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.
Public Easements in Land Disputes: Private Rights vs Public Welfare
The Supreme Court clarifies that 3-meter easements along rivers and streams are public property, limiting private landowner rights.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: When a Formal Hearing Is Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that due process in administrative cases does not always require a full formal hearing, as long as the respondent is given an opportunity to be heard.
Age Discrepancies in Statutory Rape: Reassessing Penalties Under Special Laws and the Revised Penal Code
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a child victim's age determines whether an offender is charged with statutory rape or sexual abuse under RA 7610.
When Prescription Stops: Filing Complaints with Prosecutors Under Special Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies that filing a complaint with the prosecutor's office interrupts prescription for special laws like BP 22.
Navigating Philippine Bank Secrecy Laws When Foreign Currency Deposits Can Be Disclosed
The Supreme Court clarifies when foreign currency deposits may be examined under Philippine law, and the limits of bank secrecy.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction: Private vs Public Corporations in the Philippines
When does the Sandiganbayan have jurisdiction over corporate officers? Learn from the Morales ruling on private vs public corporations.
Philippine Red Cross Charter: Understanding Its Unique Legal Status
The Supreme Court explains why the Philippine Red Cross is neither a private corporation nor a government entity, and why its charter remains valid.
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
Cityhood Laws and the Constitutional Criteria for Creating Philippine Cities
The Supreme Court struck down 16 cityhood laws for violating the Constitution's requirement that city creation follow Local Government Code criteria.
Redemption Rights in Tax Sales: When the One-Year Period Starts in Quezon City
The Supreme Court clarifies when the one-year redemption period starts for tax-delinquent properties sold at auction in Quezon City.
Freight Forwarder Liability and the $500 Package Limitation Rule in Shipping Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a freight forwarder becomes a common carrier and the COGSA package limitation rule.
Fresh Period Rule in Administrative Cases: Panolino v. Tajala Explained
When does the Neypes fresh period rule apply? The Supreme Court clarifies it does not govern DENR administrative appeals.
Parking Fees vs Public Access: Reconciling Building Codes and Private Property Rights in Philippine Malls
Supreme Court rules malls may charge parking fees; building codes require spaces, not free access. Property rights prevail.
RTC Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Libel Cases, Even for Public Officers
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts exclusively handle libel cases, regardless of whether the accused is a public officer.
Possession Is Key: Upholding Convictions Despite Warrantless Searches in Forestry Code Violations
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless seizures of lumber are valid and why mere possession without documents is a crime.
Corporate Liability and Bouncing Checks: Clarifying the Scope of B.P. Blg. 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporations cannot be impleaded in B.P. 22 cases, but creditors may still pursue separate civil actions against them.
Sexual Assault Credibility and Victim Rights in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts assess victim credibility in sexual assault cases, safeguard victim rights, and determine proper charges and penalties.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Labor Disputes Involving Government Chartered Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that labor disputes in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters fall under the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Protecting Land Titles: Limits of Agrarian Reform Jurisdiction and Ancestral Land Claims
Supreme Court ruling on DARAB jurisdiction, Torrens title protection, and ancestral land claims under RA 8371.
Private or Public? COA Audit Authority Over Animal Welfare Societies
When is a corporation created by special law a government entity subject to COA audit? The Supreme Court clarifies the test.
Election Offenses and Court Jurisdiction: Defining the Boundaries of Legal Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies which courts have jurisdiction over election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.
Lease or Disguised Sale: Recto Law Protects Lessees in Equipment Financing Agreements
When is a lease really a sale? The Supreme Court explains how the Recto Law shields lessees in disguised financing deals.
Possession of Stolen Cattle and Proof of Guilt in Anti-Cattle Rustling Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how possession of stolen cattle establishes guilt beyond reasonable doubt under the Anti-Cattle Rustling Law.
Prescription of Offenses Under Special Laws: Absence From the Philippines Does Not Suspend the Period
The Supreme Court rules that under Act No. 3326, an accused's absence from the Philippines does not interrupt the prescriptive period for offenses under special laws.