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.
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Postgraduate Degrees and Civil Service Eligibility: Supreme Court Clarifies Qualification Standards
The Supreme Court ruled that a postgraduate degree in any related field does not conflict with a professional license requirement like the Civil Engineer licensure under RA 1080.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, rejecting the sweetheart defense and clarifying that love is not a license for non-consensual sex.
Presidential Warranties vs. State Sovereignty: The PICOP Timber License Case
The Supreme Court ruled presidential warranties on timber licenses are not contracts, and state sovereignty over natural resources prevails.
Presidential Warranty vs Constitutional Limits: Timber License Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that timber licenses and presidential warranties are not contracts protected by the non-impairment clause, upholding constitutional limits on natural resource exploitation.
NTC Cannot Cancel Broadcast CPCs: The Dual Franchise and License Regime Explained
The Supreme Court rules the NTC has no power to cancel broadcast licenses issued to legislative franchise holders, clarifying the dual regulatory regime.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms Raise Murder Penalty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how treachery and unlicensed firearms affect murder liability, penalties, and damages.
Illegal Recruitment by Non-Licensees and the Promise of Overseas Jobs
The Supreme Court clarifies when a non-licensee can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale under RA 8042.
Void Marriage: Falsifying Cohabitation to Bypass Marriage License Requirements
Supreme Court rules a false affidavit of five-year cohabitation cannot replace a marriage license, making the marriage void.
Trademark License Revocation: When Unauthorized Use Justifies Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a trademark owner may validly revoke a license for unauthorized use beyond the agreed scope.
Mission Orders and Memorandum Receipts: When They Don't Replace a Firearms License
The Supreme Court clarifies that mission orders and memorandum receipts cannot substitute for a valid firearms license, even for confidential agents.
Upholding Property Rights: The Church's Right to Eject a Former Pastor
A pastor who stayed on church property after his license was revoked had to leave. The Supreme Court ruled the church's title prevails over self-serving claims.
Revocation OF Airman License Upholding AIR Safety Standards AND DUE Process
When Can Foreign Corporations Sue in the Philippines? A Guide
Learn when unlicensed foreign corporations can sue in Philippine courts under the Corporation Code and Foreign Investments Act.
Navigating Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Why a POEA License Is Your Shield
Learn how Philippine law defines large-scale illegal recruitment, why a POEA license matters, and what the Supreme Court says about proving this crime.
Strict Deadlines Matter Navigating SEC Appeals AND Corporate Liability FOR Unlicensed Brokers IN THE Philippin
When is a bank liable for breach of contract in a credit line dispute? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on conditional loan approvals and the duty of banks to exercise prudence in dealing with re
Mining vs Forestry Rights: When Timber Licenses Don't Block Mining Operations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that timber license holders cannot block mining applications, explaining consent vs notice rules under the Mining Act.
Timber License vs Contract: DENR Authority Over Forest Resources
Supreme Court ruling on whether a timber license agreement and presidential warranty create vested rights against DENR's regulatory authority over forest resources.
Res Judicata Bars Second Nullity Suit on Different Ground
A final denial of a marriage nullity petition bars a second suit, even on a different ground like lack of marriage license.
When a Missing Marriage License Doesn't Void a Marriage: Sevilla v. Cardenas
The Supreme Court explains when a missing marriage license does not automatically make a marriage void, and why proof matters.
Employer Liability for Illegal Recruitment Despite Agency Licensing
Philippine Supreme Court rules licensed agency's crewing manager can be liable for large scale illegal recruitment.
Why Delayed and Irregular Decisions Cost This Government Lawyer His License
A DARAB adjudicator was suspended for six months for rendering an irregular decision without notice and hearing, violating due process and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Marine Insurance and Agents: When Licenses Are Required in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules P&I Clubs need licenses to operate and their local agents need separate licenses.
Expired Firearm License Extension Leads to Acquittal in Illegal Possession Case
Supreme Court acquits gun owner whose expired license fell under PNP's 2014 extension, applying mandatory judicial notice.
Cockfighting Law vs Local Autonomy: Limits on Municipal Power to License Cockpits
The Supreme Court settles how many cockpits a municipality may license, balancing local autonomy against national police power.