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.
Consortium Requirement in Subtransmission Asset Acquisition: A Philippine Power Industry Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies mandatory consortium requirement under EPIRA Section 8 for subtransmission asset acquisition by distribution utilities.
When Government Transactions Can Be Disallowed: COA's Power Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may disallow government payments and when it oversteps its audit powers in this PhilHealth case.
Navigating GOCC Compensation: Board Authority and Disallowed Benefits in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on PNCC directors' gratuity benefits, GOCC status, and when disallowed compensation must be returned.
Irrevocability of Tax Credit Options: A Guide for Philippine Corporations
Philippine corporations must choose carefully between refunds and tax credit carry-over—once chosen, the option is irrevocable under the NIRC.
Psychological Incapacity: Abandonment and Absence as Evidence in Philippine Marriage Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that decades of unjustified absence from the marital home can be considered part of the totality of evidence of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code
When Courts Can Still Discipline a Judge After Retirement: Gross Neglect of Duty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when it retains jurisdiction over judges who retire, ruling on gross neglect of duty in case delays.
When Can the Comelec Disqualify Bidders? Electoral Integrity vs Procurement Law
The Supreme Court rules on the limits of Comelec's power to disqualify bidders under procurement law.
Probationary Employment in the Philippines: Understanding Regularization Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees may be validly terminated for failing to meet regularization standards under Philippine law.
Child Trafficking and Sexual Abuse: Philippine Law and Victim Protection
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies qualified trafficking in persons and rape, and the strong legal protections for minor victims in the Philippines.
Presidential Power vs Individual Rights: Amnesty Revocation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on amnesty revocation, due process, and the limits of presidential power in the Trillanes cases.
Simple Misconduct vs. Grave Misconduct: A Philippine Government Accountability Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in Aragon-Mabang v. Ombudsman, a landmark 2024 ruling on public officer liability.
Social Media Conduct and Lawyer Discipline: Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's Facebook post shows how social media conduct can lead to contempt and disciplinary action.
Unlawful Detainer: Tenant Rights and Obligations in the Philippines
A tenant cannot deny the landlord's title, and procedural rules in ejectment cases must be strictly followed.
Child Pornography Prosecution After Repeal: The Doctrine of Reenactment in the Philippines
Can a repealed law still lead to conviction? The Supreme Court clarifies how reenactment preserves criminal liability for child pornography offenses.
Proving Adultery in the Philippines: The Valencia Case and the Burden of Proof
Understand the high standard of proof for adultery in the Philippines through the Valencia case, including evidence rules and practical implications.
When Does a Right to Radio Frequencies Vest? The NOW Telecom Ruling
A legislative franchise does not guarantee radio frequencies. The Supreme Court explains why spectrum use is a privilege.
Dual Citizenship and Philippine Law Practice: What Lawyers Must Know
How dual citizenship affects a Philippine law license, and the Supreme Court steps to keep practicing under RA 9225.
Foreclosure Judgments Must State Amount and Payment Period: Lontoc v. Tiglao
A foreclosure judgment must specify the exact amount due and the payment period under Rule 68, Section 2, or it cannot be executed.
When Death Ends a Case: Exhumation Dispute and the Rules on Party Substitution
A family exhumation dispute ends without a merits ruling after the petitioner dies and heirs decline substitution, clarifying Rule 3, Section 16.
Installment Land Sales in the Philippines: Buyer Rights and Contract Reinstatement
Learn how the Supreme Court protects installment buyers' right to reinstate contracts under the Maceda Law.
When a Sale Among Heirs Can Be Voided: PD 27 and Simulated Land Transfers
Learn when a sale of agrarian reform land among heirs is void under PD 27, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dela Cruz v. Dumasig.
Chain of Custody and the Saving Clause in Philippine Drug Cases
When a flawed drug bust still stands: the saving clause under Section 21, RA 9165, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Employee Misconduct and Termination: Understanding Just Cause in the Philippines
When does employee misconduct justify termination in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on serious misconduct and just cause.
Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Learn why authenticated arbitration agreements are jurisdictional requirements for enforcing foreign arbitral awards in Philippine courts, as ruled in Manis Shipping.