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.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credible Testimony and the Sweetheart Defense
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony outweighs the sweetheart defense in Philippine criminal law.
Execution Pending Appeal: Clarifying the Timeline for Election Contests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue execution pending appeal in election contests, resolving a common procedural misunderstanding.
Letters of Intent: When a Preliminary Document Is Not a Contract of Sale in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a Letter of Intent remains a mere declaration of intention, not a binding contract to sell or conditional sale.
Union Shop Steward Is a Union Position: Lessons from Miranda v. Asian Terminals
The Supreme Court clarifies that a shop steward holds a union position, not a company post, and explains the limits of employer liability in intra-union disputes.
Deportation and Drug Convictions: Broadening the Scope of Philippine Immigration Law
The Supreme Court rules that foreign drug convictions justify deportation under Philippine immigration law, rejecting a narrow reading of Section 37(a)(4).
Seafarers Disability Claims: Weighing Company Doctor vs Independent Medical Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims when company physicians and independent doctors disagree, favoring the worker's evidence.
When Foreclosure Is Not Bad Faith: DBP v. Doyon on Mortgagee Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's foreclosure after withdrawing an earlier case is not bad faith, and upholds mortgage possession and auction rules.
Revocability of Irrevocable Powers of Attorney: Agrarian Reform Limits on Tenant Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when an irrevocable power of attorney over agrarian reform land may still be challenged and revoked.
The Perils of Untimely Appeals: Adherence to Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Explore how strict procedural rules shape Philippine labor cases, from appeal deadlines to due process in dismissals.
Reciprocity in Medical Practice: Balancing National Laws and Professional Licensing
The Supreme Court clarifies the reciprocity requirement for foreign doctors in the Philippines, ruling on what evidence suffices under the Medical Act.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest AND Penalties IN Land Purchase Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules buyers must pay stipulated interest and penalty charges in land purchase agreements, even if onerous.
Finality Prevails: Condonation of an Audit Disallowance After Supreme Court Affirmation Is Unacceptable
The Supreme Court rules that a final audit disallowance affirmed with finality cannot be condoned by a government agency, upholding COA's execution powers.
Abandonment vs Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the fine line between abandonment and constructive dismissal, and what employers must prove to justify termination.
Burden of Proof in Compensation Claims: Establishing Work Relatedness of Non-Occupational Diseases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on proving work-relatedness for non-occupational diseases in SSS compensation claims under PD 626.
Workplace Remarks and Dismissal: When Is It Serious Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee remarks during union meetings constitute serious misconduct warranting dismissal.
When Circumstantial Evidence Convicts: Lessons from a Philippine Rape-Homicide Case
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict, using a rape-homicide case as a guide.
Charged With A Major Crime Philippine Law on Lesser Offenses Explained
Learn how Philippine courts treat charges for election offenses, the importance of the information's factual recital, and the rules on appeals.
Attorney's Fees Need Explicit Justification in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts cannot award attorney's fees without stating factual and legal basis in the decision's text, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: Lessons from the Marlboro Counterfeit Case
When is a search warrant valid in IP cases? The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in People v. Choi.
Philippine CHR Fiscal Autonomy: Why Budget Independence Doesnt Mean Unchecked Power
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy for constitutional bodies like the CHR does not grant unlimited, unchecked power over public funds.
Ombudsman's Power to Impose Administrative Penalties: Not Just a Recommendation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman can directly impose administrative penalties, not merely recommend them, under the Constitution and RA 6770.
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.
Local Governments Must Make a Valid Offer Before Expropriation
The Supreme Court nullified Pasig City's expropriation for failing to prove a valid, definite offer to the owner before filing the case.
Defense of Honor Justifying Homicide in Cases of Marital Fidelity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when defense of spouse can justify homicide, explaining unlawful aggression requirement.