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.
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The Limits of Judicial Review: Safeguarding Congressional Authority in Budget Allocations
A 2012 Supreme Court ruling on PDAF shows how courts respect congressional budget power and the limits of taxpayer suits.
Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines: When Client Trust Is Betrayed
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who mortgaged and sold a client's property using a forged power of attorney, underscoring the high ethical standards required of Philippine attorneys.
Quorum Quandaries: When Does a Presiding Officer Count in Local Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a vice-mayor counts for quorum in local sanggunian sessions under the Local Government Code.
Authority to Sue: Why Corporate Resolutions Matter in Forum Shopping Certifications
The Supreme Court explains why a corporation's complaint can be dismissed when the certification against forum shopping lacks proof of board authority.
When a Judge's Side Business Crosses the Line: Lessons from Luarca v. Molato
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's involvement in a spouse's business becomes an administrative offense, and what judges must avoid.
Upholding Corporate Rights When a Mortgage Is Made Without Board Authority
A corporation can annul a mortgage executed by officers without board authority. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on derivative suits and amendments.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 240-Day Rule and Company-Designated Physicians
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 240-day rule on seafarer disability claims and the binding weight of company-designated physician assessments.
Eminent Domain: Public Use Prevails Over Private Business Interests in Expropriation
Supreme Court nullifies RTC orders denying expropriation of private lots for state university, reaffirming eminent domain for public use with just compensation.
Control Test Decides Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Charlie Jao v. BCC Products Sales Inc. explains the control test and four elements determining employer-employee relationship.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: HLURB Primary Jurisdiction in Land Use Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that land use permit disputes must first be filed with HLURB before courts can intervene.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction After 31 Years of Service
Supreme Court rules repeated rehiring in construction projects can convert project employment into regular employment with security of tenure.
Protecting Land Rights Clarifying Alienation and Free Patents Under the Public Land Act
Supreme Court clarifies when free patent land can be alienated, distinguishing true transfers from mere corrections of title errors.
Government Funds and Legal Claims: Understanding COA's Jurisdiction Over UP
Supreme Court clarifies that money claims against UP must first be filed with the Commission on Audit before execution can proceed.
Chain of Custody Is Key: How Mishandling Evidence Can Overturn Drug Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police broke the chain of custody. Learn the rules under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Supreme Court Clarifies Control Test in Proving Employer-Employee Relationship
The Supreme Court affirms that control over an employee's conduct is the decisive test in determining employer-employee relationships in labor disputes.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Negligence and Misuse of Funds
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, client funds, and the duty of diligence in Philippine legal practice.
Treachery in Criminal Law: How Intent and Sudden Attack Shape Murder Convictions
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies killing as murder, requiring deliberate, sudden attack leaving victim no defense.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: Lessons from a Disbarment Case on Attorney Negligence
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence, client funds, and the duty to return unearned fees—key lessons for clients.
Upholding Public Trust Accountability FOR Clerks OF Court IN Handling Judiciary Funds
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's suspension for mishandling judiciary funds, emphasizing public accountability and strict compliance with deposit rules.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Credibility of a Child Witness in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining how such evidence can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Burden of Proof in Estafa and Homicide: Why Hearsay Evidence Fails to Establish Guilt Beyond a Reasonable Doub
The Supreme Court explains why positive identification by credible witnesses outweighs bare denial and hearsay in criminal cases.
Sheriff Fined for Overstepping Authority in Writ Implementation and Expense Handling
A sheriff who gave occupants three months to vacate, delayed reports, and took unapproved fees was fined P20,000 for neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming.
Guilt by Circumstance: Conviction in Rape-Homicide Through Indirect Evidence
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for rape with homicide, and how the composite crime is defined.
PDIC Insurance: Defining Deposit and Protecting the Depositing Public
Supreme Court rules inter-branch fund transfers are not insurable deposits under the PDIC Charter, clarifying deposit insurance scope.