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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Seafarers Disability Benefits: Why Timely Medical Assessments Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies that a company-designated physician's failure to issue a final disability assessment within 120/240 days makes a seafarer's disability total and permanent.
Protecting Children from Physical Abuse: The Scope of RA 7610 and the Need to Prove Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies when physical abuse of children falls under RA 7610 and why qualifying circumstances in rape must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Lack of Marriage License Nullifies Union Even When Psychological Incapacity Fails
Supreme Court voids marriage for missing license despite rejecting psychological incapacity claim, clarifying Article 34 exemption rules.
VAT Refund Claims: The Mandatory 120+30 Day Rule in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that the 120+30 day rule for VAT refund claims is mandatory and jurisdictional. Learn the deadlines and exceptions.
Good Faith Is Not Enough: PBAC Member's Liability for Skipping Bidding Rules
A provincial engineer's claim of good faith failed to excuse him from administrative liability for approving direct procurement without required safeguards.
Project vs Regular Employment: Defining Job Security in the Philippines
Understand the Supreme Court's distinction between project and regular employment, and what it means for job security under Philippine labor law.
Restrictions on Contractual Rights: The Necessity of Consent in Deed of Assignment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a deed of assignment of receivables is unenforceable against the obligor without written consent.
Expropriation Due Process: What Property Owners Must Prove
A Supreme Court ruling on Olongapo expropriation clarifies the requisites for valid taking, the need for genuine negotiation, and the right to a full hearing on defenses.
Custody Chain Integrity: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court in People v. Tamundi clarified the chain of custody rule and witness requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Mutual Incompatibility as Grounds for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines: A Deep Dive
The Supreme Court expands psychological incapacity under Article 36 to include mutual incompatibility and antagonism between spouses. Learn the new rules.
The Indefinite Assessment Seafarers Right To Disability Benefits Under Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarers' disability benefits when company doctors fail to issue timely final assessments.
Expropriation Voided: Olongapo's Failure to Make a Valid Offer and Grant Due Process
Supreme Court voids Olongapo's expropriation of Jose Co Lee's property for lack of a valid offer and due process, reaffirming safeguards for property owners.
RA 9262 Protects Women in Same-Sex Relationships: Jacinto v. Fouts Explained
The Supreme Court confirms RA 9262 applies to lesbian relationships, ensuring women in same-sex partnerships receive equal protection from intimate partner violence.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Fines for Neglect of Duty and Undue Delay
The Supreme Court fined a judge and a clerk of court for gross neglect of duty, undue delay, and other administrative offenses, underscoring judicial accountability.
Prior Approval for Hiring Private Lawyers: DSWD Case Limits Government Authority
Supreme Court affirms COA ruling that government agencies must secure prior approval before hiring private lawyers, explaining strict compliance rules.
Illegal Dismissal Claims Survive Employee's Death: Heirs May Substitute
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints are imbued with public interest, allowing heirs to substitute deceased complainants.
Expired Notarial Commission: When Notarizing Without Authority Leads to Disbarment-Adjacent Penalties
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years and permanently disqualified him from notarial work for notarizing over 300 documents with an expired commission.
Invalid Search Warrants: Protecting Rights Against Unreasonable Seizures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after ruling that a search warrant covering two offenses is void, making seized evidence inadmissible.
Citizenship and Property Rights: Retaining Ownership After Naturalization in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that naturalized citizens retain ownership of property acquired before losing Filipino citizenship, protecting vested property rights.
Void Deeds: How Forgery Affects Property Titles in the Philippines
A forged deed is void and conveys no title. Learn how the Supreme Court protects family homes from fraudulent sales.
Navigating Appeals in Estate Proceedings: The Necessity of a Record on Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appeals in special proceedings require both a notice of appeal and record on appeal within 30 days.
Disbarment for Misleading Conduct and Disrespect Protecting the Integrity of the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for deceiving a client, disrespecting judges, and violating notarial and MCLE rules.
Good Faith and Land Titles: A Purchaser's Duty Until Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a land buyer's good faith is measured—from purchase until registration of the deed.
No COLA on Top of Standardized Pay for Government Employees Post-1989
Supreme Court confirms COLA and amelioration allowance are integrated into standardized salaries under RA 6758; no extra payment allowed.