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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Psychological Incapacity Under Philippine Law: What Qualifies and What Does Not
The Supreme Court clarifies what does not qualify as psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code in Republic v. Galang.
Final Judgments Are Immutable: Limits of Legal Review in Labor Cases
A final judgment cannot be reopened. Learn how the Supreme Court applied the immutability doctrine in a labor dispute.
Solidary Liability of Sureties: Understanding Your Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sureties solidarity liable with a debtor cannot use corporate rehabilitation stay orders to delay or avoid payment obligations.
Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness: Understanding the Nuances and Penalties
A father's conviction clarifies the line between rape by sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness under Philippine law, and the penalties each crime carries.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains conspiracy in murder cases, when intoxication and evident premeditation apply, and why silence after a crime matters.
Upholding Judicial Integrity When Court Employees Abuse Authority
When trial courts blindly follow prosecutors, they abdicate judicial duty. The Supreme Court explains why double jeopardy did not attach.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Courts: When a Case Dismissal Is Not Final
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Cerezo v. People on double jeopardy, valid case dismissals, and when courts may reopen criminal cases.
Due Diligence in Land Transactions: Why a Faulty Agreement Can Cost You Your Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on attempted estafa underscores the critical need for due diligence in Philippine land transactions.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Philippine Jurisprudence Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on victim testimony credibility in rape cases, examining evidentiary standards and witness assessment principles.
Venue Matters: Why Filing Corporate Rehabilitation in the Right Court Is Crucial
Learn how choosing the correct court for corporate rehabilitation filings can determine case success, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Upholding Court Efficiency: Judge Fined for Delays and Inefficiency in Bareng v. Daguna
A judge was fined P15,000 for gross inefficiency and undue delay in rendering orders and transmitting records. Learn the lessons from this administrative case.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and contract of sale, and when ownership actually transfers.
When Religious Laws Prevail: Bigamy and Muslim Personal Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how the Code of Muslim Personal Laws affects bigamy charges, protecting valid Islamic marriages and divorces.
Probable Cause in Graft Cases: SC Upholds Ombudsman's Discretion
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in determining probable cause for graft charges under R.A. 3019.
Res Judicata in Social Security Cases When Prior Labor Rulings Prevail
Explore how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar an SSS contribution claim after a final NLRC ruling on employer-employee relationship.
Beware Illegal Recruiters: Large Scale Illegal Recruitment and Estafa in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts punish illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what protections exist for overseas job seekers.
The PET Is Constitutional: Supreme Court Upholds Its Power Over Presidential Election Contests
The Supreme Court affirms the Presidential Electoral Tribunal's constitutionality, explaining how the Constitution grants it sole jurisdiction over presidential election contests.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Criminal Cases: When Dismissal Is Not Final
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy rules and trial court duties in dismissing criminal cases.
When Court Employees Fail: Understanding Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of Service
A guide to conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service for Philippine court employees, with case examples and practical compliance tips.
Filing for Muslim Divorce in the Philippines: The Clerk of Court's Ministerial Duty
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the clerk of court's ministerial duty in registering Muslim divorces under the Code of Muslim Personal Laws.
Protecting Global Brands in the Philippines: Well-Known Marks and Trademark Rights
The Supreme Court ruled that well-known foreign marks like Harvard are protected in the Philippines even without local registration or use.
COSLAP Jurisdiction in Land Disputes: Why Your Case Might Belong in Court, Not an Agency
The Supreme Court clarifies that COSLAP has limited jurisdiction over land disputes, and questions of ownership belong in regular courts.
Verification and Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why All Petitioners Must Sign
A single unsigned verification can dismiss a case. Learn the strict rules on certification against forum shopping from Formoso v. PNB.
Personal Liability of Public Officials: COA Disallowances and Due Process in Philippine Government Contracts
When can public officials be held personally liable for disallowed government payments? The Supreme Court explains the rules on due process and liability.