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.
Theft vs. Estafa in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and the Horca Case
Theft and estafa differ in possession and deceit. The Horca ruling shows why the distinction matters and how acquittal can still leave civil liability.
Upholding Academic Freedom: Supreme Court Limits State Control Over Law School Admissions
The Supreme Court strikes down the PhiLSAT requirement as an unconstitutional intrusion on law schools' academic freedom to admit students.
When Can a Mother Challenge Child Legitimacy in the Philippines? The Ordoña Ruling
A mother cannot collaterally attack her child's legitimacy under Philippine law. The Supreme Court's Ordoña ruling explains why.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how the Cybercrime Prevention Act raises the penalty.
Supreme Court: Online Posts Can Prove Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262
Social media posts can establish psychological abuse under RA 9262, and using Facebook raises the penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: Understanding the Nuances in Philippine Law
When does self-defense apply in Philippine criminal law? The Supreme Court explains the fine line between justified killing and criminal liability.
Understanding Preventive Suspension in Philippine Administrative Law: Rights and Remedies
Learn the rules on preventive suspension in Philippine administrative law, including grounds, duration, and the rights of public officers facing investigation.
Public Office as Public Trust: Lessons from the Deputy Ombudsman Administrative Case
The Supreme Court's ruling against a former Deputy Ombudsman clarifies the administrative offenses of neglect, misconduct, and abuse of authority.
DOSRI Violations in Philippine Banking: Lessons from Apolinario v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. People clarifies DOSRI rules, insider lending limits, and director liability in Philippine banking.
The 240-Day Rule Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Full Disability Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule for seafarers' disability claims, explaining when full permanent total disability benefits are due.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Psychological Incapacity as Annulment Ground in the Philippines After Tan-Andal
Understand psychological incapacity as an annulment ground under Article 36, Family Code, as clarified by Tan-Andal and applied in Halog v. Halog.
Robbery vs. Direct Bribery: What the Remolano Case Teaches About Due Process
The Supreme Court's Remolano ruling clarifies when extortion is robbery or bribery—and why accurate criminal charges are essential to due process.
Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property: When a Sale Without Permission Is Void
Learn when a spouse can sell conjugal property without consent in the Philippines, and why such sales are void under the Family Code.
Defective Vehicle Refund and Manufacturer Liability Under the Consumer Act
Supreme Court ruling clarifies consumer refund rights for defective vehicles and manufacturer liability under RA 7394, with administrative fines reinstated.
Can Heirs Challenge a Sale of Conjugal Property Made Without Spousal Consent?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent is voidable, and who may challenge it.
Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory SOCE Filing Deadline, Balances Rule of Law with Equity
The Supreme Court ruled COMELEC gravely abused discretion in extending the SOCE filing deadline, but applied the operative fact doctrine.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.
Social Media Ethics for Judges: Lessons from the Atillo Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Facebook photos clarifies the ethical boundaries judges face when using social media in the Philippines.
When Can CLOAs Be Cancelled? A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court explains when agrarian reform titles (CLOAs) can be cancelled despite indefeasibility, and which tribunal has jurisdiction.
When Filing Two Property Lawsuits Is Not Forum Shopping: The Hocorma Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing both an ejectment case and a collection suit over the same property does not constitute forum shopping.
Redundancy in Philippine Employment: When a Valid Termination Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Learn when redundancy is valid in Philippine labor law, and how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal disguised as redundancy.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Terms: Asian Construction vs Mero Structures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when letters between parties create novation, and when an obligation remains unchanged.
New Mayor’s Power to Withdraw Predecessor’s Motion: Berces v. CSC
Can a new mayor withdraw an administrative appeal filed by a predecessor? The Supreme Court clarifies succession, finality, and misconduct rules.