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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Just Cause Termination: Key Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that constructive dismissal and just cause termination are incompatible, reinforcing due process and security of tenure.
Treachery in Robbery with Homicide: The Supreme Court’s Ruling in People v. Juada
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery aggravates robbery with homicide and affirms conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Juada.
Whistleblower Testimony Upholding Administrative Findings in Philippine Corruption Cases
Supreme Court rules a credible whistleblower's lone testimony can support administrative liability in corruption cases against public officers.
Overcoming Inheritance Disputes: How Courts Decide Property Sales Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sale of inherited property among heirs may be voided and the land partitioned equally.
Immutability of Judgments When Finality Prevails Over Claims of Minority in Criminal Cases
When does a final judgment yield to supervening events? The Supreme Court clarifies the exceptions to immutability of judgment.
Forum Shopping in Nullity Cases: One Action for Property Settlement
Filing a separate property case while a nullity case is pending constitutes forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains why.
Deception and Exploitation: Defining Human Trafficking in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a trafficking conviction, clarifying how fraud, deception, and vulnerability define the crime under RA 9208.
Upholding Agrarian Reform: Supervening CLOA Justifies Deviation from Immutability of Judgment
When a final judgment becomes inequitable due to a supervening event like a CLOA issuance, courts may relax the doctrine of immutability of judgment.
Theft vs. Estafa in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and the Horca Case
Theft and estafa differ in possession and deceit. The Horca ruling shows why the distinction matters and how acquittal can still leave civil liability.
Upholding Academic Freedom: Supreme Court Limits State Control Over Law School Admissions
The Supreme Court strikes down the PhiLSAT requirement as an unconstitutional intrusion on law schools' academic freedom to admit students.
When Can a Mother Challenge Child Legitimacy in the Philippines? The Ordoña Ruling
A mother cannot collaterally attack her child's legitimacy under Philippine law. The Supreme Court's Ordoña ruling explains why.
Supreme Court: Online Posts Can Prove Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262
Social media posts can establish psychological abuse under RA 9262, and using Facebook raises the penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how the Cybercrime Prevention Act raises the penalty.
Understanding Preventive Suspension in Philippine Administrative Law: Rights and Remedies
Learn the rules on preventive suspension in Philippine administrative law, including grounds, duration, and the rights of public officers facing investigation.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: Understanding the Nuances in Philippine Law
When does self-defense apply in Philippine criminal law? The Supreme Court explains the fine line between justified killing and criminal liability.
Understanding Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage Annulment: A Guide
A guide to psychological incapacity as a ground for marriage nullity in the Philippines, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in De Silva v. De Silva.