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.
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.
Certiorari Without Motion for Reconsideration: Exceptions Under Rule 65
Learn when Philippine courts allow a direct petition for certiorari without a prior motion for reconsideration, based on the PAL-PESALA case.
Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Fraud and the One-Year Rule Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens title indefeasibility, the one-year fraud review period, and why titles from public land patents become incontrovertible.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine: How Civil Court Rulings Can Halt Graft Cases in the Philippines
Explaining the prejudicial question doctrine in Philippine law and how a civil case ruling can suspend or halt criminal graft proceedings.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: Intent, Validity, and the Valerio Case
Learn how Philippine courts decide simulated contracts by examining party intent, absolute vs. relative simulation, and the Valerio ruling.
Protecting Your Inheritance: Co-Ownership and Prescription in Philippine Property Law
Learn how Philippine law protects co-owners from prescription and laches, and the rules on legal redemption when a co-heir sells property.
When Does A Workplace Aggravate A Pre-Existing Condition Understanding Employees Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when workplace conditions aggravate pre-existing illnesses and how this affects employees' compensation claims in the Philippines.
Second Marriages and SSS Death Benefits: Why Court Decisions Matter
The Supreme Court rules on whether the SSS can disregard a court declaration of presumptive death when awarding death benefits.
When Duty Turns Deadly: Justifiable Force and Homicide in Philippine Law
A police officer shot a man during a routine check. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and performance of duty fail.
Quasi-Delict Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
Employee Dismissal: Gross Negligence and Loss of Trust in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when gross negligence and loss of trust justify employee dismissal, and when they do not.
Default Doesn't Mean Victory: Why Plaintiffs Still Need Evidence in Philippine Courts
A default order doesn't guarantee a win. Philippine courts still require plaintiffs to prove their case by preponderance of evidence.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Foreclosure on Multiple Properties: Mortgage Indivisibility and Writ of Possession in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine law handles foreclosure of multiple mortgaged properties in different locations and the rules on writ of possession.
Power Back On: Your Rights to Electricity Reconnection in the Philippines
When can a power company cut your electricity, and can you get it restored? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies your rights.
Filing Administrative Cases Against Judges: When Is a Judge Liable for an Unjust Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court explains when judges face administrative liability for erroneous rulings and the duty to answer complaints.
Final Judgment in Philippine Courts: Why It's Nearly Impossible to Change and What It Means for You
A final and executory judgment is immutable. Learn why courts can't modify it, the narrow exceptions, and what this means for property owners.
Habeas Corpus and Mootness: When Release Ends a Petition in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a detainee's release renders a habeas corpus petition moot, with practical guidance.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Negligence AND Upholding Client Trust IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for gross negligence, explaining counsel's duties of fidelity, diligence, and proper withdrawal under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Good Faith as a Defense in Philippine Election Offenses: The Garcia Case
When can good faith excuse an election officer's error? The Garcia ruling explains intent in vote canvassing offenses under RA 6646.
Court Personnel Extortion: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court ruling on court employee extortion and misappropriation of court documents, explaining penalties under the new Code of Conduct.
Maintaining Decorum: Why Respectful Language Is Non-Negotiable for Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's Molina v. Pacific Plans ruling clarifies how a manager's disrespectful conduct and disloyalty can justify dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Res Judicata in Philippine Land Expropriation When Prior Judgments Bar Reversion Claims
Explaining when prior final judgments bar reversion claims in expropriation cases, citing Republic v. Yu (G.R. No. 157557).