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.
GSIS Housing Loans and Insurance: Protecting Heirs' Rights After a Borrower's Death
A Supreme Court ruling on GSIS housing loans clarifies when Sales Redemption Insurance applies and how heirs can save a deceased borrower's property from cancellation.
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.
Simple Misconduct vs. Grave Misconduct: A Philippine Government Accountability Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in Aragon-Mabang v. Ombudsman, a landmark 2024 ruling on public officer liability.
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.
Social Media Conduct and Lawyer Discipline: Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's Facebook post shows how social media conduct can lead to contempt and disciplinary action.
Attorney Disciplinary Action: When Offensive Social Media Posts Lead to Disbarment Risk
Learn how a lawyer's Facebook post accusing the Supreme Court of "judicial tyranny" led to contempt and disciplinary action under the CPRA.
When Is an Accusation Enough? Conspiracy and Probable Cause After the Pastor Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a co-accused's confession can establish conspiracy and probable cause, and when it cannot.
Unlawful Detainer: Tenant Rights and Obligations in the Philippines
A tenant cannot deny the landlord's title, and procedural rules in ejectment cases must be strictly followed.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: Nullifying COA Decisions for Undue Delay
The Supreme Court nullified COA decisions after an 11-year delay, reaffirming the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Construction Disputes: Why an Arbitration Agreement Is Crucial in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CIAC cannot take construction disputes unless the parties agreed to arbitration. Learn the key rule.
Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Election Overspending Case Due to COMELEC Delay
SC nullifies COMELEC resolutions in election overspending case, ruling that the poll body's six-year delay violated the right to speedy disposition.
SEC Quasi-Legislative Power: When Courts Can Review Agency Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review SEC regulations and why injunctions against the agency were improper in the PSE voting rights case.
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.
Construction Arbitration: When Non-Signatories Are Bound by Arbitration Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when non-signatories to a construction contract can be bound by its arbitration clause, clarifying CIAC jurisdiction.
3G Frequency Allocation and the NTC's Regulatory Discretion: Lessons from Next Mobile v. NTC
The Supreme Court affirms the NTC's broad discretion in allocating 3G frequencies, clarifying the limits of judicial review over technical regulatory decisions.
Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Learn why authenticated arbitration agreements are jurisdictional requirements for enforcing foreign arbitral awards in Philippine courts, as ruled in Manis Shipping.
Third-Party Claims in Labor Disputes: Protecting Assets from Wrongful Levy
Learn how the Supreme Court protects third-party asset owners from wrongful levy in labor dispute executions, and the proper remedies available.
Speedy Disposition Rights: How Delay Can Dismiss Your Illegal Recruitment Case
Learn how inordinate delay in resolving illegal recruitment cases can violate constitutional rights and lead to dismissal.
Easements and Eminent Domain in the Philippines: MMDA’s Limits After Diamond Motor
The Supreme Court limits MMDA’s power to impose easements, balancing flood control with private property rights and just compensation.
When Does a Lawyer's Suspension Start? SC Clarifies Constructive Notice
The Supreme Court rules that a lawyer's suspension can begin upon constructive receipt of the decision when the lawyer's whereabouts are unknown.
Can a Subcontractor Sue the Project Owner Directly? CIAC Jurisdiction Explained
Subcontractors can claim unpaid amounts from project owners under Article 1729, but the dispute must go through CIAC arbitration, not regular courts.
When "Or" Creates Uncertainty: The Perils of Imprecise Language in Qualified Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that an Information charging qualified rape must precisely allege the qualifying relationship—not state it in the alternative using raped a 16-year-old victim.
PAO Conflict of Interest Rule Upheld: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court upheld Section 22, Canon III of the CPRA, limiting conflict of interest imputation among PAO lawyers. Learn the implications.