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.

Showing 7396 of 4,208 articles for courts

Human Trafficking Conviction Affirmed: Protecting Child Victims Under RA 9208

The Supreme Court affirms a cybersex trafficking conviction, reinforcing heightened legal protection for child victims under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Navigating Land Expropriation and Title Reconstitution: A Philippine Law Guide

The Supreme Court clarifies how expropriation, reconstituted titles, and res judicata interact in property disputes.

Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Land Rights After Incomplete Expropriation

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on expropriation, just compensation, and landowner rights when government fails to pay.

Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: Employer Liability and Worker Rights

Understand labor-only contracting in the Philippines, when a principal becomes the true employer, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Presidential Approval Required for PCAB Rules: Cooperative Licensing Case

Supreme Court ruling: PCAB regulations on contractor licensing need presidential approval, protecting construction cooperatives from forced incorporation.

Franchise Amendments and Public Utilities: When Does the Common Good Justify Change

The Supreme Court upholds RA 11918 expanding MORE Power's franchise, ruling exclusive franchises are unconstitutional and Congress determines the common good.

Competency of Witnesses With Intellectual Disabilities: Safeguarding Justice in the Philippines

The Supreme Court affirms that intellectual disability alone does not disqualify a witness, provided they can perceive and communicate their perceptions.

Inordinate Delay in Administrative Cases: The Right to Speedy Disposition After Llevares

Explore how the Supreme Court's Llevares ruling protects public officials from inordinate delay in administrative cases, and what this means for your rights.

Solidary Liability in Construction Contracts: When LWUA Shares Responsibility

A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when LWUA can be held solidarily liable with water districts for construction contract obligations.

Contractor Licensing in the Philippines: PCAB vs. DTI Jurisdiction Explained

The Supreme Court clarifies that PCAB, not DTI, has jurisdiction over complaints against unlicensed contractors in the Philippines.

Attorney Misconduct: Handling Client Funds and Accountability in the Philippines

Learn how Philippine lawyers must account for client funds and return unused amounts, based on Supreme Court rulings on attorney discipline.

Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Legal Remedies

Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, its penalties, and how victims can seek justice, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.

Abandonment in Agrarian Leaseholds: What Farmers and Landowners Must Know

The Supreme Court clarifies when a farmer's absence amounts to abandonment—and why notarized documents alone cannot end a leasehold.

Simple Misconduct in Philippine Courts: Consequences and Employee Benefits

A judge's office closure during work hours led to simple misconduct liability and clarified rules on benefits eligibility in the judiciary.

Navigating Employment Status: Contract of Service vs Regular Employment in the Philippines

The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in government-owned corporations are contract of service workers, not regular employees entitled to security of tenure.

Protecting Children: Understanding Sexual Assault Laws in the Philippines

The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between rape by sexual assault and sexual assault under RA 7610, protecting child victims.

Protecting Installment Buyers Understanding Rescission Rights Under THE Maceda LAW

The Supreme Court clarifies the strict notarial and grace period requirements for canceling installment contracts under the Maceda Law.

Guardianship in the Philippines: When the Proposed Guardian Lives Abroad

The Supreme Court clarifies that a guardian residing abroad can be appointed if the child's best interests and genuine commitment are shown.

Enforced Disappearance Safeguarding Rights Under THE Writ Of Amparo In The Philippines

The Supreme Court clarifies the scope and remedies under the writ of amparo, reinforcing protections against enforced disappearances.

Understanding Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Are They Valid

The Supreme Court clarifies when compromise agreements and quitclaims in labor cases are valid, and when courts may invalidate them.

Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delays Lead to Dismissal in the Philippines

Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases, and when unreasonable delays can lead to dismissal of criminal charges.

Proving Filiation for Inheritance: Delayed Birth Registration in Philippine Law

A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how delayed birth registrations and other evidence establish filiation for inheritance claims in the Philippines.

Rape vs. Sexual Abuse: When Force and Lack of Consent Elevates a Crime

A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sexual acts with a minor constitute rape under the Revised Penal Code rather than sexual abuse under R.A. 7610.

DOJ Authority Over Preliminary Investigations: What It Means for Criminal Procedure in the Philippines

The Supreme Court recognizes the DOJ's authority to issue its own rules on preliminary investigations and repeals inconsistent provisions of Rule 112.