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.
Intelligence and Confidential Funds: Limits on Local Government Spending
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may use intelligence and confidential funds, and the liability of officials who misuse them.
Understanding Due Process in Government Audits: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on an administrative case clarifies due process, misconduct, and penalties for government employees.
Navigating Mootness in Labor Disputes: The Impact of Union Dissolution on Legal Proceedings
When a labor union dissolves mid-litigation, the case may become moot. The Supreme Court explains the doctrine in New World v. New World Renaissance Hotel Labor Union.
Can Laches Bar a Registered Owner’s Right to Recover Property in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court rules that laches cannot defeat a registered owner’s right to recover property under the Torrens system.
Understanding Interest on Final Judgments: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest begins to run on final money judgments against government agencies, protecting property owners' rights.
Understanding the Limits of Medical Benefits for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations may grant medical benefits to employees—and why presidential approval matters.
What a Notarized Deed Must Have: Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling on notarization requirements in a family property dispute, and what it means for heirs and property owners.
Understanding Regular Employment Status and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a worker becomes a regular employee and what constitutes illegal dismissal, using a truck driver's case.
When Can Employers Fire for Loss of Trust? Key Accounts Manager Case Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal of a Key Accounts Manager who falsified documents.
Navigating Libel Jurisdiction: Key Insights From Philippine Supreme Court Rulings on Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Revised Penal Code's venue rules apply to libel committed through radio and television broadcasts.
Property Transactions and Novation: Lessons from East West Banking v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank—or any party—can sue, and why choosing the wrong appeal can end a case.
Bid Withdrawal vs. Not Bidding: The Jaspe Case on RA 9184 and Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between bid withdrawal and simply not bidding under RA 9184, and when BAC members may be liable for grave misconduct.
Intervention in Property Disputes: Lessons from the Supreme Court on Timely Action and Procedure
The Supreme Court explains when intervention in property cases is proper, and why procedural rules still matter even in equitable remedies.
Understanding Refund Obligations for Illegally Disbursed Government Benefits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed benefits, applying the Madera rules on return.
Budget Augmentation Rules: When Government Funds Cannot Be Realigned
The Supreme Court clarifies when agencies may augment budgets from savings, and when officers must refund disallowed amounts.
Obstruction of Justice and the Lawyer's Duty: De Leon v. Luis
A lawyer's failure to report a client with a standing warrant is not obstruction of justice absent clear intent to harbor or conceal.
Cable TV Franchise Tax: What the New Vision Ruling Means for Operators
The Supreme Court ruled that NTC-issued certificates of authority are administrative franchises subject to local franchise tax under the Local Government Code.
Actual Malice in Libel Cases Against Public Figures: Daquer v. People Explained
When can a public official sue for libel? The Supreme Court clarifies the actual malice rule in Daquer v. People.
Estoppel in Mortgage Foreclosures: Protecting Borrowers From Unfair Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner rights in recovery of possession, clarifying when partition is not required before filing ejectment actions.
When Foreclosure Is Valid Despite Pending Labor Case: HSBC v. Galang
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lender may foreclose despite a pending illegal dismissal case, applying debtor-creditor rules.
Easements vs. Taking: Just Compensation for Transmission Line Expropriation
When does an easement of right of way become a taking requiring full just compensation? The Supreme Court clarifies in this landmark case.
Understanding Intent and Chain of Custody in Drug Possession Cases Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a maintenance head of qualified theft, clarifying how intent to gain and possession must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Right to Information vs. Exam Confidentiality: The Antolin-Rosero Ruling
The Supreme Court balances the right to information against exam confidentiality in Antolin-Rosero v. PRC, a landmark 2021 ruling.
Writs of Kalikasan and Continuing Mandamus: Scope and Limits in Philippine Environmental Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when the writ of kalikasan and continuing mandamus apply, and why not every environmental case qualifies.