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.
Capital Reduction Rules in the Philippines: What Shareholders Should Know After Metroplex v. Sinophil
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for reducing corporate capital stock under Section 38 of the Corporation Code, and limits SEC review.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Guide to Ensuring Evidence Integrity
Learn how Philippine courts apply the chain of custody rule in drug cases, using People v. Somira as a guide.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Human Trafficking: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Cas
The Supreme Court explains the elements of illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons in a case involving a worker bound for Beijing.
Illegal Arrests and the Ombudsman's Role: What the Somira Drug Case Teaches
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies buy-bust arrests, chain of custody, and why the Ombudsman matters in drug cases.
Understanding Intent in Child Abuse Cases: The Role of Specific Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires specific intent for child abuse convictions. Learn how courts determine criminal intent in these sensitive cases.
Amending Defective Criminal Charges: The Lazaro Doctrine on Procedural Flexibility
Learn how Philippine courts amend defective criminal charges to prevent dismissal on technicalities, based on Lazaro v. People.
Regular vs. Fixed-Term Employment: Key Lessons from Site for Eyes v. Daming
The Supreme Court ruled that repeated fixed-term contracts cannot defeat regular employment status. Learn the key lessons from this landmark case.
Estafa and Falsification: How RA 10951 Changed Penalties in Philippine Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how RA 10951 reduced penalties for estafa and falsification, affecting sentencing and probation eligibility.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Independently Verify Land Valuation
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot simply adopt Land Bank's valuation in agrarian cases but must independently determine just compensation.
Understanding Consent and Force in Rape Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies force, threat, intimidation, and the "sweetheart theory" in rape convictions under Article 266-A of the RPC.
Novation in Philippine Estafa Cases: When Settlements Prevent Criminal Liability
Learn when amicable settlements can extinguish criminal liability for estafa under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sorongon v. People.
Protecting Privacy and Security: Understanding the Writ of Amparo in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that the writ of amparo protects families of suspected rebels from surveillance, upholding privacy and spousal privileges.
Arbitration Awards and Judicial Review: The Adapon Case on Enforceability in the Philippines
Philippine courts may only vacate arbitral awards on limited grounds. The Adapon case clarifies the scope of judicial review.
Seafarer Claims and Agency Transfers: What the Supreme Court Ruled
Learn how agency transfers affect seafarer liability claims, including the original manning agency's continuing responsibility under Philippine law.
Understanding the Elements of Rape and the Power of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling explains the elements of rape and why a credible victim's testimony can be enough to convict.
Security Guard Negligence and Damnum Absque Injuria: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on security agency liability, negligence, and the principle of damnum absque injuria, explained for property owners and agencies.
Treachery vs. Abuse of Superior Strength: Key Ruling in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how treachery absorbs abuse of superior strength in murder cases, and why self-defense claims fail against positive identification.
Employer Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for unremitted SSS contributions, damages, and penalties under the Social Security Act.
Navigating Land Reversion: Who Can Legally Challenge Property Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may file reversion cases to cancel titles over public lands, and why government agencies cannot act alone.
Proper Party in Reversion Cases: AFAB v. F.F. Cruz and State Ownership of Public Lands
When can a government agency sue to cancel titles over public lands? The Supreme Court clarifies reversion actions and real party in interest rules.
Understanding Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue hold departure orders and how bail affects an accused person's right to travel.
Loan Agreements and Interest Rates: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may impose penalty charges and compound interest under loan restructuring agreements.
Property Rights vs. Military Reservations: The Balmaceda Case on Void Titles
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on why titles tracing back to cancelled certificates cannot defeat the government's claim over military reservations.
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.