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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Local Government Share in National Wealth: Water Rights and Resource Utilization
Supreme Court clarifies when LGUs can claim a share from water resources under the Constitution and Local Government Code.
When Sheriffs Cross the Line: Illegal Exaction, Neglect of Duty, and Administrative Liability
A sheriff who directly collects fees without court approval and releases seized property without authority faces administrative liability, as the Supreme Court recently ruled.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Personnel: Consequences of Soliciting Fees for Favorable Outcomes
Court stenographer dismissed for gross misconduct after soliciting P248,000 from a litigant, promising to fix an annulment case.
Falsified Court Documents: Supreme Court Disbars Lawyer for Fabricating Court Order
A lawyer who fabricates a court order faces disbarment. The Supreme Court explains the ethical rules and consequences in a recent ruling.
Tax Delinquency Sales: Why Notice to the Registered Owner Matters
The Supreme Court voids tax sales when LGUs notify only the tax declaration holder, not the registered owner. Learn the due process rule.
Nuisance Candidates AND DUE Process Balancing Electoral Integrity AND Candidate Rights
Supreme Court Affirms Convictions for Qualified Trafficking of Minors for Prostitution
The Court upholds life sentences for syndicate trafficking of minors, clarifying consent is no defense under RA 9208.
Ombudsman's Discretion Upheld: Probable Cause in PNP Procurement Irregularities
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's probable cause findings in anomalous PNP V-150 LAV procurement, clarifying due process and review standards.
Ombudsman's Discretion, Due Process, and Probable Cause in Public Funds Misuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in finding probable cause for misuse of public funds, explaining due process limits in preliminary investigations.
Ancestral Land Rights in Baguio City: IPRA, Townsite Reservations, and the Cariño Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies IPRA's application to Baguio City, ancestral land claims, and the Cariño doctrine on native title.
Due Process in Tax Assessments: When BIR Service of Notices Fails
Supreme Court voids BIR deficiency assessments served on unauthorized persons, stressing strict due process rules in tax collection.
Perpetuation of Testimony: Balancing Due Process and Preventing Fishing Expeditions
The Supreme Court clarifies when perpetuation of testimony is allowed, protecting due process and barring fishing expeditions.
Jurisdiction and Due Process: When Courts Cannot Act Without Serving Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts acquire jurisdiction over respondents and why proper service of notice is essential to due process.
Employee Theft in the Philippines: Legal Consequences and Prevention
A Supreme Court ruling on a court clerk who stole PHP 277,000 explains the legal consequences of employee theft in the Philippines and how employers can prevent it.
Mandamus and Local Governance: Ensuring the Operation of Newly Created Provinces in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that newly created provinces must not be left without officials, compelling the BLGF to process appointments.
When Dismissal Fails Due Process: The Lapanday Foods Ruling on Valid Termination
Explore the Supreme Court's Lapanday Foods ruling on illegal dismissal, the twin notice rule, and what employers must prove to validly terminate employees.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Consequences for False Notarization and Misrepresentation
A lawyer who notarized a deed without the seller's presence and made untruthful statements in court faces suspension, fine, and notarial disqualification.
Election Transparency and Citizen Access to the Automated Election System in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of citizen access to the automated election system, including ballot printing, SD cards, and transmission data.
Ancestral Land Claims in Baguio City: CALCs Are Not Proof of Ownership
The Supreme Court clarifies that Certificates of Ancestral Land Claim do not confer ownership over Baguio City lots, which remain governed by the city charter.
Child Abuse vs Slight Physical Injuries: Understanding the Nuances of Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a teacher's discipline of a child is child abuse or only slight physical injuries under Philippine law.
Ancestral Land Claims in Baguio City: Prior Rights and the Limits of IPRA
The Supreme Court clarifies that Certificates of Ancestral Land Claim do not establish ownership in Baguio City under IPRA.
Dishonesty and Neglect of Duty: Consequences for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's cash shortages clarifies the penalties for dishonesty and gross neglect of duty.
Perpetual Disqualification: When Does It Take Effect in Philippine Law?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office takes effect under Philippine law.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Discipline for Lawyers
Learn the disciplinary consequences for Philippine lawyers who notarize documents without a valid commission, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.