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.
Upholding Legislative Intent: The Limits of COMELEC's Rule-Making Power in Party-List Nominations
A look at Lokin v. COMELEC, where the Supreme Court struck down a COMELEC rule expanding the grounds for substituting party-list nominees beyond RA 7941.
Retirement Benefits: When Incentives During Corporate Reorganization Are Narrowly Interpreted
Supreme Court rules retirement gratuities under EO 756 were temporary reorganization incentives, not permanent benefits including allowances.
Coalition Registration Deadlines Are Mandatory in Philippine Election Law
Supreme Court rules COMELEC deadlines for coalition registration are mandatory, not merely directory, in Liberal Party v. COMELEC.
Robbery With Rape Conviction: Victim Testimony Prevails Over Alibi Defense
Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape conviction, holding that a victim's positive identification prevails over an accused's weak alibi defense.
Tortious Interference Protecting Distributorship Rights in Philippine Commerce
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tortious interference with exclusive distributorship contracts and the liability of third parties who induce breach.
Re-Filing Graft Case Needs No New Preliminary Investigation When Only the Mode of Commission Changes
A re-filed graft information that changes only the mode of committing the offense, not its nature, does not require a new preliminary investigation.
Beyond Morality: LGBT Rights and Party-List Accreditation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that moral disapproval alone cannot bar LGBT groups from party-list accreditation, affirming equal protection and secular governance.
Equality in Representation: Population Requirements for Legislative Districts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Constitution does not require a 250,000 population minimum for provincial legislative districts.
Election Gun Ban and Airsoft Guns: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's inclusion of airsoft guns in the election gun ban but excluded replicas and imitations.
When Election Returns Override Ballots in Philippine Election Protests
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election returns may be used instead of ballots in determining election protest winners.
When an Alien Executive Is a Regular Employee, Not a Corporate Officer: The WPP v. Galera Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a corporate officer and a regular employee, and the consequences of working without an alien employment permit.
Lifting Sequestration Orders Protecting Assets From Mismanagement
When can a sequestration order be lifted for mismanagement? The Supreme Court explains the limits in YKR Corporation v. Sandiganbayan.
Deemed Approved Leave: What Happens When Government Agencies Ignore Leave Applications
When government agencies fail to act on leave applications within five working days, the leave is deemed approved. Learn the rules and protections.
CARP Coverage and Landowner Rights in Reclassified Areas: DAR v. Berenguer
Land inside a poblacion is presumed non-agricultural and outside CARP coverage, the Supreme Court ruled in DAR v. Berenguer.
Fixed Price Contracts: No Recovery for Unapproved Additional Costs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on fixed lump-sum contracts: contractors cannot recover additional costs without written approval under Article 1724.
COMELEC En Banc Acts Without Jurisdiction in Election Appeal: Eriguel v. COMELEC
Supreme Court nullifies COMELEC en banc ruling in mayoralty protest for lack of jurisdiction and failure to ensure ballot integrity.
Appointment in Civil Service: The Indelible Right Despite Administrative Lapses
A valid civil service appointment takes effect immediately and remains effective until disapproved by the CSC—even if submission was delayed.
Off-Line International Carriers Taxed at 32% on Philippine Income, SC Rules
SC clarifies off-line carriers selling tickets in PH pay 32% income tax, not 2.5% GPB rate; refund claim remanded.
Party Expulsions and Due Process: When Can a Political Party Remove Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that political party expulsions are internal matters, not subject to constitutional due process requirements.
Integrity of Ballots vs Election Returns: Safeguarding the Electoral Process
Explaining Varias v. COMELEC on when ballots may override election returns in Philippine election contests.
Challenging Election Results: Strict Rules for Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for pre-proclamation controversies in Philippine election law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Saño v. COMELEC.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: The Duty of Care and Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how moral ascendancy substitutes for force in rape, and the duty of a mother's live-in partner.
Cooperative Members' Deposit Interest Exempt from Final Withholding Tax: DCCCO v. CIR
The Supreme Court ruled that cooperatives need not withhold 20% final tax on members' deposit interest, citing social justice.
Waiver by Acquiescence: The Perils of Delay in Lease Agreement Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failing to promptly contest a lease violation can waive contractual rights — a cautionary tale for landlords and tenants.