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.
Accountability Beyond Authority Illegal Recruitment Despite Agency Affiliation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment liability for unregistered agency representatives, with practical compliance guidance.
Upholding Integrity: Disbarment for Bar Exam Leakage and the Duty of Care in Protecting Confidential Informati
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for leaking bar exam questions, and reprimanded the examiner for negligence in safeguarding confidential materials.
Negligence in Notarization Upholding the Integrity of Public Documents in the Philippines
A notary's failure to verify signatories' identity and presence leads to suspension, underscoring the sacred duty of notarization.
Justice Tempered: Due Process and Conviction in the Chiong Sisters Case
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of seven men for kidnapping and murdering the Chiong sisters, analyzing due process rights.
Presidential Power vs Constitutional Limits: The Illegality of Declaring a State of Rebellion
The Supreme Court ruled that declaring a "state of rebellion" is a superfluity with no legal effect, clarifying the limits of presidential power under the Constitution.
Co-Ownership and Good Faith: Property Rights Lessons from Tala Realty vs. Banco Filipino
A Supreme Court ruling on lease contracts, good faith, and the limits of property rights under Philippine law.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof and Due Process in Termination Cases
Learn the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, the employer's burden of proof, and due process requirements in employee termination cases.
When Courts Can Grant Unprayed Relief: The Taduran Case on Judicial Admissions
Explaining when Philippine courts may grant relief not explicitly prayed for, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Arroyo v. Taduran.
Surety Bonds and Legal Interest: When Default Makes a Surety Pay More Than the Bond
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a defaulting surety must pay 12% legal interest on top of the bond amount.
Forcible Entry Survey Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases: What the Supreme Court Says
Learn how Philippine courts resolve unlawful detainer cases, why Torrens titles prevail, and what summary procedure means for possession disputes.
Illegal Dismissal: Employers Must Prove Just Cause AND Due Process Before Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers must prove both just cause and procedural due process to avoid liability for illegal dismissal.
Court Can Grant Unprayed Relief When Facts Warrant It: Arroyo v. Taduran
Supreme Court affirms P500,000 award despite no prayer for indemnity, citing judicial admissions and the rule on relief based on factual allegations.
Surety's Liability for Interest Beyond Bond Limit on Delayed Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a surety can be held liable for interest exceeding the bond's face value when payment is delayed.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Misconduct and Accountability in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on judge and clerk misconduct underscores the strict standards of propriety required of all court personnel.
Mining Rights vs National Patrimony: The La Bugal Case on Foreign Control of Philippine Resources
Explaining the Supreme Court's La Bugal ruling on the Philippine Mining Act and foreign ownership limits over the country's mineral resources.
Cracking Down on Illegal Recruitment: The State's Power to Protect Workers
The Supreme Court affirms that illegal recruitment in large scale is a crime against the state, explaining its elements and penalties.
COMELEC Jurisdiction Over Plebiscite Disputes: The Buac v. COMELEC Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the COMELEC has jurisdiction to resolve disputes over plebiscite results, including petitions to annul or recount ballots.
In Pari Delicto: When Both Parties Are at Fault, Neither Can Sue in Construction Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on in pari delicto in construction contracts where both parties knowingly violated the law, barring recovery.
Rape vs Illegal Detention: Distinguishing Intent in Criminal Liability
When does illegal detention become absorbed in rape? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction based on the offender's intent.
Local Autonomy vs National Mandate: Limits of City Ordinances in Liga ng mga Barangay Elections
Supreme Court clarifies that city ordinances cannot override the Liga ng mga Barangay's own election rules, and explains proper remedies.
Conjugal Property Rights Clarifying Ownership AND Sale Validity IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies conjugal property shares, sale validity, and co-ownership rights in a landmark Quezon City land dispute.
Robbery With Homicide: Conspiracy, Identification, and Fair Sentencing Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld robbery with homicide convictions on conspiracy evidence but reduced death sentences to reclusion perpetua.
Proving Loss of Filipino Citizenship in Election Disputes: The Matugas v. COMELEC Standard
What evidence proves a candidate lost Filipino citizenship? The Supreme Court's ruling in Matugas v. COMELEC sets the standard.
Imperfect Self-Defense and the Line Between Homicide and Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on treachery, evident premeditation, and when killing is murder rather than homicide.