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.
Illegal Gambling vs PAGCOR in the Philippines: Where's the Line?
Understand the line between illegal gambling and PAGCOR-regulated gaming in the Philippines, including what makes betting operations lawful.
How to Get an E-Games License in the Philippines from PAGCOR
Learn how to get an e-games license in the Philippines from PAGCOR, including the legal basis, scope, and key steps for applicants.
Estate Tax in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Heirs and Beneficiaries
Learn the Philippine estate tax rules: the 6% rate, deductions, filing deadlines, exemptions, and penalties under the TRAIN Law.
Starting a Business in the Philippines with a Foreign Partner: Legal Structures and Ownership Rules
A practical guide to foreign ownership rules, business structures, and registration steps for Filipino-foreign ventures in the Philippines.
Passion and Obfuscation in Parricide: The Singcol Case and Limits of Self-Defense
The Supreme Court in People v. Singcol clarifies self-defense limits, passion and obfuscation as a mitigating circumstance, and treachery in murder.
When Courts Must Defer to CIAC: The Limited Review of Construction Arbitral Awards
The Supreme Court clarifies the narrow grounds for overturning CIAC arbitral awards, reaffirming judicial restraint in construction disputes.
Upholding Integrity: Lawyers' Duty to Avoid Conflicts of Interest and Maintain Professional Conduct
Supreme Court reminds lawyers of fiduciary duty to clients and firm, ruling on conflict of interest and professional conduct in A.C. No. 13986.
Finality of Judgments: COA Cannot Reverse Absolved Parties' Liability
The Supreme Court rules that the COA cannot reverse a final decision absolving employee-recipients from refunding disallowed benefits, reinforcing finality principles.
When a Lawyer’s Personal Debt Isn’t Professional Misconduct: Palaganas v. Panganiban
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative cases against lawyers are for professional misconduct, not debt collection, in Palaganas v. Panganiban.
Chain of Custody Failures and Election Weapon Bans: Acquittal in People v. Ildefonso
How broken drug evidence chains lead to acquittal and why carrying bladed weapons during elections may not be an offense.
COA’s Limited Role in Enforcing Final Court Judgments on Government Liabilities
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA cannot determine funding sources for final judgments, ensuring government obligations are honored without delay.
Finality of Judgments: Why the CIR's Appeal in CIR v. Script2010, Inc. Was Denied
The Supreme Court denied the CIR's appeal in CIR v. Script2010, Inc., reaffirming that final and executory judgments can no longer be disturbed.
Media Practitioners and Election Law: Balancing Free Speech with Fair Elections
The Supreme Court affirms a radio commentator-candidate's conviction for violating election rules on media practitioners during the campaign period.
Defective Tax Waivers: Supreme Court Voids BIR Assessment Against Telstar
Supreme Court voids BIR deficiency assessment against Telstar due to defective waivers and lack of demand for payment, reinforcing strict rules on prescriptive periods.
Unwarranted Benefits Local Officials Liability FOR Illegal Insurance Agreements IN Pagsanjan
Supreme Court clarifies liability under Section 3(e) for mayors and councilors in illegal insurance contracts without public bidding.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Negligence and Misconduct in PDAF Allocation
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of DSWD official for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in PDAF allocation.
Trade Name vs Trademark: Priority Rights and Protection Under the IP Code
The Supreme Court clarifies when a trade name can defeat a trademark registration, and the limits of priority rights under the IP Code.
Managerial Responsibility in Government Procurement: Defining the Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that GOCC managers, regardless of salary grade, fall under Sandiganbayan jurisdiction for procurement offenses.
Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Clemency for Philippine Lawyers: The Ruiz Case and the Path to Reinstatement
Learn how judicial clemency works for disciplined Philippine lawyers, including the requirements under the CPRA and the landmark Ruiz case.
Notarial Negligence and Misuse of Notarial Seals: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be held liable for misuse of their notarial seals, and when they may not.
Absolute Privilege in Quasi-Judicial Proceedings: The Arquiza Libel Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a party-list nominee of libel, extending absolute privilege to statements in COMELEC quasi-judicial petitions.
When Courts Relax the Rules: Attorney Negligence and Due Process in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when procedural rules may be relaxed to protect workers' right to due process despite counsel's negligence.
When Can COA Demand a Refund of Disallowed Government Employee Benefits?
Learn when the COA can demand refunds of disallowed government benefits and when employees may be excused from returning them.