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.
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Zoning vs Vested Rights: When Local Ordinances Clash With National Policy
Supreme Court rules on Quezon City zoning ordinance vs Manila Seedling Bank's usufructuary rights over national government property.
Lawyer Negligence and Client Funds: Supreme Court Suspends Attorney for Two Years
A lawyer who neglects a client's case, ignores demands for updates, and keeps client funds faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Simple Misconduct in Philippine Courts: Consequences and Employee Benefits
A judge's office closure during work hours led to simple misconduct liability and clarified rules on benefits eligibility in the judiciary.
Navigating Government Procurement: Avoiding Liability in Disallowed Transactions
Learn how the Supreme Court held BAC members liable for flawed procurement, and how to avoid audit disallowances.
Enforced Disappearance Safeguarding Rights Under THE Writ Of Amparo In The Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope and remedies under the writ of amparo, reinforcing protections against enforced disappearances.
Sheriff's Duty in Writ Execution: Avoiding Neglect and Misconduct
A sheriff who delays writ execution and receives litigant money faces administrative liability, as shown in this 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
VAT Zero-Rating for Hotel Services to International Airlines: The Manila Peninsula Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when hotel accommodations for international flight crews qualify for VAT zero-rating under the NIRC.
Inordinate Delay and Insanity Defense in Philippine Criminal Cases: Insights from People v. Ragudo
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Ragudo clarifies insanity defenses and qualifying circumstances in Philippine criminal cases.
COA Disallowances When ARE Government Officials Personally Liable TO Refund
Supreme Court clarifies when government officials must refund disallowed benefits, distinguishing approving officers from mere recipients.
Presidential Power vs Individual Rights: Amnesty Revocation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on amnesty revocation, due process, and the limits of presidential power in the Trillanes cases.
When Judges Overstep Authority: Due Process in Execution Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies judicial authority in execution proceedings, dismissing administrative charges against a judge while reminding litigants of proper remedies.
Patent Infringement in the Philippines: How Claims Define Protection
Philippine patent infringement hinges on claim interpretation. The Supreme Court's Tuna Processors ruling clarifies direct and indirect infringement.
When Can a Mayor Order Demolition Without a Court Order? The Altarejos Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a mayor's power to order demolition without court intervention, reinforcing due process and property rights.
Defying Court Orders Consequences OF Disobedience IN THE Philippine Justice System
The Supreme Court clarifies that repealing a penal law does not erase criminal liability when the offense is reenacted, affirming a child pornography conviction.
Annulment of Judgment: Protecting Your Rights When Due Process Is Violated
When a court rules against a deceased party, the judgment may be void. Learn how annulment of judgment protects due process rights.
Estafa Acquittal: Why a Faulty Information Violates Due Process in the Philippines
A flawed information can lead to acquittal in estafa cases. Learn how the right to be informed shapes criminal due process in the Philippines.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: When Flawed Identification Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits an accused when eyewitness identification is unreliable. Learn the totality of circumstances test and key safeguards.
Employer Interference and Unfair Labor Practices: The SCIPSI Ruling on Union Dues
When an employer withholds union dues under a CBA check-off, it is unfair labor practice—not an intra-union dispute—vesting jurisdiction in the Labor Arbiter.
Undue Delay in Court: When a Judge Is Liable and What the Consequences Are
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's delay in resolving motions becomes administrative liability, and the penalties under the amended Rule 140.
Child Trafficking Conviction Upheld: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Villaria
The Supreme Court affirms life sentences for eight counts of qualified trafficking in persons, clarifying that a child victim's consent is irrelevant.
Rape Convictions and the Burden of Proving Qualifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like relationship must be alleged and proven beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases.
Notarial Practice Consequences: Improper Notarization in the Philippines
A lawyer who notarizes a document with a forged signature and without the signatory's presence faces suspension and loss of notarial commission.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Medical Abandonment and Its Consequences in the Philippines
When a seafarer fails to complete required medical treatment and re-evaluation, the right to disability benefits may be forfeited. The Supreme Court explains.
Zero-Rated VAT on Manning Services: When a Foreign Principal Is Not "Doing Business" in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign shipping company receiving manning services from a Philippine agency is not in the Philippines.