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.
When Certifying Completion: Public Official Liability for Inaccurate Certifications
A provincial treasurer certified PSB projects as 100% complete when they were not. The Supreme Court explains when officials face liability.
Fiscal Autonomy of Constitutional Agencies: Full Release of Appropriations Mandatory
The Supreme Court affirms that fiscal autonomy requires automatic and full release of appropriations to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.
Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines: What the CSC v. DBM Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy for constitutional bodies means full, automatic release of appropriations—not subject to DBM cash management policies.
Single Act, Multiple Charges: Duplicity and Double Jeopardy in Philippine Environmental Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that one act can violate several environmental laws without violating double jeopardy protections.
Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines: Automatic Release of Funds for Constitutional Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy requires full, automatic release of funds to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.
Clerk of Court Negligence Consequences and Due Diligence in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on the consequences of a clerk of court's negligence in transmitting case records and the duty of due diligence.
Upholding Notarized Deeds: Why Mere Denial Isnt Enough in Philippine Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a notarized deed of sale cannot be overturned by a seller's bare denial, explaining the burden of proof in property disputes.
Homicide or Reckless Imprudence: Intent Matters in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fatal act is homicide versus reckless imprudence, focusing on criminal intent.
Finality of Supreme Court Decisions: Understanding Res Judicata in Philippine Labor Disputes
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigation of final labor rulings, with practical guidance for employers and employees.
Perfecting a Contract to Sell: Why Payment Terms Matter in Philippine Real Estate Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why agreeing on price alone does not perfect a contract to sell real property—payment terms are essential.
Invalid Lease Agreements: Why Ownership Trumps Unauthorized Contracts in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void leases, unauthorized lessors, and why ownership rights prevail in property disputes.
Declare or Beware: Understanding Smuggling Under Philippine Customs Law
A flight attendant concealed 20.1 kg of gold jewelry and failed to declare it. The Supreme Court explains when non-declaration becomes smuggling.
Implied Tenancy in Philippine Agrarian Law: Security of Tenure Beyond Written Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on implied tenancy, forged contracts, and security of tenure for agricultural tenants under RA 1199.
Reinstatement Isn't Just an Order: Supreme Court Clarifies Employers' Backwage Obligations in Illegal Dismissa
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that an order to reinstate an illegally dismissed employee does not stop backwages from accruing until actual reinstatement or separation pay.
Delay in Resolving Motions: Judicial Efficiency and Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in resolving motions, balancing judicial efficiency with due process.
Power Rates and Public Notice: Why Transparency Matters in Philippine Electricity Regulations
A Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's generation charge increase clarifies when public notice and publication are required for rate adjustments under EPIRA.
SSS Death Benefits for Legal Spouses: Separation Agreements and Beneficiary Rights
A look at how Philippine law treats legal spouses as SSS primary beneficiaries despite separation agreements, and the procedural lessons from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, loss of trust and confidence, and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Cannot Be Waived: People v. Flores
The Supreme Court rules that appellate courts cannot dismiss death penalty appeals for failure to file briefs, as review is mandatory.
Supreme Court Dismisses Sheriff for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a sheriff's dismissal for dishonesty, extortion, and neglect—and what this means for court personnel integrity.
How Minority Affects Criminal Liability: The Larrañaga Case on Privileged Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority lowers penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Correcting Election Errors When Canvassers Reconvene After Proclamation
When can a board of canvassers reconvene to fix tally errors after a winner is proclaimed? The Supreme Court explains.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Philippine Real Estate Security Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deed of sale with right to repurchase is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from losing property.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Tampering Court Records and Concealing Ex Parte Proceedings
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for dishonesty after tampering with default orders and concealing ex parte proceedings in a civil case.