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.
Gross Discourtesy in the Judiciary: The Clerk of Court Case and Its Lessons
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's discourtesy shows the high standards of conduct expected of all judicial personnel.
Garnishment and Legal Compensation in Banking: The BPI v. Central Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on bank liability, garnishment, and clearing house operations in BPI v. Central Bank.
When Following Orders Is Not Gross Neglect: A Lawyer’s Guide to Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer following superior directives in implementing Ombudsman orders is not guilty of gross neglect of duty.
Republic v. Heirs of Bernabe: Who May Sue for Reversion of Former Military Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Republic, not the BCDA, is the real party in interest in reversion cases involving former military reservations.
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.
Understanding Rape Convictions: Res Gestae and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts convict in rape cases when the victim cannot testify, using res gestae and circumstantial evidence.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Landmark Ruling on Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term contracts are invalid and workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure.
Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Rule in the Philippines
Understand the mandatory third doctor rule in Philippine seafarer disability claims and why company physician assessments prevail when the rule is ignored.
Understanding Regular Employment: How Continuous Rehiring Affects Worker Status
The Supreme Court clarifies when continuous project rehiring makes a worker regular, not project, employee under Philippine labor law.
Mortgage Sales and Interest Claims: Lessons from DBP v. Heirs of Danico
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of mortgaged property become liable for interest and how mortgage obligations are enforced.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance Matters in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, reaffirming the strict chain of custody rule.
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.
Navigating Employee Benefits and Disallowance: Understanding the Scope and Limits of Government Health Program
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of government health benefits for GOCC employees, explaining when disallowances apply and who bears liability.
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.
Consent in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: The Bangayan Ruling Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court's Bangayan ruling clarifies when consent matters for victims aged 12 to 17 under RA 7610.
Labor Contracting in the Philippines: When a Contractor's Registration Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies when a registered contractor is actually a labor-only contractor, making the principal the true employer.
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.
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.
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.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: Key Property Dispute Lessons
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes unlawful detainer from accion publiciana, and why forum shopping can void administrative rulings.