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.
Failure to State vs. Lack of Cause of Action: Key Distinctions in Philippine Property Cases
Learn the crucial difference between failure to state a cause of action and lack of cause of action, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Roa v. Sy.
Navigating Property Disputes: The Importance of Due Process and Property Identification in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies estafa liability for selling property one does not own, emphasizing due process and proper property identification.
Proving Social Media Authorship in VAWC Cases: Key Lessons from G.R. No. 274842
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove authorship of Facebook posts in VAWC cases and raises penalties when ICT is used.
Hot Pursuit Arrests and Drug Evidence: What Adoma v. People Teaches Law Enforcement
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, clarifying the rules on hot pursuit arrests and the chain of custody of seized evidence.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.
When Property Division Follows a Void Marriage: Philippine Supreme Court Guidance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies property division rules after void marriages, protecting parties' rights and ensuring equitable outcomes.
Constructive Dismissal: When Management Prerogative Crosses the Line
Learn when employer actions amount to constructive dismissal and when they are valid management prerogative, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding the Limits of Preliminary Investigations in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal is final and how double jeopardy protects accused persons from repeated prosecution.
Reviving Dormant Judgments: Understanding the 10-Year Window for Enforcement in the Philippines
Learn how long you have to enforce a final judgment in the Philippines, what happens when the 10-year prescriptive period lapses, and how to revive a dormant judgment.
Understanding Statutory Rape: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies statutory rape and qualified statutory rape, penalties, damages, and evidentiary rules under Philippine law.
Understanding Unfair Competition in the Philippines: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A look at unfair competition under the Intellectual Property Code, explained through a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on confusingly similar products.
Lawyer Suspended for Borrowing from Client: Anacay v. Alberto Explained
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for borrowing money from a client without protecting the client's interests, reaffirming strict fiduciary duties.
Spousal Consent in Property Leases: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that leases of common property without written spousal consent are void. Learn the rules and practical safeguards.
Fraud and Writs of Preliminary Attachment: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
When does non-payment of a debt amount to fraud justifying a writ of preliminary attachment? A recent Supreme Court ruling provides clear guidance.
Illegal Dismissal and Substantial Evidence: The Padsing v. Lepanto Case
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Padsing v. Lepanto underscores that employers must prove just cause for dismissal with substantial evidence.
Can Laches Bar a Registered Owner’s Right to Recover Property in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court rules that laches cannot defeat a registered owner’s right to recover property under the Torrens system.
Understanding the Limits of Medical Benefits for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations may grant medical benefits to employees—and why presidential approval matters.
Defending Against Bigamy Charges: Void Marriages and Judicial Declarations
When can a void marriage be a defense in bigamy cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on judicial declarations of nullity.
Understanding Interest on Final Judgments: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest begins to run on final money judgments against government agencies, protecting property owners' rights.
Presidential Approval for GOCC Employee Benefits: Lessons from the PMDC Case
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCCs must secure presidential approval for employee benefits under PD 1597, regardless of charter status.
When Can Employers Fire for Loss of Trust? Key Accounts Manager Case Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal of a Key Accounts Manager who falsified documents.
Bank Liquidation and Bounced Checks: When Receivership Suspends Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains how bank receivership and liquidation affect criminal liability for bounced checks under B.P. 22.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Medical Assessments and Compensati
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and why a company doctor's bare finding of non-work relation is not enough.
What a Notarized Deed Must Have: Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling on notarization requirements in a family property dispute, and what it means for heirs and property owners.