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.
Can Religious Corporations Own Land in the Philippines? The RVM Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's RVM ruling clarifies constitutional limits on religious corporations acquiring public land in the Philippines.
Fiscal Autonomy vs Accountability: PhilHealth Benefit Disallowances Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms COA disallowances of PhilHealth benefits, clarifying that fiscal autonomy does not mean absolute power over compensation.
Balancing Justice and Procedure When Counsel's Negligence Impacts an Appeal
The Supreme Court rules that a counsel's failure to file a brief on time should not cost an accused his appeal, especially when liberty is at stake.
Navigating Estate Settlements: Understanding the Limits of Intervention in Probate Proceedings
Learn when courts allow intervention in probate cases, the legal standards applied, and practical tips for protecting estate interests.
Notarial Duties Are Personal: Attorney's Lapses in Recording SPA Lead to Suspension
A lawyer cannot delegate notarial record-keeping to staff. Learn the rules and consequences from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Counsel Negligence and Strict Procedural Rules: PNB v. Spouses Victor
Supreme Court affirms strict 60-day period for petitions for relief, holding clients bound by counsel's negligence absent clear abandonment.
Judicial Admission Can Prove Lack of Firearm License in Illegal Possession Cases
Supreme Court ruling: an accused's own admission in court can prove lack of a firearm license, without needing a PNP certification.
Corporate Officers Held Liable for Customs Fraud Piercing the Corporate Veil
Learn how Philippine courts pierce the corporate veil to hold officers liable for customs fraud, and what this means for corporate governance.
Attorney Conflicts of Interest: When Dual Representation Violates Client Loyalty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's dual representation becomes a prohibited conflict of interest under Rule 15.03 of the CPR.
When a Lawyer's Dual Clients Create a Conflict of Interest: Lessons from Marcelo-Salud v. Bolivar
A lawyer who represents tenants while also serving as counsel to the alleged property owner may face discipline for conflicting interests, even if the main complaint fails.
Circumstantial Evidence and Dying Declarations in Rape-Homicide Convictions
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-homicide conviction using circumstantial evidence and the victim's dying declaration.
Dismissed Electric Cooperative GM Can't Claim Retirement: NEA Jurisdiction Ruling
Supreme Court affirms NEA's exclusive jurisdiction over electric cooperative GM retirement claims, forfeiting benefits upon valid dismissal.
When Holding Two Positions Is Not Grave Misconduct: Espinas v. Ombudsman
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling that holding concurrent public and private bank positions, without corrupt intent, is not automatically grave misconduct.
Tax Liens vs Judgment Credits: Priority Disputes in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when a tax lien beats a judgment creditor's levy on real property under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and exceptions.
VAT Refund Timelines: The 120+30 Day Rule and Its Window Period Exception
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT refund filing deadlines, the mandatory 120+30 day rule, and the window period exception under BIR Ruling DA-489-03.
Unreasonable Searches Evidence Inadmissible When Police Exceed Warrant Scope
When police exceed a search warrant's scope and violate Section 21, seized evidence becomes inadmissible, potentially leading to case dismissal.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misconduct in Property Transactions: Lessons from BASECO Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for failing to account for client funds and neglecting property titling work, highlighting ethical duties in Philippine property law practice.
Good Faith as a Shield: Accountability in Governance for Disallowed Transactions
When can good faith protect public officers from liability for disallowed transactions? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on accountability in governance.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce Recognition After Rivera v. Woo Namsun
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a foreign divorce decree and foreign law in Philippine courts.
Conversion to Islam Does Not Shield You from Bigamy Charges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that converting to Islam does not automatically exempt a person from bigamy charges under Philippine law.
Malversation and Falsification: What the Cabarios Acquittal Means for Public Officials
The Supreme Court's Cabarios ruling clarifies the proof needed to convict public officials of malversation and falsification of public documents.
Res Judicata and Foreign Judgments: What Property Disputes Teach Us About Finality
Philippine courts won't take judicial notice of foreign judgments. Learn the rules on res judicata, litis pendentia, and proof of foreign pleadings.
Cockfighting Regulations in the Philippines: The Bonghanoy Ruling on PD 449
The Supreme Court's Bonghanoy ruling clarifies when cockfighting events for tourists and balikbayans may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449.