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.
Final Judgments in Lawyer Discipline: Why They Cannot Be Reopened
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's bid to reopen his case, reaffirming the doctrine of finality of judgment.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties: Demaala v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using ICT raises the penalty.
Election Controversies Determining Jurisdiction In Proxy Validation Disputes
When a proxy dispute affects director elections, regular courts—not the SEC—have jurisdiction. Learn the rule from this case.
Work-Related Injury Death After Contract Compensable Claim
Supreme Court rules death benefits are payable when a seafarer's work-related injury causes death after contract termination due to medical repatriation.
Seafarers Heart Disease Proving THE Link Between Work AND Illness FOR Disability Benefits
A seafarer's stroke was ruled work-related and compensable. Learn how the Supreme Court proved the link between work and illness.
Surety Bonds and Execution Pending Appeal: What Lawyers Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when execution pending appeal may run against a surety and how far the bond covers damages.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: The Imminent Danger of Insolvency Standard
When can a judgment be executed before appeal is final? The Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard and a surety's exposure on an injunction bond.
Execution Pending Appeal and Surety Liability: Lessons from Centennial Guarantee v. Universal Motors
Explaining when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal and how a surety's liability on an injunction bond is limited.
Judicial Accountability: Supreme Court Sanctions Judge for Grave Misconduct and Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court holds judge liable for grave abuse of authority, misconduct, and insubordination despite his resignation, affirming judicial accountability.
No-Build Zones and National Permits: What Aquino v. Malay Means for Developers
The Supreme Court ruled that a DENR permit does not override local no-build zone ordinances. Here's what developers must know.
When a Judge Serves as Attorney-in-Fact: A Cautionary Tale on Judicial Impropriety
The Supreme Court reminds judges that serving as attorney-in-fact for non-family members violates the Code of Judicial Conduct and constitutes impropriety.
Residency Redefined: Upholding Election Results Despite Challenges to Candidate's Domicile
The Supreme Court clarifies residency rules for local candidates, upholding John Henry Osmeña's win as Toledo City mayor despite domicile challenges.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying Time Records and the Limits of Leniency
Court personnel who falsify time records commit dishonesty, a grave offense. The Supreme Court explains when leniency may apply.
Closure Due to Losses: Employer's Duty and Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Understand the rules on closure due to business losses, including employer obligations and employee rights in termination cases.
The Weight of Silence: Accomplice Liability in Kidnapping for Ransom
When does silence and serving food make someone an accomplice to kidnapping for ransom? The Supreme Court explains.
Habitual Absenteeism in Public Service: Upholding Efficiency and Accountability
The Supreme Court dismisses a process server for habitual absenteeism, reaffirming that public office is a public trust demanding efficiency and accountability.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over broken chain of custody, stressing Section 21 compliance for seized evidence integrity.
The Duty of Disclosure: Honesty in Seafarer Employment Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling on how concealing a pre-existing illness in a seafarer's PEME can bar disability claims, even when the 3-day reporting rule is excused.
Customs Broker Accreditation Struck Down: Redundant Licensing Under the Customs Brokers Act
Supreme Court nullifies BOC accreditation requirement for customs brokers, affirming PRC's exclusive regulatory power under RA 9280.
Habeas Corpus and Child Custody: Where to File and When a Court Has Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that a habeas corpus writ for child custody is enforceable across the entire judicial region, not just the city where filed.
Malversation Through Falsification: Upholding Accountability in Philippine Public Office
A BIR agent's conviction for malversation through falsification shows how Philippine courts penalize public fund misappropriation and enforce restitution.
Pre-Trial Representation: When a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
Learn why the Supreme Court requires a Special Power of Attorney for pre-trial representation, and how lacking one can lead to default.
Real Party in Interest: Who Can Sue in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies the real party in interest rule in G.R. No. 205179, explaining who may properly bring suit.
When a Blessing Becomes an Illegal Marriage Ceremony: The Ronulo Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a priest's blessing of a couple without a marriage license becomes an illegal marriage ceremony under Article 352 of the Revised Penal Code.