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.
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.
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.
Public Office as Public Trust: Lessons from the Deputy Ombudsman Administrative Case
The Supreme Court's ruling against a former Deputy Ombudsman clarifies the administrative offenses of neglect, misconduct, and abuse of authority.
DOSRI Violations in Philippine Banking: Lessons from Apolinario v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. People clarifies DOSRI rules, insider lending limits, and director liability in Philippine banking.
The 240-Day Rule Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Full Disability Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule for seafarers' disability claims, explaining when full permanent total disability benefits are due.
Understanding Unlawful Detainee Release: Insights From the Marzan Case
A jail officer who releases a detainee without a court order can face graft charges. The Supreme Court explains why in Marzan v. People.
A Lone Tip Is Not Enough: Probable Cause and Drug Transportation Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug transport accused when warrantless search rested on a solitary tip and chain of custody lapses.
Understanding Share Redemption in Public Utilities: Insights from Philippine Legal Precedents
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on share redemption in public utilities, examining PLDT's preferred share buyback and its legal implications.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employer's Duty to Prove Wage Payments
In FLB Construction v. Trinidad, the Supreme Court reaffirms that employers bear the burden of proving wage payments in labor disputes.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Law: Understanding Marriage Nullity After Tan-Andal
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity as a legal concept in Halog v. Halog, easing proof requirements for marriage nullity under Article 36.
Understanding Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Key Insights From a Landmark Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles, with insights from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property: When a Sale Without Permission Is Void
Learn when a spouse can sell conjugal property without consent in the Philippines, and why such sales are void under the Family Code.
Robbery vs. Direct Bribery: What the Remolano Case Teaches About Due Process
The Supreme Court's Remolano ruling clarifies when extortion is robbery or bribery—and why accurate criminal charges are essential to due process.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Psychological Incapacity as Annulment Ground in the Philippines After Tan-Andal
Understand psychological incapacity as an annulment ground under Article 36, Family Code, as clarified by Tan-Andal and applied in Halog v. Halog.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.
When Can CLOAs Be Cancelled? A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court explains when agrarian reform titles (CLOAs) can be cancelled despite indefeasibility, and which tribunal has jurisdiction.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting: Protecting Minors and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a credible child victim's testimony, despite a five-year delay in reporting and minor inconsistencies.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Terms: Asian Construction vs Mero Structures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when letters between parties create novation, and when an obligation remains unchanged.
Property Claims in Probate: When Philippine Courts Can Decide Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when probate courts can rule on property claims against a decedent's estate, distinguishing money claims from ownership disputes.
Psychological Incapacity Under Philippine Law: The Tan-Andal Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court's Tan-Andal ruling reshapes how psychological incapacity is proven in Philippine marriage nullity cases. Learn what changed.
Social Media Ethics for Judges: Lessons from the Atillo Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Facebook photos clarifies the ethical boundaries judges face when using social media in the Philippines.
Attorneys Fees in Agrarian Reform Cases: Insights from the Supreme Court
When can CLOAs be cancelled in agrarian reform cases? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and the limits of indefeasibility of titles.
Habitual Tardiness in Philippine Government Service: When Is It a Light Offense?
The Supreme Court clarifies when habitual tardiness is a light offense, not a grave one, in a 2021 ruling.