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.
Search Warrants and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What the Posada Ruling Teaches
The Supreme Court upholds drug convictions, clarifying search warrant validity, chain of custody rules, and constitutional safeguards under RA 9165.
Untimely Appeal: The Perils of Procedural Lapses in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how missing the 60-day appeal period in labor cases can cost a party the case entirely.
Personnel Actions and the Courts: When CSC Jurisdiction Yields to Judicial Review
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may hear personnel actions involving public officers despite CSC jurisdiction.
How Marital Status Determines Property Ownership in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains how marital status affects property ownership, co-ownership rules, and the validity of selling property without spousal consent.
Clerks of Court Upholding Fiscal Responsibility and Timely Remittances of Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court holds court personnel accountable for delayed fund remittances, imposing fines for neglect of duty.
Clerk of Court Authority: The Fine Line Between Administration and Judicial Overreach
A clerk of court added a phrase to a writ beyond the judge's order. The Supreme Court explains why that was judicial overreach.
Demolition Orders and Due Process: Key Lessons from the Alangdeo Case
The Supreme Court invalidated a demolition order in Alangdeo v. City Mayor of Baguio, reinforcing due process and legal safeguards for property owners.
Writ of Amparo Not a Shield for Deportation: Mison v. Gallegos
The Supreme Court clarifies that the writ of amparo covers only extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, not ordinary immigration detention.
Prejudicial Question and Corporate Authority: When Estafa Proceedings May Be Suspended
Explains when a prejudicial question suspends estafa proceedings, focusing on corporate authority and demand validity under Philippine law.
Upholding Workers Rights Interpreting Employment Contracts IN Favor OF Labor
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability becomes total and permanent, and how CBA conflict-resolution clauses bind the parties.
Lawyer's Neglect of Appeal Brief: When Courts Dismiss Disbarment Cases
A lawyer who lets an appeal lapse violates the Code of Professional Responsibility, but death of the respondent can end the case.
Protecting Workers Employers Faulty Systems Cannot Justify Employee Penalties
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot penalize workers for systemic failures beyond their control.
Indispensable Parties in Loan Disputes: The Land Bank v. Cacayuran Rule
Why failing to implead an indispensable party voids court rulings in loan agreement disputes, explained through Land Bank v. Cacayuran.
Barangay Settlement Enforcement: MCTC Jurisdiction and the 10-Day Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified enforcement of barangay amicable settlements, including MCTC jurisdiction and the binding 10-day repudiation period.
Liberal Interpretation of Appeal Rules in Administrative Cases: The Neypes Fresh Period Rule Limitation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Neypes fresh period rule applies only to judicial appeals, not administrative appeals like those before the Office of the President.
When Fit-to-Work Assessments Prevail: Seafarer Disability Claims Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work declaration prevails over a seafarer's chosen doctor in disability claims.
Notarial Misconduct: Scope of Authority and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' ethical duties in notarial practice and the scope of their authority in Davao Import Distributors v. Atty. Landero.
Transparency in Election Surveys: Balancing Free Speech and Fair Elections
The Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to require disclosure of election survey funders, including subscribers, under the Fair Election Act.
Consolidation of Actions Ensuring Orderly Justice in Land Title Disputes
When two cases share a common issue, courts may consolidate them to avoid conflicting rulings and ensure orderly justice.
Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Damages in Roque v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and awards temperate damages when receipts are missing.
Upholding Stockholder Rights Jurisdiction In Intra Corporate Disputes Involving Sequestered Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies that intra-corporate disputes involving sequestered firms belong to the RTC, not the Sandiganbayan.
When Public Interest Meets Private Contracts: The SM Land v. BCDA Ruling on Development Projects
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies cannot cancel accepted unsolicited proposals by invoking public interest, upholding contractual obligations.
COA Auditors Barred From Agency Benefits: Nacion v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA's discipline of auditor who received bonuses, housing, and car loans from audited agency MWSS.
Suspension of Arraignment, DOJ Review, and the Right to Speedy Trial in Copyright Cases
Explaining when courts may suspend arraignment pending DOJ review and how delay affects the right to speedy trial in copyright infringement cases.