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.
Re-Election and Criminal Liability: Why Public Officials Can Still Face Suspension for Past Misdeeds
Re-election does not erase criminal liability. The Supreme Court clarifies preventive suspension still applies to public officials for prior-term offenses.
Perfecting CAR Sales Contracts IN THE Philippines Understanding Buyer Rights AND Seller Obligations
Learn when a car sale contract is perfected in the Philippines, buyer rights, and seller obligations from the Xentrex Automotive case.
Alibi vs Victim Testimony in Philippine Rape Cases: Supreme Court on Burden of Proof
The Supreme Court explains why alibi fails against positive victim testimony in rape cases, citing People v. Sumampong.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Formal Hearings Are Mandatory for Elected Officials
The Supreme Court rules that administrative cases against elected officials require formal hearings, not just position papers, to satisfy due process.
Lumber vs. Timber: What Illegal Logging Laws Mean for Your Business
The Supreme Court ruled that lumber is timber under Philippine forestry law. Know what documents you need to avoid illegal possession charges.
Withdrawal of an Administrative Complaint: Does It Auto-Dismiss Cases Against Court Personnel?
Withdrawing an administrative complaint against court personnel does not automatically end the case. The Supreme Court explains when dismissal is proper.
When Should a Judge Inhibit: Safeguarding Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges must voluntarily inhibit to protect judicial impartiality, explained in plain language.
Broadcasting Public Service: Understanding the Government's Right to Comelec Time
The Supreme Court upheld Section 92 of the Omnibus Election Code, requiring broadcast stations to give free air time to the COMELEC during elections.
Proving Marriage and Filiation in the Philippines When Documents Are Missing
How Philippine courts allow proof of marriage and filiation through witnesses, baptismal certificates, and other evidence when official records are lost.
Fair Trial or Biased Judge: When a Trial Judge's Questions Are Proper in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's clarificatory questions during trial are proper and do not prove judicial bias.
Counterclaims After Complaint Dismissal: Philippine Rules Explained
Learn when counterclaims survive dismissal of the main complaint under Philippine civil procedure, based on the Fletcher Challenge case.
Immediate Execution in Ejectment Cases: Why Delaying Tactics Won't Work
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces immediate execution in ejectment cases and why delaying tactics like motions for reconsideration won't stop a writ.
Implied Trusts in Philippine Property Law: When a Titleholder Is Not the True Owner
Learn how implied trusts work under Philippine law, the gift presumption for children under Article 1448, and key lessons from Morales v. Court of Appeals.
Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a transferee recruitment agency can be held liable for illegal dismissal of an overseas worker.
Litis Pendentia in the Philippines: Stopping Duplicate Lawsuits
Learn when Philippine courts dismiss duplicate lawsuits for litis pendentia, the requisites, and how to prevent splitting a cause of action.
Prosecutorial Discretion vs Court Authority: Navigating Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the balance between prosecutorial discretion and judicial authority in dismissing criminal cases after information is filed.
Ballot Authentication: How Missing BEI Signatures Affect Election Validity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unsigned ballots are spurious, and how voter intent prevails over technical omissions.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences for Judges Delaying Case Resolutions
Learn how Philippine courts penalize judges for delayed case resolutions, with rules on fines, retirement benefits, and judicial accountability.
When Can You Dismiss an Employee for Misconduct: Loss of Trust and Confidence Explained
Learn when Philippine employers can validly dismiss employees for loss of trust and confidence, and why criminal acquittal doesn't bar termination.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: When a Defendant Can Protect Property Rights
Learn when a defendant can register a notice of lis pendens in the Philippines, even without a registered title, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Service of Summons: How to Ensure Valid Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Learn how defective substituted service of summons can invalidate court jurisdiction, using the Toyota Cubao v. Guevarra ruling as a guide.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Regular Employment and Due Process in Termination
Learn how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal when employers fail to prove just cause and observe due process.
Mortgage Contracts and Future Advances: Understanding the Scope of Security in Philippine Law
When does a real estate mortgage cover future loans beyond the stated amount? The Supreme Court explains in Quintanilla v. RCBC.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations: When Philippine Courts Can Hear Your Case
Philippine courts cannot assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations not doing business in the country, even in collection suits involving local parties.