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.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Resolving Territorial Conflicts Between LGUs
The Supreme Court settles the Makati-Taguig territorial dispute, explaining how boundary conflicts between local governments are resolved.
Libel Venue in the Philippines: Where Can a Public Official File a Case?
Learn the rules on libel venue for public officials under the Revised Penal Code, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Mutuality of Contracts and Foreclosure Rights in Philippine Loans
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that void interest stipulations do not invalidate foreclosure when the principal debt remains unpaid.
Management Prerogative vs Constructive Dismissal: When a Transfer Becomes Illegal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer exceeds management prerogative and becomes constructive dismissal, requiring employers to prove genuine business necessity.
Breach of Promise to Marry: Good Faith as a Prerequisite for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a party acting in bad faith cannot recover damages for breach of promise to marry.
Intellectual Disability as a Defense: The Limits of Exemption from Criminal Liability in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when intellectual disability or imbecility exempts an accused from criminal liability, and why it did not apply in this statutory rape conviction.
Regulating Psychologists: When Professional Standards Meet Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the 100-hour training requirement for psychologists seeking registration without examination under RA 10029.
When Can the State Reclaim Private Land? The Rule on Reversion Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies the heavy burden the State must overcome to revert titled private land to public domain.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Law: Proving Unlawful Aggression for Justification
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine criminal law.
Protecting Due Process in Administrative Rulings: The Need for Clear Factual and Legal Bases
The Supreme Court nullified an administrative ruling against an electric cooperative GM for lacking clear factual and legal bases, reaffirming due process.
Corporate Veil and Judgment Execution: Can a Successor Corporation Be Held Liable?
When a judgment debtor's assets pass to another corporation, can the winner enforce the judgment against the successor? The Supreme Court explains.
Customs Jurisdiction and Forum Shopping in Importation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies CTA jurisdiction over customs seizure cases and when forum shopping does not apply in importation disputes.
Psychological Incapacity: No Personal Exam Needed for Marriage Nullity
Supreme Court clarifies that lack of personal examination by a psychiatrist does not invalidate a finding of psychological incapacity under Article 36.
Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts: Upholding Ethical Conduct in Public Service
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of DENR officials for soliciting money under R.A. 6713, reaffirming strict ethical standards for public servants.
Double Titling in the Philippines: How to Protect Your Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle double titling disputes and what property owners can do to protect their rights and avoid legal conflicts.
Power Lines and Public Lands: Supreme Court Clarifies Easements and Just Compensation
The Supreme Court ruled that power lines fall under "similar works" in the Public Land Act, allowing easements on free patent lands with compensation rules.
When Love Turns Abusive: Disbarment for Lawyer's Violence Against Partner and Children
A lawyer was disbarred for physically abusing his partner and her children. Learn the rules on lawyer discipline and violence against women.
Freedom of Expression vs Obscenity: The Limits of Local Ordinances in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when courts may review local anti-obscenity ordinances and why facial challenges face strict limits.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Fair Value for Delayed Government Takings
When the government delays payment in expropriation, landowners are entitled to more than the property's old value—here's why.
How Permanent Protection Orders Affect Spousal and Child Support in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how permanent protection orders under RA 9262 affect spousal and child support, even after marriage nullity.
Product Imperfection Liability: How Consumers Can Demand Replacement Under the Consumer Act
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when defective products must be replaced under the Consumer Act and who bears liability.
Ancestral Domain Disputes Between Same Indigenous Community: NCIP Jurisdiction Explained
When both parties belong to the same indigenous cultural community, the NCIP—not regular courts—has jurisdiction over ancestral domain disputes.
Reconveyance of Land: Protecting Property Rights From Fraudulent Titles in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from government taking without just compensation, and the rules on reconveyance of fraudulently titled property.
Grave Misconduct in Government Procurement: SC Reverses Acquittal of Bataan Officials
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of Bataan officials for grave misconduct in anomalous patrol boat procurement, stressing public trust breach.