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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When Can the Ombudsman Reinvestigate and Refile Cases After Withdrawal?
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's power to reinvestigate and refile a withdrawn case, and the limits of judicial review.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Key Differences and Buyer Protections in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage: Understanding the Limits of Irresponsibility as Grounds for A
The Supreme Court clarifies that joblessness, drug use, and irresponsibility do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Non-Compete Clauses in Philippine Employment: When Post-Employment Restrictions Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when non-compete clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable under Philippine law.
Unlock Loan Restructuring Benefits: Why Application Is Key Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on RA 7202 shows why filing an application is essential to claim loan restructuring and condonation benefits.
Understanding Privileged Communication in Philippine Libel Law: The Alcantara Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protects statements made during preliminary investigations from libel claims through the doctrine of privileged communication.
Improvident Plea of Guilt in Philippine Rape Cases: Supreme Court Clarifies Safeguards
The Supreme Court explains when a guilty plea in capital cases is improvident and how convictions can still stand on independent evidence.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal: The Rural Bank of Cantilan Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a job transfer becomes constructive dismissal, using the Rural Bank of Cantilan v. Julve ruling.
Challenging Election Results: Safeguarding the Electorate's Will Against Tampered Returns
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's annulment of a proclaimed councilor's victory where election returns were tampered, affirming that procedural lapses cannot defeat the electorate's true will.
Entrapment vs Instigation: The Fine Line in Philippine Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Double Sale in the Philippines: How Good Faith and Prior Knowledge Decide Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale: a second buyer who registers first but knows of the first sale acts in bad faith and loses.
Petrochemical Plant Location in the Philippines: Site Exclusivity and Investment Law
The Supreme Court rules on whether Bataan is the exclusive site for petrochemical plants under P.D. Nos. 949 and 1803.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer's Duty and Client Protection
When a lawyer fails to file a case on time, the consequences can be severe. Learn what the Supreme Court says about attorney negligence and your rights as a client.
Philippine Franchise Tax and Real Property Tax: Exemptions for Telecom Companies
Supreme Court ruling on telecom franchise tax exemptions and real property tax liability under the Local Government Code.
Double Sale of Land in the Philippines: Bad Faith Registration and Ejectment Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale of land: bad faith registration cannot defeat the first buyer's right to possession.
When Circumstantial Evidence Convicts: Lessons from a Philippine Rape-Homicide Case
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict, using a rape-homicide case as a guide.
When Is a Misplaced Vote Valid? The Neighborhood Rule in Philippine Election Law
Philippine election law on stray votes and the neighborhood rule, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Velasco v. COMELEC.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why You Can’t Skip Government Processes in Land Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows why skipping administrative appeals in land disputes can be fatal to a case, barring court action entirely.
Decoding Stray Votes: How Philippine Courts Validate Ballots With Misplaced Candidate Names
The Supreme Court explains the "neighborhood rule" for misplaced votes in barangay elections, and where the line is drawn.
Administrative Power in the Philippines: Data Protection for Public Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on FPA's proprietary data protection under P.D. 1144, upholding administrative power for public interest.
Upholding Electoral Integrity: Failure of Elections and Hold-Over Principles in Barangay Governance
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on failure of elections, void proclamations, and hold-over principles under RA 9164 in barangay governance.
Motion to Dismiss Denied: Why Courts Must Adhere to Procedural Rules in Philippine Litigation
Learn why the Supreme Court strictly enforces the 15-day appeal period under Rule 41, and what happens when a motion for extension is filed.
Laches Is Not a Shield for Fraud: Protecting Your Land Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: laches cannot defeat claims over void or forged land deeds. Know your rights.
Missed Your Appeal Deadline? The Supreme Court’s Firm Stance on Appeal Periods
The Supreme Court explains why filing a motion for extension of time to appeal is not allowed and why missing the 15-day period is fatal.