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.
Child Abuse vs Slight Physical Injuries: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a teacher's discipline of a child is child abuse or only slight physical injuries under Philippine law.
Ancestral Land Claims in Baguio City: Prior Rights and the Limits of IPRA
The Supreme Court clarifies that Certificates of Ancestral Land Claim do not establish ownership in Baguio City under IPRA.
Ancestral Land Claims in Baguio City: CALCs Are Not Proof of Ownership
The Supreme Court clarifies that Certificates of Ancestral Land Claim do not confer ownership over Baguio City lots, which remain governed by the city charter.
Cyber Libel and Retroactivity: When Facebook Posts Escape Criminal Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that pre-2012 Facebook posts cannot be prosecuted as cyber libel under the Revised Penal Code.
Cyber Libel Retroactivity: When Online Posts Before RA 10175 Are Not Punishable
The Supreme Court clarifies that Facebook posts made before the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 cannot be prosecuted as cyber libel.
When Check Kiting Becomes Graft: Bank Officers and the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court explains when check kiting by bank officers and clients becomes a violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Protecting Children's Dignity: When Words Wound and the Law Responds
Supreme Court rules that humiliating a child violates the Civil Code and can make offenders liable for damages.
Untrue Statements in Securities Registration: The Caliraya Springs Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a projected completion date in a securities registration statement becomes an actionable untrue statement under the Securities Regulation Code.
Condonation Doctrine: Limits on Administrative Liability for Re-elected Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine's scope, applying it only to elected officials re-elected before April 12, 2016.
Choice of Law Clauses in Cross-Border Contracts: The Standard Chartered Ruling
How Philippine courts resolve conflicting choice-of-law clauses in cross-border contracts, explained through the Standard Chartered Bank v. Philippine Investment Two ruling.
Lawyers as Dummies in Land Deals: Ethical Breach and Unauthorized Practice
SC suspends lawyer for two years for helping a corporation circumvent free patent rules and for practicing law while mayor.
Dishonesty and Neglect of Duty: Consequences for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's cash shortages clarifies the penalties for dishonesty and gross neglect of duty.
When Media Interviews Can Lead to Indirect Contempt: The ABS-CBN v. Ampatuan Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the sub judice rule and when media interviews of witnesses may constitute indirect contempt.
Perpetual Disqualification: When Does It Take Effect in Philippine Law?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office takes effect under Philippine law.
Online Libel Penalties in the Philippines: Fine or Imprisonment After Soliman
The Supreme Court clarifies that online libel may be punished with fine only, not just imprisonment, and explains how to compute the penalty.
Attorney Misconduct When Negligence AND Deceit Lead TO Disbarment IN THE Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how notarizing without a commission violates the Lawyer's Oath and Code of Professional Responsibility, warranting disbarment.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Discipline for Lawyers
Learn the disciplinary consequences for Philippine lawyers who notarize documents without a valid commission, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Lawyers Serve Two Masters: Ethical Violations in Land Deals and Public Office
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer-mayor for helping circumvent land ownership rules and practicing law while in public office.
Understanding Gross Neglect of Duty: A Landmark Ruling on Public Officials' Responsibilities
Explore the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on gross neglect of duty and what it means for public officials' responsibilities in the Philippines.
Good Faith Buyers and Title Defects: Lessons from Billote v. Badar
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith buyers, Section 4 Rule 74 annotations, and co-owner sales of undivided shares.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: Evidence From Illegal Arrests Inadmissible
Supreme Court acquits accused after ruling that evidence seized from invalid warrantless arrests is inadmissible under the exclusionary rule.
NTC Power to Regulate Telecom Exclusivity: Bonifacio Communications v. NTC
The Supreme Court affirms NTC jurisdiction over telecom infrastructure providers, striking down exclusivity arrangements that hinder fair competition.
When Courts Can Overrule Prosecution Objections in Drug Case Plea Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may approve plea bargaining in drug cases despite prosecution objections, remanding cases for proper evaluation.
Enforcing a Philippine Judgment: Time Limits, Property Levies, and Revival
Learn the 5-year rule for executing judgments in the Philippines, how to revive a dormant judgment, and what property a sheriff can levy.