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.
Philippine Oil Deregulation Upheld: Supreme Court Defers to Market Freedom and Congress
The Supreme Court upheld oil deregulation under RA 8479, ruling that price controls are policy choices for Congress, not constitutional requirements.
Age of Consent in the Philippines: Why the Sweetheart Defense Fails in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape cases involving victims under 12, and why the sweetheart defense cannot defeat a prosecution.
Partnership vs Sale: Key Differences in Philippine Joint Venture Agreements and Property Contributions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property transfer is a partnership contribution, not a sale, and the legal consequences.
Piece-Rate Workers Can Be Regular Employees: The Lambo v. NLRC Ruling
How the Supreme Court ruled that piece-rate tailors are regular employees entitled to full labor rights under Philippine law.
Philippine Appellate Procedure: Why Courts Can't Go Beyond What's Appealed
A judge's error in ejectment execution illustrates the limits of appellate jurisdiction and the duty of courts to stay within what is appealed.
Deadlines Matter: Upholding Judicial Efficiency and Timely Justice in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days and file extension requests before deadlines. Learn the rules.
Fishermen Are Not Field Personnel: Service Incentive Leave for Sea-Based Workers
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that supervised fishermen are not "field personnel" and are entitled to service incentive leave under Philippine law.
Court Personnel Extortion: When Demanding Money for Court Records Is Gross Misconduct
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter who extorted money from a litigant shows how the judiciary polices its own and what conduct merits dismissal.
Strict Deadlines in Ejectment Cases: Why Missing the Answer Deadline Can Cost You Your Property in the Philipp
Learn how missing answer deadlines in ejectment cases can cost you your property, and understand the due process protections that may still apply.
Barangay Appointments: Why Sangguniang Barangay Approval Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a Punong Barangay cannot appoint or replace barangay officials without Sangguniang Barangay approval.
When Can You Sue a Building Official: Error vs. Bad Faith in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when building officials can be sued for graft—error of judgment is not enough; bad faith must be shown.
Individual Proof IS KEY IN Illegal Dismissal Cases Understanding Employee Status IN Philippine Labor LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on regular vs. seasonal employment and why individual proof is required in illegal dismissal claims.
Article 125 and the Proper Judicial Authority: Filing Before the MTC Stops the Detention Clock
Filing a complaint with the MTC counts as delivering a detainee to the proper judicial authority under Article 125, even without trial jurisdiction.
Managerial vs. Supervisory Employees: Unionization Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn how Philippine law distinguishes managerial from supervisory employees and why misclassification can block unionization rights.
When Judges Are Held Liable for Gross Ignorance of the Law in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for gross ignorance of the law, setting standards for judicial competence and accountability.
Moral Damages for Unfounded Lawsuits in the Philippines: What the Law Says
Winning a baseless lawsuit does not automatically entitle you to moral damages. Learn the rules from Expertravel v. CA.
Intent Is Key: Understanding Kidnapping Laws in the Philippines and Deprivation of Liberty
Learn how Philippine courts determine intent in kidnapping cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a child abduction case.
Safeguarding Suffrage When CAN Philippine Elections GO Manual
When can Philippine elections shift from automated to manual counting? The Supreme Court explains in Loong v. COMELEC.
Sheriffs Duty to Enforce Court Decisions Without Unnecessary Delay
A sheriff's ministerial duty to execute final judgments is explained through an administrative case on dereliction of duty.
Understanding Contracts of Sale vs Contracts to Sell in Philippine Property Law
Learn the key differences between contracts of sale and contracts to sell under Philippine law, and why the distinction matters for property buyers and sellers.
The 90-Day Rule for Judges: What It Means for Speedy Justice in the Philippines
The 90-day rule requires Philippine judges to decide cases promptly. Learn how it works, what happens on delay, and the lessons from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Union Dues and Employee Rights: Ensuring Legal Check-Offs in the Philippines
Philippine law on union dues check-off explained: what employees must know about authorized deductions, consent, and their rights under labor rules.
Red Flags and False Promises: How to Spot Illegal Recruiters in the Philippines
Learn how to spot illegal recruiters in the Philippines through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Hernandez, with practical red flags and legal remedies.
Consent Is Key: Why the Sweetheart Defense Fails in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a supposed love affair cannot justify rape, and why consent must be proven, not assumed.