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.
Stockholder Rights to Corporate Records Survive SEC Revocation, SC Rules
Supreme Court affirms that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records continues even after SEC registration is revoked, upholding criminal liability of officers who refuse access.
Sheriffs Must Enforce Court Orders: Ministerial Duty and Accountability in the Philippines
When a sheriff refuses to enforce a writ, the judgment becomes a hollow victory. This case clarifies the sheriff's ministerial duty and the consequences of failing to perform it.
Jurisdiction in Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Cases: Protecting Migrant Workers
The Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for illegal recruitment and estafa cases, protecting migrant workers' access to justice.
Government Contracts and Due Process: The Limits of Lowest Bidder Rights
A lowest bidder has no automatic right to a government contract. Learn the limits of bidder rights in public procurement.
Moral Ascendancy in Statutory Rape: Redefining Intimidation in Familial Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that moral ascendancy replaces force or intimidation in rape by a common-law father, protecting minor victims.
Defective Free Patent Prior Occupation Nullifies Land Title
A free patent obtained over land already occupied by a school is void for fraud, and the title it produces cannot defeat prior possession.
Due Process in Reproductive Health: FDA Must Hear Opposition to Contraceptives
The Supreme Court ruled that the FDA must observe due process—notice and hearing—when certifying contraceptive drugs, affirming the remand in the RH Law case.
Navigating NCIP Jurisdiction in Indigenous Peoples Rights Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP has jurisdiction over ancestral domain disputes and when regular courts take over.
Project Employees Remain Non-Regular Despite Repeated Rehiring: Herma Shipyard Case
Supreme Court clarifies that project employees performing necessary tasks and repeatedly rehired do not automatically become regular employees.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Delay and Due Process in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the balancing test for inordinate delay in preliminary investigations, affirming that prosecutors must justify delays.
Project Employees vs Regular Employees: When Contracts Determine Labor Status
Supreme Court clarifies when project-based employees remain project employees despite repeated rehiring and performing tasks necessary to business.
Protecting Conjugal Property DUE Process IN Summons AND Third Party Claims
BIR Assessments Without a Letter of Authority Are Void for Lack of Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court voids BIR deficiency assessments issued without a Letter of Authority, and clarifies HMO gross receipts for VAT.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Acquittal IN Rape Case Hinges ON Consensual Circumstances
When a Father's Denial Fails: Qualified Rape and Damages in People v. Mendoza
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of a father, clarifies force need not be proven in incestuous rape, and increases damages.
When a Forged Sale Is Void: Reimbursement, Accession, and Heirs' Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies what happens when a forged deed of sale is voided, including heirs' liability, refunds, and the rules on buildings built in bad faith.
Dismissal With Just Cause Still Requires Procedural Due Process: Ortiz v. DHL
A valid dismissal needs both substantive and procedural due process. Learn the twin notice and hearing rules from Ortiz v. DHL.
Unlawful Detainer When Initial Objection Voids A Claim OF Tolerance
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, lease renewal options, and binding successors-in-interest in property law.
Successor Government Agencies Bound by Prior Lease Agreements: Key Lessons from PMO v. PIC
When a government agency takes over another's assets, it also inherits lease obligations. The Supreme Court explains why.
Government Contracts Enforceability AND THE Necessity OF Legal Requirements
A look at when government contracts are binding and why strict legal requirements matter for enforceability in the Philippines.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Proving Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains what it takes to prove self-defense and defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
When BIR Assessments Become Final: Why Taxpayers Must Act on Unchallenged Notices
Understand why unchallenged BIR assessments become final and executory, and what taxpayers must do to protect their rights.
When a Bank's Deposit of Rent Is Not Valid Consignation: PNB v. Chan
The Supreme Court explains why depositing disputed rent in a savings account is not valid consignation, and the consequences of delay.
Balancing Autonomy and Oversight: Defining Eligibility in the Public Attorney's Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the jurisdiction of the CSC and CESB over third-level positions, ruling on PAO eligibility requirements.