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.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Deceit in Property Transactions
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for fabricating court filings and a fake decision in a client's annulment case, underscoring strict ethical standards.
Discovery in Criminal Cases: Why Requests for Admission Do Not Apply
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling that requests for admission under Rule 26 apply only to civil cases, not criminal proceedings.
Understanding Mitigating Circumstances in Administrative Penalties: A Case of Fairness in Government Service
Explore how mitigating circumstances affect administrative penalties in Philippine government service, promoting fairness and proportionality in disciplinary actions.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Recent Ruling
Learn how Philippine courts evaluate self-defense claims and treachery in murder cases, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Philippine courts require strict authentication of foreign divorce decrees and the alien spouse's national law before a Filipino can remarry.
Prescription Period for Oral Contracts: What Creditors and Debtors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the six-year prescription period for oral contracts and why timely action is critical for creditors and debtors.
Recall of Appointments Without Notice and Hearing: Insights from a Landmark CSC Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CSC may recall a civil service appointment without prior notice and hearing, and the limits of good faith.
Rehabilitation Proceedings Balancing Contractual Obligations AND Corporate Recovery
Explore how Philippine courts balance contractual obligations with corporate rehabilitation, ensuring fair treatment for creditors and debtors.
Timely Communication and Professional Duties in Legal Practice: Lessons from Ocampo v. Lorica
A lawyer's failure to promptly notify a client of an adverse ruling led to a one-year suspension. Learn the ethical duties at stake.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Lessons from Land Bank v. Hilado
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform just compensation cases.
Moral Ascendancy and Statutory Rape: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how moral ascendancy and recantation are treated under Philippine law.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: The Impact of Victim Recantation on Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases when the victim recants, and why recantation alone does not automatically overturn a conviction.
Government Procurement and Audit Disallowances: Lessons from a Landmark COA Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when government officials and contractors may be held liable for audit disallowances in public procurement projects.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Rulings
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies murder, distinguishing sudden attacks from forewarned confrontations in People v. Archivido.
Understanding Treachery in Homicide Cases When Sudden Attacks Don't Qualify as Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden attack constitutes treachery, distinguishing murder from homicide in People v. Ukay.
Plea Bargaining and Government Representation: Lessons from the Garcia Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the OSG's limits in plea bargaining cases and the Ombudsman's authority over Sandiganbayan prosecutions.
Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes: Lessons from Mariano v. G.V. Florida Transport
A Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal for serious misconduct but liability for procedural due process lapses, unpaid wages, and 13th month pay.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land: Key Insights From the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves public land is alienable and disposable for registration, and why NAMRIA certifications fall short.
Lawyer-Client Duties and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A lawyer who abandons a client's cause, hides legal heirs, and uses confidential documents faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Consent and Intimidation in Rape Cases: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court acquitted in a rape case, showing how weak proof of force or intimidation can defeat a criminal charge.
Protection Orders and Adult Children: The Estacio v. Estacio Ruling on RA 9262
The Supreme Court clarifies that protection orders under RA 9262 can include adult children used as tools of coercion or harassment.
Understanding Gross Immorality When Personal Conduct Leads to Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer-judge for continuing an illicit relationship despite prior warning. Learn the rules on gross immorality.
One Vote, Unequal Weight: Party-List Seat Allocation and Equal Protection in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the party-list seat allocation formula under RA 7941, rejecting claims of vote double-counting and equal protection violations.
Backwages After a Return-to-Work Order: Lessons from ALECO v. ALEO
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when backwages are due after the Labor Secretary assumes jurisdiction over a strike and issues a return-to-work order.