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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Due Process and Notice in Arbitration: CIAC Jurisdiction Upheld Despite Alleged Address Errors
Supreme Court clarifies when CIAC arbitration awards stand despite notice issues, and the proper remedy to challenge them.
Simple Misconduct vs Grave Misconduct: Key Differences in Penalties for Public Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in administrative cases, and the corresponding penalties.
Attractive Nuisance Doctrine and Negligence in Child Injury Cases
Supreme Court explains when a hotel pool with slides becomes an attractive nuisance and when res ipsa loquitur shifts the burden of proof.
Establishing Filiation: Why Paternity Proof Is Critical in Inheritance Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that a birth certificate alone cannot prove paternity for inheritance claims unless the alleged father participated in its preparation.
Primary Jurisdiction: When Courts Defer to Specialized Agencies in Media Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on when courts must defer to the NTC in media ownership and competition disputes.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Jurisdictional Challenges and Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying that a prosecutor's lack of written authority does not defeat a court's jurisdiction and that circumstantial evidence can prove carnal knowledge.
Gender Equality in Employment: Differential Retirement Age Ruled Unlawful
The Supreme Court voids a CBA provision retiring female flight attendants at 55, ruling it discriminatory against women.
Unconstitutional Bargain: State Control Over Natural Resources in Philippine Seas
The Supreme Court struck down the JMSU as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exploration of the country's natural resources must remain under full State control.
Electoral Integrity: Credible Evidence Required to Substantiate Vote-Buying Allegations
The Supreme Court clarifies that vote-buying complaints need credible evidence, not just videos and speculation, to establish probable cause.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: COMELEC's 7-Year Delay Is Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's resolution against a governor due to a seven-year delay in preliminary investigation, affirming the right to speedy disposition of cases.
Mortgage in Good Faith vs True Owner: Navigating Philippine Property Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on mortgagee in good faith versus true owner rights in Philippine property disputes.
Limits on PhilHealth's Fiscal Autonomy: Accountability in Public Spending
Supreme Court clarifies PhilHealth's fiscal autonomy limits, upholding COA disallowances of unauthorized benefits while allowing longevity pay.
COA Authority to Disallow Benefits Without Presidential Approval: PhilHealth Case
Supreme Court affirms COA's power to disallow PhilHealth benefits lacking presidential approval, but allows longevity pay under RA 11223.
Unlawful Possession of Firearms: What You Need to Know Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on illegal possession of firearms under RA 10591, including penalties and the effect of acquittal in related drug cases.
Sworn Statements Now Sufficient to Lift Attorney Suspensions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that a sworn statement of compliance is enough to lift a lawyer's suspension, streamlining reinstatement.
Vote Buying Claims Need Credible Evidence, Not Just Video Clips
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to establish probable cause for vote-buying complaints under the Omnibus Election Code.
Sula v. COMELEC: Supreme Court Upholds Cotabato City’s Inclusion in BARMM
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s conduct of the Bangsamoro plebiscite, upholding Cotabato City’s inclusion in BARMM as the people’s will.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Strict Compliance with RA 26 Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance is not enough when petitioning for reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under RA 26.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Landmark Ruling on Social Media Harassment
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262 and raises penalty for ICT use.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalties for Social Media Harassment
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Proving Social Media Authorship in VAWC Cases: The G.R. No. 274842 Guide
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove Facebook post authorship in VAWC psychological abuse cases and raises penalties for ICT use.
Psychological Abuse via Facebook: Higher Penalty Under Cybercrime Law
Supreme Court rules posting demeaning messages on Facebook constitutes psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be administratively liable for judicial errors, and when complainants face contempt for harassment suits.