution under Philippine law, with insights from Trinidad v. Trinidad.
Undue Delay in Court: When a Judge Is Liable and What the Consequences Are
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's delay in resolving motions becomes administrative liability, and the penalties under the amended Rule 140.
Navigating Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Understanding the Limits and Safeguards
The Supreme Court clarifies when plea bargaining is allowed in drug cases, the trial court's discretion, and the protection of double jeopardy.
Child Trafficking Conviction Upheld: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Villaria
The Supreme Court affirms life sentences for eight counts of qualified trafficking in persons, clarifying that a child victim's consent is irrelevant.
Construction Arbitration: When Non-Signatories Are Bound by Arbitration Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when non-signatories to a construction contract can be bound by its arbitration clause, clarifying CIAC jurisdiction.
Protecting Children: Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when child trafficking is qualified, why force or coercion need not be proven, and what this means for prosecutions.
Theft vs Qualified Theft: Why the Wording of the Information Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when abuse of confidence elevates theft to qualified theft, and why the information must allege grave abuse.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Credible Testimony and Medical Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony and medical evidence establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When Death Ends a Case: Exhumation Dispute and the Rules on Party Substitution
A family exhumation dispute ends without a merits ruling after the petitioner dies and heirs decline substitution, clarifying Rule 3, Section 16.
When a Sale Among Heirs Can Be Voided: PD 27 and Simulated Land Transfers
Learn when a sale of agrarian reform land among heirs is void under PD 27, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dela Cruz v. Dumasig.
Installment Land Sales in the Philippines: Buyer Rights and Contract Reinstatement
Learn how the Supreme Court protects installment buyers' right to reinstate contracts under the Maceda Law.
Alias Writs of Execution: When Can a Second Debt Collection Attempt Be Stopped?
Learn the rules on alias writs of execution in the Philippines, the limited grounds to oppose them, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Surety Bonds and Arbitration: When Is a Surety Bound by an Arbitration Agreement?
A surety may be bound by an arbitration clause in a construction contract if the bond incorporates that contract by reference.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Work-Related Illness and Employer Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the disputable presumption of work-relatedness for seafarer death benefits under the POEA-SEC, shifting the burden of proof to employers.
Attorney’s Lien vs. Client’s Rights: When Can a Lawyer Withhold a Passport in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of an attorney’s retaining lien, ruling that lawyers cannot withhold a client’s passport or other essential documents.
Rape Convictions and the Burden of Proving Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like relationship must be alleged and proven beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases.
Chain of Custody and the Saving Clause in Philippine Drug Cases
When a flawed drug bust still stands: the saving clause under Section 21, RA 9165, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
One-Year Ban on Appointments for Losing Candidates: Understanding the Restrictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the one-year constitutional ban on appointing losing candidates to government posts, including contractual engagements.
Shariah Court Misconduct: Administrative Liability After Retirement Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court held a retired Shariah judge and clerk liable for neglect and prejudicial conduct under Rule 140.
Attorney Disbarment for Notarial Misconduct and Ethical Breaches in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred Atty. Elmer Dela Rosa for selling a client's property without consent and notarizing a document with deceased signatories.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth and Lease Contract Validity
Supreme Court rules Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over lease contract nullity involving alleged ill-gotten wealth, affirming state ownership of Paoay properties.
Employee Misconduct and Termination: Understanding Just Cause in the Philippines
When does employee misconduct justify termination in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on serious misconduct and just cause.
Notarial Practice Consequences: Improper Notarization in the Philippines
A lawyer who notarizes a document with a forged signature and without the signatory's presence faces suspension and loss of notarial commission.
CSC Can Act on PDS Misrepresentation Despite Prior NAPOLCOM Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CSC may pursue eligibility-related administrative cases despite a prior NAPOLCOM ruling on the same facts.