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.
Residency vs. Domicile in Philippine Elections: The Pundaodaya Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that voter registration and property ownership do not prove election residency, which legally means domicile.
Ballot Integrity Prevails: Rules for Correctly Counting Barangay Election Votes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies appeal fee rules and ballot appreciation standards in barangay election protests, ensuring voter intent prevails.
Collective Bargaining in Education: Balancing Tuition Hikes and Employee Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how RA 6728 tuition fee increments fund employee benefits in collective bargaining disputes.
Implied Consent and Jurisdiction: When Unpleaded Issues Become Part of a Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how unpleaded issues tried with implied consent become part of a case under Rule 10.
Defining Public Officer When Private Sector Representatives Face Graft Charges
Supreme Court ruling on when private sector board members are public officers under the Anti-Graft Law and Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
Entrapment vs Predisposition: How Philippine Courts View Drug Buy-Bust Operations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buy-bust operation is valid entrapment rather than instigation, and how courts weigh police procedures in drug cases.
Acquisitive Prescription: Proving Open, Continuous Possession for Land Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession for land registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Publication Imperative Safeguarding Property Rights in Foreclosure Sales
Supreme Court rules strict publication of foreclosure sale notice is mandatory; failure invalidates sale and subsequent transfers.
Unreliable Identification Conviction Quashed DUE TO Flawed Witness Testimony
Explore how flawed witness testimony undermines drug convictions, examining the Supreme Court's ruling on unreliable identification.
Voluntary Retirement vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Downsizing
When does a retirement package become a forced exit? The Supreme Court clarifies the thin line between voluntary retirement and illegal dismissal.
Balancing Legal Expertise and Technical Skills in Judiciary Qualification Standards
How the Supreme Court revised qualification standards for MISO and PMO chiefs, balancing legal expertise with technical skills.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: When Cost-Cutting Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court explains when retrenchment is illegal: employer must prove losses, use fair criteria, and follow notice rules.
Meralco's Disconnection Rights: Balancing Power Supply and Due Process
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on when a power utility's right to disconnect for pilferage must yield to a consumer's right to due process.
Striking a Balance When Justice Requires Flexibility in Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court explains when courts may relax mandatory procedural rules, using a bank's late pre-trial brief as the case in point.
The Unwavering Testimony Convicting Accused in Robbery With Rape Cases Based on Victim Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, explaining why her word alone can convict an accused.
Citizenship by Election: Untangling the Complexities of Philippine Nationality Law
A look at how the Supreme Court handled a deportation case hinging on a father's belated election of Philippine citizenship under the 1935 Constitution.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When CARL Applies to PD 27 Lands
Supreme Court clarifies when RA 6657 governs just compensation for lands acquired under PD 27, emphasizing fairness to landowners.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring the strict rule on preserving evidence integrity.
Upholding Franchise Agreements: The Limits of Certiorari in Challenging Final Judgments
When can a party challenge a final judgment through certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of Rule 65 petitions in franchise disputes.
IBP Legal Aid Clients Exempted From Court Fees: A New Rule for Access to Justice
The Supreme Court exempts qualified IBP legal aid clients from paying filing, docket, and other legal fees, advancing free access to courts for the poor.
Proximate Cause Prevails: When a Plaintiff's Own Negligence Bars Recovery in Vehicle Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a plaintiff's own negligence as proximate cause bars recovery, even with defendant's contributory negligence.
Equitable Reduction of Liquidated Damages in Construction Delays: Balancing Contractual Obligations and Fairne
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may reduce liquidated damages in construction delay cases, balancing contract terms with equity.
Proximate Cause and Criminal Liability for Unintended Death in the Philippines
When a beating triggers a fatal heart attack, is the attacker liable for homicide? The Supreme Court explains proximate cause under Article 4 of the Revised Penal Code.
When Is Tuberculosis a Work-Related Illness? Seafarer Disability Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tuberculosis is work-related for seafarer disability claims, and the burden of proof on the seafarer.