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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Property Dispute Jurisdiction: Assessed Value of the Contested Area, Not the Whole Lot
Philippine courts decide property dispute jurisdiction by the assessed value of the specific area in question, not the entire property. Learn the rule.
Perpetuation of Testimony: Balancing Due Process and Preventing Fishing Expeditions
The Supreme Court clarifies when perpetuation of testimony is allowed, protecting due process and barring fishing expeditions.
Red-Tagging and the Writ of Amparo: Protecting Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when red-tagging can justify a writ of amparo, reversing a trial court's outright dismissal of an activist's petition.
Jurisdiction and Due Process: When Courts Cannot Act Without Serving Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts acquire jurisdiction over respondents and why proper service of notice is essential to due process.
Understanding Special Leave Benefits for Women: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the procedural requirements for special leave benefits for women, emphasizing the importance of the three-day notice rule in motions.
Foreclosure Publication Rule: Why Missing the Notice Voids the Sale
Failure to publish a foreclosure notice under Act No. 3135 is a jurisdictional defect that invalidates the sale, as Baclig v. Rural Bank of Cabugao shows.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: What You Need to Know
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman has jurisdiction over officials of GOCCs without original charters, expanding anti-graft oversight.
Attorney Disbarment When Online Conduct Violates Professional Ethics in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when government lawyers face disbarment for official acts under new CPRA guidelines.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: When a Dismissed Judge Can Be Forgiven
The Supreme Court explains the rules on judicial clemency and when a dismissed judge may recover retirement benefits.
Attorney Disbarment When Dishonesty AND Neglect Lead TO Loss OF Legal License
The Supreme Court disbarred Atty. Lorenzo Gadon for profane, misogynistic language against a journalist, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold dignity in public and private life.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Mismanaging Judiciary Funds: A Cautionary Tale
A clerk of court was dismissed for gross neglect, misconduct, and serious dishonesty after failing to remit and misappropriating judiciary funds.
Employee Theft in the Philippines: Legal Consequences and Prevention
A Supreme Court ruling on a court clerk who stole PHP 277,000 explains the legal consequences of employee theft in the Philippines and how employers can prevent it.
Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Court Clerk for Theft of Court Funds
Court personnel who steal from court collections face dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from public office.
Grave Misconduct vs. Simple Neglect: When Can Philippine Officials Be Dismissed?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official may be dismissed for grave misconduct and how substantial evidence shapes administrative cases.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Firearm Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of illegal firearm possession, clarifying the limits of warrantless searches and the right against unreasonable searches.
Divorce Initiated by Filipinos Abroad: Recognizing Foreign Divorce Decrees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that Filipino spouses can obtain and seek recognition of foreign divorce decrees, reversing a lower court ruling.
When Dismissal Fails Due Process: The Lapanday Foods Ruling on Valid Termination
Explore the Supreme Court's Lapanday Foods ruling on illegal dismissal, the twin notice rule, and what employers must prove to validly terminate employees.
Mandamus and Local Governance: Ensuring the Operation of Newly Created Provinces in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that newly created provinces must not be left without officials, compelling the BLGF to process appointments.
Combating Human Trafficking: The State's Burden to Prove Trafficking for Prostitution
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of qualified human trafficking for prostitution, emphasizing that actual sexual intercourse is not required for conviction.
Final and Executory Judgments: The Doctrine of Immutability in Philippine Courts
Once a judgment becomes final and executory, courts cannot revisit it. Learn the doctrine of immutability, its exceptions, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Consequences for False Notarization and Misrepresentation
A lawyer who notarized a deed without the seller's presence and made untruthful statements in court faces suspension, fine, and notarial disqualification.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
When Judges Are Sued for Judicial Acts: The Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be held administratively liable for erroneous orders, and when complaints are harassment.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspects: Strict Chain of Custody Still Required
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because police failed to justify why the inventory was not done at the arrest site. Learn the rule.