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.
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Sovereign Immunity and Environmental Responsibility: Jurisdiction in the Tubbataha Reef Case
The Supreme Court clarifies sovereign immunity limits and environmental accountability in the USS Guardian grounding at Tubbataha Reefs.
Dismissal for Habitual Absenteeism: Accountability in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for habitual absenteeism, reaffirming that public office is a public trust demanding strict accountability.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Ensuring Signatory Identity and Voluntariness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court reminds notaries public that verifying a signatory's identity and voluntariness is a sacred duty, not a routinary act.
Upholding Accountability Attorney Sanctioned FOR Misleading THE Court AND Obstructing Justice
Supreme Court rules on contempt jurisdiction, residual powers of trial courts, and ministerial duties of court officers in execution pending appeal.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Negligence AND Accountability IN Legal Representation
Supreme Court dismisses judge for gross immorality and suspends him from law practice for three years.
Upholding Search Warrants in Copyright Infringement Cases: Balancing Rights and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may quash search warrants in software piracy cases, and when they must uphold them.
Shared Intent, Shared Guilt: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Homicide Law
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy works in homicide cases—when one acts, all are liable, even without direct participation.
Altered Checks and Bank Liability: Who Pays the Price of Forgery
When a bank clears an altered check, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies liability rules in Areza v. Express Savings Bank.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How Philippine Law Guards Against Evidence Tampering
In People v. Bontuyan, the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction and explained how the chain of custody preserves the integrity of seized drugs.
Deceptive Imitation: Unfair Competition Claims Without Trademark Registration
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld an unfair competition claim against sellers of counterfeit medicated oil, even without trademark registration.
Customs Authority Prevails Jurisdiction Over Goods IN THE Subic Freeport Zone
Supreme Court affirms Bureau of Customs' exclusive jurisdiction over seizure cases in the Subic Freeport Zone.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Is Crucial
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Correcting Civil Registry Entries: Balancing Administrative Efficiency and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when civil registry corrections need courts versus administrative action, protecting legitimacy rights.
No Certificate, No Appeal: Strict Rule on Non-Forum Shopping in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a certificate of non-forum shopping is mandatory for NLRC appeals, and procedural rules will not be relaxed for unmeritorious claims.
When a Heated Argument Is Not "Fighting": A Philippine Labor Law Lesson on Just Cause Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fighting" as a just cause for dismissal requires physical combat, not mere verbal altercations.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Employer Duties in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is legitimate, not labor-only, and who bears employer responsibilities in illegal dismissal cases.
Electoral Law: Defining Prohibited Personnel Actions During Election Periods
Supreme Court clarifies that not every personnel movement during election period is a prohibited transfer or detail under election law.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: When the Value Is Fixed at the Time of Taking
Explains the Supreme Court ruling that just compensation in expropriation is based on property value at the time of taking, not at filing of a later damages suit.
Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.
Just Compensation for Expropriated Property: Value at Taking, Not Later Filing
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for expropriated property is based on value at the time of taking, not at filing of a later damages case.
Court Employee Disciplined for Improper Fee Demands and Unprofessional Behavior
Supreme Court suspends a clerk of court for demanding unauthorized fees and acting unprofessionally toward a litigant seeking court documents.
Attorneys Fees and Ethical Boundaries: When Interest Stipulations Fail in Philippine Loan Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on written interest stipulations, unconscionable rates, and borrower protections under Civil Code Article 1956.
Rape Conviction Based on Circumstantial Evidence: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict for rape, even if the victim was unconscious during the act.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Service Contracts
When does a worker become regular despite project-based contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on security of tenure.