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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Psychological Violence and Child Abuse: Defining the Boundaries of Harm Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when repeated abuse becomes psychological violence under RA 9262 and how child sexual abuse is penalized under RA 7610.
Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell: A Supreme Court Ruling on Ownership, Breach, and Forum Shopping
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is really a contract to sell, and warns against forum shopping in property disputes.
Reinstatement Wages After Illegal Dismissal: The 'Final Reversal' Rule Explained
When must employers pay reinstatement wages after an illegal dismissal ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the "final reversal" rule in Del Monte Land Transport.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over GOCC Managers: Procurement Delay Case
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over GOCC managers regardless of salary grade, in a government procurement delay case.
Supreme Court Acquits Barangay Official in Graft Case, Clarifies Elements of Section 3(c) RA 3019
The Supreme Court acquits a barangay kagawad of graft, clarifying the elements of Section 3(c) of RA 3019 and the importance of substantial justice over technical rules.
Upholding Moral Standards: Dismissal for Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
Court personnel face dismissal for gross immorality, even in private life, as the Supreme Court reaffirms exacting ethical standards.
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.
Lawyer Suspended Five Years for Negligence, Dishonesty in Handling Client's Annulment Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer five years and orders PHP 810,000 fine for mishandling client funds and filing defective petition.
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.
Defective Information in VAWC Cases: When Lack of Specificity Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a VAWC accused because the Information failed to allege mental or emotional anguish, a crucial element under Section 5(i) of RA 9262.
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.
Unlawful Detainer vs Forcible Entry: Key Distinction in Property Possession Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between unlawful detainer and forcible entry, and why tolerance must exist from the start of possession.
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.
Government Procurement: When Can Bids Be Rejected Under RA 9184
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of the Head of Procuring Entity’s power to cancel bids under RA 9184’s reservation clause.
Upholding Agrarian Reform When Can a Final Judgment Be Overturned
The Supreme Court explains when a final judgment can be overturned, applying exceptions to immutability in an agrarian reform case.
Qualified Trafficking: Protecting Children From Sexual Exploitation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms life sentences for traffickers who sexually exploited a minor, clarifying the law on qualified trafficking in persons.
Graft Conviction Overturned: Undue Injury and Burden of Proof Under RA 3019
When does a procurement violation become graft? The Supreme Court clarifies undue injury and the burden of proof under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Executive Order 30 on Energy Projects: Balancing Streamlined Permits and Environmental Rights
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for challenging executive issuances on energy projects, environmental rights, and the scope of judicial review.
Who Can Annul a Bigamous Marriage in the Philippines? SC Explains
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the aggrieved or injured innocent spouse may petition to nullify a bigamous marriage—not the guilty party.
Quo Warranto in the Philippines: Challenging an Official's Right to Hold Office
Learn how quo warranto actions challenge an elected official's qualifications in the Philippines, including deadlines, venues, and key Supreme Court rulings.
CIAC Jurisdiction: When a Contract Is Not a Construction Contract
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC jurisdiction requires an actual construction contract, not merely plans or surveys for future projects.
Boundary Disputes and Local Government Authority: Caloocan v. Malabon
Supreme Court clarifies that boundary disputes between LGUs must first go through sanggunian settlement before courts can intervene.
Good Faith Defense for Security Guards in Illegal Firearm Possession Cases
Supreme Court acquits security guard who relied on Duty Detail Order, ruling good faith is a valid defense in illegal firearm possession cases.