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.
Understanding the Limits of Injunctive Relief in Bank Liquidation: A Philippine Perspective
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may—and may not—issue injunctions against the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas during bank liquidation proceedings.
Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel: What Philippine Courts Can Do
When can Philippine courts issue hold departure orders? The Supreme Court explains the limits on the right to travel.
Navigating Disability Claims: Why Comprehensive Medical Assessments Matter for Seafarers
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability benefits highlights why complete, final medical assessments are crucial in maritime compensation claims.
Blanket Mortgage Clauses: When Courts Protect Borrowers in Philippine Real Estate
A Supreme Court ruling shows when blanket mortgage clauses fail to cover new loans and why courts protect borrowers.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations in Public Officials' Financial Disclosure Violations
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription runs for SALN violations under RA 6713 and RA 3019, and what constitutes concealment.
Understanding Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue hold departure orders and how bail affects an accused person's right to travel.
Property Rights vs. Military Reservations: The Balmaceda Case on Void Titles
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on why titles tracing back to cancelled certificates cannot defeat the government's claim over military reservations.
Election Protest Costs: The Supreme Court Ruling on Retention Fees for Election Equipment
The Supreme Court explains why the Senate Electoral Tribunal cannot rule on contract validity in election protest cost disputes.
Understanding Gross Misconduct: Court Employee's Handling of Bail Money
Court process server found guilty of gross misconduct for receiving bail money from litigants. Learn the rules and penalties.
Understanding Gross Misconduct: The Consequences of Mishandling Cash Bail in Philippine Courts
A court process server who received P36,000 as cash bail but failed to turn it over was found guilty of gross misconduct, forfeiting retirement benefits.
Navigating Probable Cause: Warrantless Vehicle Searches in the Philippines
A solitary tip cannot justify an intrusive warrantless vehicle search in the Philippines. Learn the probable cause standard from Evardo v. People.
Falsification and Concealment in Public Office: The Jalandoni Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the thin line between authorized delegation and criminal tampering of public documents by public officers.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Philippine Drug Possession Cases
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug possession convict when a DOJ witness was absent from the inventory—and what this means for similar cases.
Contractual Obligations and Appeal Timeliness: Salendab v. Dela Peña
A look at Salendab v. Dela Peña on the binding force of contracts and the strict rules on appeal periods under Philippine procedure.
Proving Land Ownership: The Crucial Role of Property Identification in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why identifying the exact land is essential in recovery actions under Article 434 of the Civil Code.
Parricide Penalties in the Philippines: How Voluntary Surrender Affects Sentencing
Learn how mitigating circumstances like voluntary surrender affect parricide penalties under Philippine law, based on People v. Padilla.
Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction: Key Insights from the Jorgenetics Replevin Case
How a defendant's post-dismissal motions can cure defective service of summons and revive a replevin case, per the Supreme Court.
The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Law: A Guide to Employment Status
Learn how the four-fold test determines employee status in the Philippines, with insights from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Right to Access Search Warrant Records: Due Process and Confidentiality in Philippine Law
Philippine courts balance due process rights against informant confidentiality when accused persons seek search warrant records.
Environmental Liability in the Philippines: Lessons from the Bataan Thermal Power Plant Case
The Supreme Court clarifies who bears cleanup liability for toxic wastes under Philippine environmental law, using the Bataan Thermal Power Plant case as a guide.
Understanding the Legal Nuances of Rape Cases Involving Minors in the Philippines
A clear guide to how Philippine courts handle rape cases involving minors, including key legal principles and practical considerations.
Unlocking Justice: The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms the right to speedy disposition of cases, prohibiting the Sandiganbayan from further proceeding after 32 years of delay.
Libel in Media: When News Reporting Crosses Legal Boundaries
The Supreme Court clarifies when news reports become libelous and why denying a motion to quash is not appealable via certiorari.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Importance of Timely Medical Assessments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that seafarers must receive a copy of the company doctor's final disability assessment within 120 or 240 days, or they may be deemed totally and permanently disabled.