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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SALN Disclosure: Defining the Scope of Assets and the Limits of Prosecutorial Discretion
A look at Bariata v. Ombudsman, which clarifies what must be declared in a SALN and when the Ombudsman's dismissal of charges stands.
Renewable Energy Incentives Registration IS KEY TO VAT Zero Rating
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that renewable energy producers must register with the DOE to enjoy VAT zero-rating on power sales.
Possession Rights Balancing Property Sales AND Building Occupation
Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer of land can keep occupying a building pending title issuance, and when attorney's fees are unwarranted.
Forum Shopping Intent and Good Faith in Intra-Corporate Disputes
When does filing multiple cases become forum shopping? The Supreme Court clarifies that intent matters in Quiambao v. Sumbilla.
Police Misconduct Excessive Force: SC Upholds Dismissal of PO2 in Fatal Shooting
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a police officer for grave misconduct after fatal shooting, clarifying limits of law enforcement authority.
SEC Investigations and Due Process: What the Supreme Court Said in Tengco
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC investigation lapses do not strip courts of jurisdiction over Securities Regulation Code violations.
Stop-and-Frisk Searches in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
Learn when Philippine police may legally conduct stop-and-frisk searches, what limits apply, and your rights during such encounters.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Courts Can Depart from DAR Formulas
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on just compensation in agrarian reform, when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas, and why evidence matters.
Default Orders and Affidavit of Merit: Lessons from Far East Fuel v. Airtropolis
A default order can be lifted only with an affidavit of merit and proof of excusable negligence. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Lawyer Disbarred for Breach of Trust in Sale of CARP-Awarded Land
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P100,000 for selling clients' CARP-awarded land without consent, violating fiduciary duties.
Disbarment for Gross Immorality: Marital Infidelity and the Lawyer's Duty of Good Moral Character
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross immorality and marital infidelity, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the Philippine Bar.
Balancing Fidelity and Moral Conduct: Attorney Discipline for Extramarital Affairs in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross immorality in an extramarital affair, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for the bar.
Lawyer Misconduct When Dishonesty Leads To Disbarment IN THE Philippines
A lawyer who issues worthless checks and reneges on obligations may face disbarment, especially if a repeat offender.
Lawyer Disbarred for Gross Misconduct and Neglect of Client Interests
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who failed to file client's appeal and misused funds, citing repeated violations of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Disbarment for Defiance: Upholding Family Support and Integrity in the Legal Profession
A lawyer's deliberate evasion of court-ordered family support and use of false addresses leads to disbarment in this landmark ruling.
Breach of Trust When Court Personnel Exploit Position FOR Personal Gain
When a lawyer misappropriates client funds and neglects a case, the Supreme Court may impose the ultimate penalty of disbarment.
When Alibi and Denial Cannot Overturn Positive Identification: A Philippine Law Perspective
Philippine Supreme Court explains when alibi and denial fail against positive identification, with rules on treachery and stop and frisk.
AWOL in the Judiciary: Dropping From the Rolls and Public Accountability
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee may be dropped from the rolls for absence without official leave under the 2017 RACCS.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: The Supreme Court Framework and DOJ Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on plea bargaining in drug cases, balancing judicial discretion with prosecutorial consent under A.M. No. 18-03-16-SC and DOJ Circular No. 18.
People v. Achay: When Denial and Alibi Fail Against Positive Identification
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for murder and attempted homicide, explaining why denial and alibi cannot beat positive identification by credible witnesses.
Libel Conviction Upheld for Posting Carnapping Complaint on Bulletin Board
SC upholds libel conviction for posting a carnapping complaint on a jeepney terminal bulletin board, ruling publication and malice were proven.
Minimum Wage Compliance: Employers Bear the Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes
Employers must prove wage payments in labor disputes. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in a delivery helper's underpayment case.
Libel in the Philippines: When Posting a Complaint Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of libel, including publication and malice, in a case involving posted criminal complaints.
Psychological Incapacity: Infidelity Alone Insufficient for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that infidelity and irreconcilable differences do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.